The Phi Beta Kappa Society invites recently inducted members to attend Ready, Set, Apply: Navigating the Graduate School Application Process on Wednesday, October 14 at 6:00 p.m. Eastern. This workshop, part of our annual Key Connections event series, will help early career professionals learn how to navigate the graduate school application process.
This 90-minute interactive workshop, hosted by Elizabeth Rotolo, is designed to equip individuals with practical tools and insights to navigate the graduate school application process with clarity and confidence. Join us for the opportunity to reflect on your motivations for pursuing an advanced degree, gain practice articulating your future goals to others, and build a clear understanding of the core components of a strong graduate school application, as well as understand common myths and hidden curriculum. Participants will leave with a stronger sense of direction and the confidence to move forward in their application journey.
Attendees should bring a pen and paper as there will be multiple reflective writing activities. There will also be time for Q&A.
Space is limited for this event. We ask that you only sign up if you plan to attend. This helps us ensure that as many interested members as possible are able to take part in the session. This event will not be recorded.
Learning Goals:
- Reflect on motivation for pursuing a graduate degree.
- Increased confidence in articulating future goals to others.
- Understand common graduate school application components.
Attendee Expectations:
- This workshop requires active participation from attendees, including during individual reflection activities and in breakout rooms.
- Attendees should have a pen and paper available for multiple reflective writing exercises.
- This event will not be recorded.
Key Connections:
Throughout September, October, and November, many local Phi Beta Kappa associations will be hosting events, from panel discussions to museum tours to networking opportunities. Be sure to check the Key Connections page on our website to see if there's an event near you.
About your Host:
Elizabeth Rotolo currently serves as the Senior Associate Director of Graduate Programs for Experienced Professionals at Bentley University, where she is the primary recruiter and academic advisor for the Professional MBA, a new graduate program focused on Emerging Technology and Sustainability. Prior to Bentley, Elizabeth spent 11 years at Brandeis University advising students on national and international fellowship applications, helping them identify and pursue opportunities like The Fulbright Program, the Truman Scholarship, and other prestigious awards. She has also held roles at Boston College and the Institute for Educational Advancement, a non-profit serving gifted K-12 students nationwide.
Elizabeth holds a BA in Psychology from Occidental College, where she earned her Phi Beta Kappa distinction in 2008, and an MEd in Student Affairs from UCLA. This arts and sciences foundation, paired with over 15 years of supporting students to find and engage in academic and co-curricular opportunities, shapes how she approaches graduate school admissions: helping students translate a broad, exploratory undergraduate experience into a focused, compelling case for why they are at the right moment in their career trajectory for this specific graduate program.
Alongside her work in higher education, Elizabeth runs an independent career coaching and graduate school application support business, where she helps early career professionals articulate their skills and goals with confidence and clarity. Elizabeth believes all personal narratives and lived experiences are valuable, and focuses on providing coaching that honors the identities and goals of each individual. Originally from California, she now lives in Massachusetts with her family and rescue pup.
You can read more about resources for aspiring graduate students on her blog here, and can learn more about Elizabeth’s coaching services on her website.