On August 27, 2014, Dr. J. Alan Kendrick from Duke University Graduate School spoke to a group of Honors College students about navigating the process of applying to graduate school. Dr. Kendrick discussed the importance of the personal statement as well as what admissions committees look for in student applications. The students had the chance to play “Admissions Committee” by comparing two hypothetical student applications and choosing who to admit.

Dr. Kendrick’s program “Dressing (Your Graduate School Application) For Success: Tips on Applying to Graduate School and Navigating the Process” answered many of the students questions about applying to graduate schools in general. Among his key suggestions were the following: research the program you are applying to, secure three strong letters of recommendation and be aware of the “story” your transcript tells. Junior biology major DeAsia Lewis said, “I’m glad to know I’m on track and doing the right things” after she took some time to chat with Dr. Kendrick one-on-one after the program.

Dr. Kendrick has been with Duke University’s Graduate School for more than five years but was happy to return to Saint Augustine’s University where he taught from 2003 to 2007.

“We look forward to hosting more programs aimed at preparing our students for graduate school,” said Valerie Evans, director of the Honors Program.