Road Map for Graduate Study: A Guide for Prospective Graduate Students (Second Edition), by Dr. Donald C. Martin, is the first and only comprehensive book about graduate school. It is written by a career insider who seeks to educate and enlighten individuals not only about the research and application process, but also about how to succeed in graduate school.
Road Map features 7 personal questions to ask about your motivation to earn a graduate degree, a 12-month checklist before applying, 7 ways to get recognized as an applicant, 7 deadly sins for applicants, how to respond if wait listed, denied or admitted, how to make the final enrollment decision, and 15 essential pointers on thriving in grad school.
Road Map is: 1) perfect for college students and recent graduates; 2) invaluable for older students considering a graduate degree; 3) a great resource for career and educational advisors in counseling their students; 4) a must for parents and other "influencers" involved in the graduate school selection process.
This book will educate readers on determining where to apply and enroll. Dr. Martin says, "Many graduate students find they made the wrong institutional choice, earned a degree they are not using, and/or put themselves in debt because they did not perform their due diligence."
In short, Road Mapis the first, succinct and complete guide - the GPSif you will - for anyone wishing to pursue a graduate degree. Now in it's second printing, there is even more useful information, including online graduate programs.
With two earned graduate degrees and nearly 30 years of hands-on experience in graduate enrollment and student services, Dr. Donald C. Martin has counseled, encouraged, and inspired thousands of graduate students. His work has taken him to over 60 countries, and his employers have included Columbia University, The University of Chicago, Northwestern University and Wheaton College (IL).
About the Author :
Dr. Don Martin wpent 28 years in graduate enrollment and student services Was Dean of Admissions/Financial Aid and Dean of Students at Columbia University (Teachers College), The University of Chicago (Booth School of Business), Northwestern University (Medill School of Journalism), and Wheaton College (IL). He holds a master's degree from Wheaton College (1983) and a Ph.D. from Northwestern University (1995).
Dr. Don is a regular contributor and coaching partner with GradSchools.com and a monthly contributor for CollegeXPress. He is a former weekly columnist, US News & World Report Magazine, and for several years had a weekly post on the GRE Facebook page, entitled "The Dr. Don Martin Series." He was a contributor for SPAN magazine in India - http: //span.state.gov. Dr. Don has made graduate school presentations on over 50 college/university campuses in North America, Europe and Asia and speaks at educational and graduate school conferences, fairs and workshops across the US. He coaches graduate school applicants worldwide (99% acceptance rate).
Review :
"Finally, a book that offers a comprehensive process for researching schools and a self evaluation of the interaction between a school and candidate. All candidates, international and domestic, could use the advice offered here."--Peter von Loesecke Managing Director and CEO The MBA Tour
"Martin creates rapport with the reader by writing in a first person, self-revelatory, illustrative (via examples), and uncomplicated style. Readers may proceed from beginning to end or focus on specific chapters, the FAQs, or any combination thereof. The brevity, format, and readability of this publication make it ideal for disseminating to interested students via libraries or counseling and graduate school offices."--CHOICE Magazine May 2009 Issue
"Road Map is an excellent start-to-finish resource for applying to graduate school. Admissions Guru, Dr. Don Martin, breaks down the application process into easy steps, with useful timelines, to help increase a student's chances of a successful graduate career. Filled with facts tips and other insights, this is a must-have book for anyone considering graduate school. I highly recommend it."--Dr. David G. Payne Vice President and COO Higher Education Division Educational Testing Service
"Road Map is the ultimate bible for anyone who is interested in pursuing and advanced degree. Dr. Don presents his book in an easy question and answer format that covers every aspect of the student experience. I read four books a week before my radio show, and Road Map is my premier choice on this subject. Dr. Don knows what he is talking about and he wants to help you make informed decisions. I heartily endorse this as a 'must buy.'"--Cynthia Brian TV/Radio Personality Be The Star You Are
"Road Map meets a definite need among today's students for relevant actionable advice. Graduate School is a wonderful opportunity, but too frequently, students are faced with confusing and conflicting information and a lack of clarity on how to choose the right program or even how to think about graduate school. Don Martin has the answers from his extensive experience in graduate admissions, but more than that, he has the appreciation for what students face and a real concern for helping them achieve their dreams. I would recommend this guide to any student considering an investment in graduate education as I believe he or she will be more likely to make the most of that education with the guidance Road Map offers."--Kim Lessig Former Director, StudyAbroad.com and UniversitiesAbroad.com Education Dynamics, Parent Company of GradSchools.com
"The decision to pursue graduate studies begins a journey that is most likely daunting, and more certainly life-changing. The graduate school environment has a way of reducing even the most self-confident to moments of genuine self-doubt. Don Martin throws a lifeline to the potential applicant and with a sensible timeline, leads her/him step by step through the application process, acceptance (or denial), and beyond. His calm, sympathetic approach is the next best thing to having your own personal counselor guiding the way through the maze. From his long-time vantage point on the other side of the desk, Don explains the seemingly arbitrary, prioritizes the minutiae, gives insight in to the minds of decision-makers, and anticipates potential minefields. . .The talent, skill and experience that made Don stand out as one of the most valued members of my team shine through on every page of this book. Not only a terrific guide to increase your probability of success - of getting in and getting through - but as importantly, to help you decide if graduate school is a good fit for your future."--Dr. Robert S. Hamada Former Dean and Edward Eagle Distinguished Service Professor of Finance University of Chicago Graduate School of Business
"This book is a treasure, an indispensible resource for anyone thinking about graduate school. It is a short and very enjoyable read. I was astounded by how well and completely this volume by one of the nation's most talented graduate admissions and student affairs officers identifies and addresses the uncertainties and confusions most people contemplating graduate school feel. The tone is empathetic. The recommendations are compelling. The reader can't help but make more intelligent and confident decisions about graduate school."--Dr. Arthur Levine President, Woodrow Wilson National Fellowship Foundation Former President, Teachers College, Columbia University
