Graduate school representatives attending the Graduate School Fair, as well as students enrolled in the grad school programs at Binghamton University, are full of insight and advice for those applying.

“We see a large population of students from BU interested in Adelphi each year,” said Jason Fuller, assistant director for admissions and graduate recruiter for Adelphi University. “Students we see are often ones who went away for [undergraduate degrees] and are looking at grad schools closer to home.”

Fuller will be representing AU at the Fair, where he is recruiting for all of their graduate programs, which include psychology, business, education, nursing and social work.

“We like students who know a little about the school and the programs offered,” he said. “When you go for undergrad you have time to test things out, but when it comes to grad school the majority of students already have a direction and know what field they want to go into.”

Fuller also advises potential applicants to gain life experience in their potential career fields.

“We like strong academics and students involved in their field,” he said. “If you are interested in education, we like to see that you have experience with children.”

Allison Competiello, a senior computer engineering major, has already started her graduate school courses in the field of electrical engineering at BU.

“I filled out an application for graduate school toward the end of last year,” she said. “I was admitted and they’ve already changed my student status on DARS to say that I am a graduate student.”

Although Competiello is listed as a graduate student, she is still receiving her undergraduate degree in May 2010, but will be returning to BU for another year to complete her graduate degree.

“There is still a familiarity having my friends here,” she said. “I am enrolled in classes that are offered for both undergrad and grads where they have the same work, but additional assignments are given to the graduate students. After next semester when my friends graduate it will feel very different.”

Andrew May, a senior financial economics major, also started his graduate school courses before he officially received his undergraduate degree.

“I took the GMATs over the summer and I sent my application to Binghamton graduate school and heard back from them in two weeks,” he said. “I had to do an application online and sent in my resume as well as a personal statement.”

May is part of the ‘3-2 Harpur Fast-Track MBA program’ where he completes his undergraduate career in three years, and his graduate program in two. He is currently going for his MBA with a concentration in finance.

“I save a year, and I get to stay here,” he said. “I didn’t have to graduate early, but I complete six years of schooling in only five.”

May advises any students interested in this track to consider it during freshman or sophomore year, while there is still time to complete the necessary requirements.

“This is an opportunity I wouldn’t have had,” he said. “I increase my managerial and networking skills while making myself more marketable in the industry.”