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It happens pretty frequently. A student who you've had in class once or twice emails or stops by your office to ask for a recommendation letter for graduate school. "I've done research with Dr. So-and-so and have done an internship with Dr. Other but I need three recommendation letters for grad school. Can you help me out?" Finding that third letter is often really hard for students. Like most instructors you'll likely feel torn by the desire to help but the knowledge that that a recommendation letter that is simply positive without offering details or information beyond that found in the transcript is not helpful to graduate applications. So what do you do? Should you agree to write the third (likely weak) recommendation letter? As a student, should you request it?

Asked to Write a Students' Third Letter of Recommendation? originally appeared on About.com Graduate School on Monday, February 6th, 2012 at 12:24:14.

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Graduate admissions committees have a tough job. They must split hairs - draw distinctions among many high caliber applicants. As you scramble to complete your applications, keep in mind the admission committee's job and you might be more likely to make it through the early rounds of the application to the interview stage (or to acceptance in programs that do not interview). How do admissions committees evaluate applications?

Stand Out originally appeared on About.com Graduate School on Saturday, February 4th, 2012 at 06:08:23.

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Are you considering a master's or doctoral degree in History? The decision to pursue graduate study is complex one that is part emotional and part rational. The emotional side of the equation is powerful. The pride of becoming the first in your family to earn a graduate degree, being called "Doctor," and living a life of the mind are all tempting rewards. However the decision of whether to apply to graduate programs in History also entails pragmatic considerations, including funding and career options.  In a difficult economic climate, the question becomes even more perplexing.

Thinking About Pursuing a Graduate Degree in History? originally appeared on About.com Graduate School on Monday, January 30th, 2012 at 14:52:42.

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You've compiled the application - essays, forms, and so on. How do you submit this material? Might a picture aid your application? Not likely. Learn more on how to present your application.

Is It OK to Include a Photo With My Application? originally appeared on About.com Graduate School on Sunday, January 29th, 2012 at 05:10:35.

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You did it all right: developed relationships with faculty, choose carefully, asked skillfully, and waited. What do you do when the graduate admissions office does not receive your letter of recommendation?

When Letters of Recommendation Don't Arrive originally appeared on About.com Graduate School on Friday, January 27th, 2012 at 10:29:21.

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GradPSYCH, the American Psychological Association magazine for graduate students, offers answers to seven stipend, fellowship and internship income questions.

Also see: Types of Financial Aid for Graduate Students

Ready for Taxes? originally appeared on About.com Graduate School on Tuesday, January 24th, 2012 at 15:50:21.

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Interviewing for grad school?  Without a doubt you need to wow faculty.  Did you know that the grad students you meet are also evaluating you? Be forewarned as on interview day you're always under the gun.

Don't Forget the Grad Students on Your Admissions Interview originally appeared on About.com Graduate School on Saturday, January 21st, 2012 at 14:57:43.

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It's the start of a new semester. Maybe you began last week. Or this week. Or, like me, next week. Regardless, a new semester is exciting. One of the things I love about academia is that there are frequent beginnings. Each semester's end brings closure to a few months of interactions and activities. Each semester begins with a blank slate. In addition to a new set of students, instructors may also freshen up courses with new assignments, readings, and styles. Your first step in beginning your new semester is to prepare your syllabus, if you have not already done so.  Planning your semester can ease anxieties and lend a sense of purpose. The best instructors, however, carefully plan each class. Good teaching requires that you consider your message and how to convey it in ways that your audience can grasp. Sounds simple. It's not.  As described in this brief article, a good lecture entails planning and making careful choices about content and pedagogy.

Best Practices for Instructors: Carefully Plan Each Class originally appeared on About.com Graduate School on Saturday, January 14th, 2012 at 10:59:10.

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You chose your college major - and love what you have learned. But what if you want to start on a new path, perhaps attend graduate school in a different field. Can you? Are your graduate school options limited by your college major?

Can You Start on a New Path? originally appeared on About.com Graduate School on Tuesday, January 10th, 2012 at 05:53:21.

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It's often said that most people fear public speaking more than death. While I doubt that, it's pretty clear that speaking in front of people provokes anxiety in a lot of people. This year, work to conquer your anxiety over public speaking. Also consider these concrete tips on how to improve your skills

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Resolution: Get Comfortable with Public Speaking originally appeared on About.com Graduate School on Friday, January 6th, 2012 at 06:50:22.

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