The College | Arts & Sciences

Junior Jumpstart

When is Junior Jumpstart?
May 8, 2008

Please note: Registration for Junior Jumpstart 2008 is now closed.  You may register as a walk-in on the day of by coming to Lab Sciences at 9am.  Please contact toliver-diallo@wustl.edu if you have any questions.

What is Junior Jumpstart?
Junior Jumpstart is a one-day, conference-style event designed just for juniors. The event, which happens after spring semester finals, is designed to aid your pursuit of post- graduate opportunities. Not only will you ponder your future in thought-provoking sessions, but session facilitators will offer advice on how to sketch out your next move. Junior Jumpstart is sponsored by the College of Arts & Sciences and The Career Center.

Why Should I Attend?

• Get an early start on planning your future.
• Mix and match sessions to attend those which interest you the most, whether that means law school and job search sessions, graduate school and law school, or any other combination. Gain insight and advice specific to your future interests, including graduate school, health professions, law school and a full-time job.
• Meet the deans and advisors who can work closely with you to create a personalized strategy for your post-college plans.
• Hear from seniors and recent graduates to learn what really works and what mistakes you should avoid making.
• Head into the summer with confidence and a plan to manage your senior year.
• Begin and/or refine your personal statement.

How Do I Sign Up?
Register for Junior Jumpstart by the following dates:
Early Registration (before March 31) $40*
Regular Registration (April 1 - April 30) $60*
Walk-in/Late Registration (May 1 - May 8) $80**

Fee includes breakfast and lunch on May 8 and on-campus housing through Friday, May 9 at 5 p.m.

*Fees are nonrefundable after close of regular registration. Registration fees can be added to your Spring 2008 tuition bill.
**Students who wish to sign up after April 30 must register on-site on May 8 in Lab Sciences beginning at 8:30 a.m.

The Tracks
Junior Jumpstart is a great event because it allows you to attend the sessions that interest you the most. You can mix and match sessions so that you have the information you need to plan for senior year and beyond.

Graduate School Track
If your future plans include graduate school (either a Ph.D. or a Master's program), this track will give you the chance to:

• Learn more about the nature of graduate school and academic research
• Talk with admissions officers and current students about specific professional degree programs: MBA, MSW, MFA, MPP, MHA
• Distinguish between good and bad reasons to attend graduate school
• Identify some of the many career options for which graduate school will prepare you
• Benefit from special sessions on strategies for applying (including letters of recommendation, personal statements, GREs and application timelines)
• Learn more about how to fund graduate school
• Receive information about nationally competitive scholarships like Rhodes, Marshall, Gates, Fulbright, National Science Foundation and Javits
• Speak with advisors individually about your questions and concerns
• Discover other useful sources of information about graduate school

Job Search Track
On average, it takes most people three to six months to find a full-time job or complete the application process for a transitional program. Job Search sessions will give you the opportunity to:

• Meet your Career Advisor, who will help support you throughout your job search.
• Get the "inside scoop" on working in Consulting, Advertising/Public Relations, Banking/Finance, Nonprofit, Government/Political, Teaching in the U.S. and Abroad, Publishing, Engineering, or Film and Media.
• Get started on completing Senior Prep Series (SPS), which is required for students who wish to interview on campus and participate in resume referrals for full-time jobs. This session will fulfill the first requirement of SPS.
• Identify possibilities for the year or two after college, whether you are thinking about graduate school or are not sure you want to jump right into a full-time job.

Law School Track
Applications to law school have increased sharply over the past few years. It is now more important than ever to make your applications as complete and persuasive as possible and to file them early in the cycle. By attending Junior Jumpstart, you will have the opportunity to:

• Decide whether law school is the right choice for you
• Explore the issue of whether to take time to work or pursue a fellowship between college and law school
• Learn the steps and timetable you need to take for applying to law school
• Hear from admissions representatives about what they look for in an applicant.

Health Professional School Track
Junior Jumpstart is essential for pre-health students. Sessions allow you to:

• Talk to professionals in a range of health care fields. This session is particularly useful if you know you will have a career in some aspect of health care, but are still evaluating your specific focus.
• Ask an AMCAS representative specific questions regarding the online application
• Hear first-hand from medical school admissions representatives about what they look for in a candidate
• Participate in mock interviews

For more information about Junior Jumpstart, please contact Stephanie Vossen (svossen@wustl.edu) or Wilmetta Toliver-Diallo (toliver-diallo@wustl.edu).