Further exacerbating this situation is a shortage of minority faculty role models who can provide a mentoring and support system for like graduate students. A lack of diverse faculty in a department can create a signal of an unwelcoming environment for women and minorities. This may curtail the number of minority students who actually apply to graduate school, and may also contribute to the small percentage who actually complete their degree once they have enrolled. The cycle continues, the next generation of female and minority students will face the similar issues.

During an orientation for admitted students visiting a department at Wisconsin, a black student quipped, “Whew; I’m sure glad there are other white people here. I wasn’t sure when I applied!” Everyone laughed, but his comment proves worthy of mention. Given the current demographics in higher education, there is no guarantee that you(as a female, foreign, or minority student) will meet other students or faculty of color in the graduate department you choose.

The demographics of specific departments can vary greatly. Some may feature far fewer minority students to provide a sense of community of cultural, social, emotional and professional support. If this type of support is critical for your emotional well-being, be sure that to select a department with a critical mass of minority students. For example, if a department admits two minority students each year, and the average time spent in graduate school is six years, there may possibly be 10-12 minority students in the department at any given time with whom you can interact.

A campus visit can actually be quite helpful in reducing the stress about the unknown elements of graduate school. For example, some departments have a collegial working environment, while others are more competitive. Some allow collaboration across; other disciplines others do not. During your visit to the campus, it is not out of line to ask about the number of women and minority students in the department or what level and type of funding is available for minority students. If these types of issues are important to you, it is critical that you complete appropriate due diligence prior to applying.

Many women and minority graduate students are determined to find an advisor who is their same race and/or gender. My advice is to not waste your time trying! Due to the current lack of diversity among academic faculty, the chances of finding one are slim.

Because there are so few of them in academia, female and minority advisors tend to be overwhelmed and overburdened by the extra mentoring responsibilities they are asked to perform … and this is particularly true of minority women! Their workloads can become even more extreme because of additional campus committee duties they may be asked to fulfill because of their race, ethnicity, or gender. For example, the chair of the department may ask them to help diversify a variety of committees on campus. And, while some female and minority faculty might feel a sense of responsibility to mentor minority graduate students, others simply do not. They should still, however, be viewed as key allies; regard these faculty members as reserve mentors rather than as advisors.

Furthermore, keep in mind that race, ethnicity, and gender are simply not the best criterion for selecting an advisor. I chose my advisor because he had a reputation of being culturally sensitive to foreign students and, more importantly, for helping his students complete the program quickly.

Success in graduate school often depends on a successful mentoring relationship between you and your advisor. As such, finding a faculty member with similar research interest is critical to finishing your degree, and far more important than finding a faculty member who matches your gender and/or race.

About the Author: As a single mother, professor Wendy Y. Carter, Ph.D., completed three masters’ degrees and a PhD. Her motto is a Good Thesis/Dissertation is a Done Thesis/Dissertation. She is the creator of a new innovative interactive resource tool on CD—TADA! Thesis and Accomplished. To learn more contact the author at drcarter@tadafinallyfinished.com. Or visit http://www.tadafinallyfinished.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Wendy_Carter

Drafting should be the least time-consuming and yet the most important step in the composing of a research paper. The draft need not be of polished language and could be composed using shorthand writing methods or other rough measures.

It is meant to make the task at hand easier and straightforward for the composer and need not be a part of the original finished output. Indeed, a draft is only intended to drive home the focal point of the paper to the writer himself, thus making the job substantially easier.

While finalizing the first draft, two common problems are generally faced…

1. You suffer from absolute clueless ness about the topic in hand (showing that you are dealing with something out of your league for the moment and much hard work is needed) or.

2. Most commonly you take too long to revise and rework your draft…

The solution to the second problem lies in your perspective: the draft is just to help you get your focus right and doesn’t need to be an impressive piece of work in itself,

3. A major problem that most students face while composing their draft is procrastination (the tendency to put things off for a later period). Students afraid of the slowness and imperfection of their draft usually fall prey to this tendency and depend on pressure to become their biggest motivator.

You may read all the points in detail at: How to Write a Research Paper

As a result students hand in their first-draft as final papers without revision leading to inferior output. Try the following:

a)Try pretending its your final exam…follow your outline and set a timer, make sure a friend or relative watches over so that you do not cheat the watch.

b) Setting small, time bound goals which ensure that you get this part of work done in this amount of time: automatically the pressure factor sets in.

c)Imagining that you are required to present a speech on the topic at hand and need to finalize the main points in 10 minutes…

It ultimately boils down to the creation of pressure that makes one motivated to get their drafts ready on time.

More Articles on: Ostacles in writing a Research Paper

Joe, a reporter, has been travelling around the world for more than a decade now and has extensive experience in many fields. Now he has a blog along with other article writers. To know more about him, do visit: Random Rants

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joe_Robertson

To obtain your PhD you must select your field and take advanced courses in your area of study. Typically you take smaller seminars, study independently with a distance learning or online program. The courses typically take three (3) to four (4) semesters of full time study.

Now the fun begins..After your coursework is completed, the doctoral student must pass a written or oral qualifying exam. This provides evidence that the candidate has sufficient expertise in the subject matter to proceed with his/her independent research.

How does the the qualifying exam work?

Usually the qualifying exam is given by a committee. For most PhD Universities this consists of three to five professors in the candidate’s program who have agreed to guide the doctoral students research. The PhD candidate starts his/her original research and writes a book size thesis or dissertation on the research. When this is complete, the candidate must oraly defend the positions stated in the research before the committee. After the candidate has ben the oral exam with the given PhD University, the title of “doctor” will have been earned.

How do I select the PhD University right for me?

Finding a good fit for you will take research in its own right. Many times the PhD University you select will depend on what field you are studying as many Universities specialize in different areas such as Business, Economics, Psychology, Medicine etc..

The other factor you may want to consider is if distance learning or online learning is a good fit for you and your PhD Degree pursuit. This isn’t for everyone.

Simply sit down, open up your web browser and make a list of your top 5-10 PhD Universities that are a good fit in your area of study. Start by marking down the pro’s and con’s and consider things such as relocation, prestige, financial impacts etc..

Don’t take this decision lightly as you will be spending up to six (6) years in achieving the credential of “doctor”. You may want to call some of the professors at each institution to get a good sense of each program and so you can further weigh the pluses and minuses.

The pursuit of the doctoral degree is not for the light hearted but well worth the effort. Take your time in selecting the right PhD University and set yourself up for success. Best of luck on your journey.

Matt D Murren owns and operates http://www.phd-universities-advisor.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Matt_Murren

You took the course, you’ve studied well and there’s a multitude of available content at the tip of your fingers, so just stop stressing. Unplug the coffee pot for starters, you’ve overloaded on caffeine and you’ll be twitching twelve years after you die, so stop drinking the cappuccino! IF you must have something to drink, get a nice glass of icy cold milk or fruit juice and sip it through a straw. (Peanuts or carrots help too.)

Take a quick break away from the desk and work off some of that nasty brown fluid you’ve sucked down and come back refreshed in ten minutes. Take a brisk walk and come straight back here.

1. Write down your thesis and a few directives about what you intend to prove in your term paper.

2. Use your favorite search engine to locate at least five sources and open them on your computer screen. (Print them if possible.)

3. Glance over your five resources and write down five specific points you want to cover in your paper.

4. Copy out references for each of your five points from the resources and add in several content sentences to structure y our segments.

5. Fill in the spaces using each of your sentences as topical statements for a paragraph. You should have roughly five pages of content.

Put an intro in front and a conclusion on the back, add your title page and resource biography and my friend you are DONE. Tag your citations and edit for clarity, grammar, spelling and punctuation. Be sure your name is on that puppy, you don’t want to lose the credit because you didn’t claim it.

Many adults are going back to school for more education. Visit http://mom4biz.com for more information about education as an adult. You have many options, don’t let life changes stop you from living your life to the fullest.

© 2009 – http://janverhoeff.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jan_Verhoeff

However, the technique used in the presentation of the paper may make it fall under two broad categories: 1. Analytical, 2. Argumentative, in fact the strategy used by the writer to compose his paper will eventually determine the aim and purpose of the paper.

A detailed discussion of these two methods will clarify the concepts presented above:

1. Analytical Papers

In an analytical research paper, the aim is to attain a thorough expertise of the concept that is being presented so that it can be broken down and represented from the writers’ point of view.

In this form of the research paper, an individual approaches the research question without any pre-conceived notions and ideas about the subject at hand. Thereafter a careful survey of the opinions and views is undertaken. Ultimately when familiarity with the topic is achieved; a person is able to restructure and relocate the concepts that underlie the basic topic in his paper; the very essence of an analytical paper; critical contemplation and evaluation of the question at hand is necessary for an analytical paper.

2. Argumentative Papers

This type of a paper may also be termed a persuasive paper. Aside from critical thinking which is essential for the production of a quality paper, another familiar concept that dominates academic circles is the concept of an argument.

You may wish to read more at: Writing a Thesis

The basic difference from the former kind that qualifies the persuasive kind is that the paper takes a conscious stance and argues in favor of one of the arguments with cogent facts and points presented in its favor. The aim is to mould the reader’s mind in favor of one possible answer to the research question backed by reliable data and arguments.

To conclude; both approaches require logical thinking and smart evaluation alongside comprehensive research of the available sources. However the difference is created through the process of writing, analytical papers provide a more balanced approach where all views pertaining to the question are presented whereas argumentative papers debate in favor of one logical solution above the others.

More Answers available at: Are you Stuck writing a Research Paper?

Joe, a reporter, has been travelling around the world for more than a decade now and has extensive experience in many fields. Now he has a blog along with other article writers. To know more about him, do visit: Random Rants

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joe_Robertson

Professional freelance editors are great for any graduate student or Ph.D. candidate looking to improve a thesis, dissertation, or journal manuscript. Using a professional editing service can help you get better feedback from your adviser as you move through the stages of writing your dissertation, and can also help you craft your full dissertation into publishable articles. Even in cases where the ideas within a dissertation are innovative, important additions to the literature, a poorly written document could diminish the value of the document.

A professional editor can make sure your essay, research paper, thesis, or dissertation is easily understandable and free of errors. When choosing an experienced editor, it is important to choose someone who has familiarity with your topic, is responsive to your needs, and can provide quality editing. It is important to ask your editor to focus on what is important to you, such as focusing on APA style, ensuring an error-free document, or improving the flow of the document. An editor with an academic background is an added benefit since that individual is familiar with the general process of writing a dissertation.

For more information on the cost of professional editing services for your paper, thesis, dissertation, resume, cover letter, vita, statement of purpose, or other important document, visit Editor World LLC at http://www.editorworld.com and choose one of our expert editors based on his or her qualifications and skills. Our editors have a variety of academic backgrounds and editing skills. Submit a free sample request to help you select your editor.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Samuel_Josephs

However, the vast majority of doctoral students will never achieve their dream with a reported 50-70% of students dropping out at some point or other. No one wants to become a part of that statistic, and some recommendations to keep you upbeat ahead of your course or on track if you’ve already started to climb the mountain!

Students can complain and moan to professors about which is the best specialization, or feel disgruntled about their grade in a class, but most students fail to realize they’ll have to move a mountain (the dissertation), equipped with only a small shovel per se. What I’m getting at here is “start digging as soon as you can”.

Pre-dissertation coursework and peripheral studies are mere undulating hills compared with what’s to come.

Points to seriously consider are:

1. Complete coursework assignments quickly.
2. Quickly choose a specialization.
3. Start your dissertation as soon as humanly possible – it’s where most students hit the brick wall.

Perhaps even keep it in mind right from Day One of the course if possible.

Many Master’s programs do not require a thesis so doctoral students often don’t know what’s coming! MBA’s and such like that do require a thesis offer a little practice (a little) for those students who want to progress to PhD level.

Some universities request prospective students to write a brief essay on their research intentions. There are two reasons for this:

1. The university wants the applicant to start thinking about the PhD dissertation from the outset
2. The university wants to check whether it can supervise the research intentions or not.

Final tips:

Go with a university that offers heavy emphasis on refining doctoral dissertation ideas from year one, and where the university encourages students to continue reflecting and refining research topics even while working on specialist modules. So, to answer the question in the title, very important! Good luck and good planning! Onwards!

Ashley Bowkett has been recruiting quality graduates and working professionals alike for more than 5 years into the television industry. He firmly believes candidate prospects increase greatly through career-long continuing education and personal development.

For reliable information on degree level education visit his website at http://www.useful-online-degree-info.com/index.html is a feast of useful online degree information and products designed to help you better your career as soon as possible. If you are an author, you can even easily submit your articles to his site as well.

When Ashley isn’t writing articles and setting up joint ventures, he is a chief development director of a television network responsible for offices in New York and Beijing.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ashley_Bowkett

2. It can be very frustrating for an academic adviser to give feedback on the content of your research paper, thesis, or dissertation if he or she is spending a lot of time correcting the clarity, grammar, and spelling of your document. You should give your adviser well-written chapters and sections of your paper, thesis, or dissertation so he or she can focus on your work rather than spend time trying to figure out what you are trying to say.

3. A professional editor can make sure your paper is understandable and free of errors. You can ask the professional editor you hire to focus on what is important to you.

4. Your academic adviser will think more highly of your written work if it is, at a minimum, well-written. He or she does not want to spend hours deciphering the meaning of a paper and correcting minor mistakes. Using an editing service will make your work easier to read.

5. Don’t forget to thank your academic adviser for the time he or she spends helping you! You will need him or her to inform you of new jobs opening in your field, write recommendation letters, and work with you to submit journal articles from your thesis or dissertation. This makes your relationship with your academic adviser crucial for your career. People with poor relationships with their academic adviser are less likely to receive a good recommendation and to obtain their desired academic job.

For more information on academic editing services and to choose a professional editor of your choice to edit your research paper, thesis, or dissertation, visit http://www.EditorWorld.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Samuel_Josephs

1. Determination.
During the first meeting with my thesis supervisor, I have been bombarded with all types of confusing question which I do not how to answer it at all. Some of the examples are such as ‘what theory do you use to support your framework?, what is your theoretical contribution?.’ For a research newbie like me, that question makes me think hundreds time whether I can complete my PhD within the time frame given, or not?. So, if you are currently faced with his dilemma, sit down and think positive. Imagine the sweetness of wearing mortar board during your convocation. Then, put your 200 percent effort to complete your PhD on time.

2. Socialization.
Some may say that doing PhD is a lonely journey, but not for me. I have add my networking with friends all over the world during my PhD study. Besides, I have even discussed about my PhD research with them. By doing that, I can get feedback from them. These feedback had opened up my mind about my PhD research. When we do our PhD, we do not realize about the loophole in our research. So, these networking will be able to detect loopholes in the research. That is the real power of socialization.

3. Work Smart.
You may spend a month or more, searching for those key articles. But then, you may consider of several shortcuts in order to get this key article. For example, instead of searching the key article from search engines, search for the author email address from the search engine. Then, send email directly to the author to request all relevant articles from him/her. Simple and fast, right?

4. Discipline.
Create a study plan to help you accomplish your PhD on time. Once you already have the study plan, strictly follow it. The study plan act as a promise that you make to yourself. So, if you set one year to complete your proposal defense, then make sure you complete your proposal defense exactly in one year.

5. Relax and Have Fun.
If you are stuck, do not have any idea to write your thesis, then that is the right time for you to relax. Do not force yourself. Go out from your study room. For example, take some fresh air by walking at the seashore to release stress. After that, you will definitely get lots of ideas to write for your PhD thesis. Remember, do not feel guilty to relax and have fun during your PhD.

So, having said all that, determination, socialization, work smart, discipline and relax will guarantee you to complete your PhD on time. Good Luck!!!

Dr. Amily Fikry is an expert in the field of consumer behavior, child psychology, mobile telecommunication and consumer technology behavior. For more articles and resources on health, self-improvement and much more visit her at http://amilyfikry.blogspot.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dr._Amily_Fikry

Professional freelance editors provide a great service for anyone looking to improve an academic paper, whether it is an essay, research paper, thesis, or dissertation. Using a professional editing service can help you get a better grade or better feedback from your adviser or teacher. If you are submitting your nonfiction work for publication, such as in a book, journal, or even online, the reviewer or editor will view your work more positively if it is well-written and error-free. Even if the ideas behind a written paper are innovative and important, a poorly written document prevents the reader from seeing the value of the paper.

A professional editor can make sure your essay, research paper, thesis, or dissertation is more understandable and free of errors. You can ask your freelance editor to focus on what is important to you, your adviser, or your teacher, whether it’s making an argument, focusing on APA style, or being clear and concise.

For more information on academic editing services and to choose a professional editor of your choice to edit your research paper, thesis, or dissertation, visit http://www.EditorWorld.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Samuel_Josephs