Graduate

GRADUATE SCHOOL - ADVANCED DEGREE

Hi! My name is Darby (Fleming) Hawley, a 2007 graduate of R-MC. I am now completing my last year in graduate school at the University of Houston, and will be receiving my Ph.D. in May of 2012 in Development and Cognitive Neuroscience. One of the first courses I took at R-MC was entitled "The Stress of Life." I got involved in Dr. Kelly Lambert's research and she helped me to determine my research interests. The undergraduate research experience in the behavioral neuroscience lab was the match that lit my passion for research. Through coursework and research, I strengthened my enthusiam and developed a thorough appreciation for the remarkable complexity of the human brain.

With her encouragement, Dr. Lambert guided me on the path towards a graduate program. I also spent a lot of time in the Career Center working with Cathy Rollman who helped me to develop my curriculum vitae, prepare for my GRE, and complete my graduate school applications.

The best advice I could give you if you're considering graduate or professional school, would be to not limit yourself geographically or financially and also don't be afraid to investigate programs outside of your comfort zone. For me adjusting to living away from my hometown was a challenge, but I have learned so much more about myself, in addition to all my graduate work.

A REAL plus is that you will still have the encouragement from R-MC as well as their continued support while you are in graduate school!

Darby

The Randolph-Macon Edge - Graduate School

• Explore the Graduate School Information web site to learn more about how best to prepare for various graduate programs and timelines.
  
• Begin your graduate school search with research on various degrees, programs and schools.
  
• Check out Kaplan and Peterson's to learn about different schools and their admissions processes.
  
• Make an appointment with a Career counselor to discuss your graduate school options.
  
• Once you determine where you'd like to apply, determine the admissions requirements for each program.
  
• Every program will require that you take an admissions exam. Ask your Career counselor about Kaplan's free testing at R-MC during fall semester.
  
• Don't miss out on all of the resources the Career office has to offer and the many ways they can help you as you explore graduate school programs and the career possibilities that come with an advanced degree.