2018 Midwest Summit aims to engage, network prospective graduate students and national school recruiters

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Thinking about getting a master’s or a doctoral degree? Come to the 2018 Midwest Graduate School Summit on Oct. 27 in Stewart Center. 

More than 60 graduate programs from more than 17 states around the country will be represented at the summit. Knowledgeable representatives from each university will be available to answer questions and offer information about their specific programs. 

“This premier event, especially designed for students interested in business, education, humanities, pharmacy, public affairs, social sciences, and related fields, drew over 500 students representing 15 states last year,” said Lee Gordon, director of graduate admissions. Gordon went on to say students particularly enjoy the summit workshops in addition to all the networking, departmental open houses and reception opportunities. Workshop topics for 2018 include exploring graduate education, funding, the application process and writing techniques that make a graduate application to stand out. The summit also offers students opportunities to socialize with current graduate students, bowl, play billiards and register for guided campus tours. 

“Attending a summit like this is extremely important for students who are planning to pursue advanced education. Even in our connected world, there is no substitute for face-to-face interaction to get your questions answered,” Gordon said. “Advanced education is one of the biggest decisions an individual will make. It is an investment both in terms of time and money.”

Advanced education is an investment that provides a high rate of return. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 7.4 percent of people in the country age 18 and older hold a master’s degree, and 1.5 percent have earned a doctorate. Those with advanced degrees earn about $17,000 more than those with a bachelor’s degree on average, according to the most recent Census reports available.

Travel scholarships are offered up to $500 to students traveling to West Lafayette. This competitive funding allows students to receive reimbursement on their travel expenses. Participants may apply for a travel scholarship when registering for the Midwest Summit via this link here. Students can also find more about the event by visiting the Midwest Summit website. Every student attending the event can apply to the Purdue Graduate School for free. 

Besides Purdue, other institutions that will have representatives at the event include Chicago, Georgetown, Illinois, John Hopkins, Maryland, Michigan, Northwestern, and Notre Dame. 

Purdue students and Purdue alumni may attend the Oct. 27 graduate school fair session from 1-4 p.m. for free with their Purdue ID, or they may participate in all Midwest Summit events - including workshops, meals, and networking receptions - and pay the regular registration fee of $35. On-site registration is possible at the door. Purdue students can find more information about registering at https://www.purdue.edu/gradschool/midwestgradsummit.

Contact: Lee Gordon, 765-494-2600, leegordon@purdue.edu