Look into program and application requirements early on, so you have plenty of time to prepare for exams, gather materials, and secure recommendations before your deadlines. Having knowledge of what would be expected of me as an applicant helped me accomplish everything early on, so I wouldn’t be scrambling the week before the deadline to pull things together. I also need research experience and teaching experience in order to be considered for more competitive programs. In my case, the GRE (Graduate Record Examination) is required for all of my applications, as are recommendation letters and a personal statement. Having a clear goal will help you figure out exactly what program will be the best fit in order for you to achieve that goal as efficiently as possible. For others (like me, as I aspire to be a psychology professor), grad school is completely a necessity. For some, grad school is totally unnecessary for success in their field. Helina Lotyczewski, director of Career Services, led the conversation and gave plenty of tips and tricks for navigating the higher education application process. Students filled the room in which the presentation was held. Last week, I attended a presentation by Career Services entitled, “Get Me Into Grad School.” The presentation lasted about an hour, and had a great turnout. After all, my time here at Utica College will be over in less than a semester and a half, and who knows where I will be at this time next year!
It’s intimidating and exciting all at once to look at and apply to future colleges. Lately, I have been focusing extensively on my grad school search. I definitely recommend that you visit Green Lakes and see for yourself how gorgeous it is! Fall in Central New York is breath-taking, but it goes by quickly, so making a stop at this state park is definitely something you want to do before winter settles in! My favorite picture that I took from our weekend adventure- but this shot does the beauty of the lake no justice. So, for all my Utica College peers that may be feeling burnt out at this point in the semester, take an afternoon trip to Green Lakes! Spend some time walking around, enjoying the sunlight, the beautiful red and orange leaves, and the sparkling lakes. Spending a little time over the weekend relaxing and enjoying nature was exactly what I needed. After the stress of midterms, I needed a getaway, and Green Lakes gave me just that. Overall, it is a great place to reconnect with nature and relax. You can walk the trails as I love to do, or you can take your dog for a walk or go for a run on the paths.
In October, the brilliant colors of the lakes are complimented by the gorgeous leaves changing colors. I have gone to Greek Lakes several time, and while it is beautiful in the summer, the best time to go is in the fall. My boyfriend, Ryan, took this awesome shot at Green Lakes last weekend. Green Lakes gets its name from the unusual color of the water, which appears a brilliant turquoise in some areas, and seafoam green in others due to the way the sunlight reflects on the minerals in the lakes. It’s a state park in Manlius, NY, which is just about an hour’s drive from Utica College. One of my favorite places to go in autumn is Green Lakes.