Getting What You Came For: The Smart Student's Guide to Earning an M.A. or a Ph.D. (Paperback)

by Robert Peters (Author) "WHEN I WAS GETTING MY PH.D. IN FISH BEHAVIOR AT STANFORD DURING THE late 1970s, I did almost everything wrong..." (more)
Key Phrases: Expected Family Contribution, United States, George Washington University (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review
“This is an excellent book. I don’t know how Robert Peters was able to assemble all this highly relevant and valuable information after only one pass through the system known as graduate school, but he has produced a definitive piece of work.” – Dr. Gene Woodruff, Dean of the Graduate School, University of Washington, Seattle, President of the Association of Graduate Schools, Chairman of the GRE Board
-- Review

Review

“This is an excellent book. I don’t know how Robert Peters was able to assemble all this highly relevant and valuable information after only one pass through the system known as graduate school, but he has produced a definitive piece of work.” – Dr. Gene Woodruff, Dean of the Graduate School, University of Washington, Seattle, President of the Association of Graduate Schools, Chairman of the GRE Board

See all Editorial Reviews

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Product Details Paperback: 400 pages Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux; Rev Sub edition (April 11, 1997) Language: English ISBN-10: 0374524777 ISBN-13: 978-0374524777 Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 1 inches Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies) Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars See all reviews (88 customer reviews) Amazon.com Sales Rank: #6,385 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books) Popular in these categories: (What's this?) #11 in  Books > Reference > Education > Graduate School Guides #22 in  Books > Professional & Technical > Education > By Level > College #48 in  Books > Nonfiction > Education > College & University

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First Sentence:
WHEN I WAS GETTING MY PH.D. IN FISH BEHAVIOR AT STANFORD DURING THE late 1970s, I did almost everything wrong. Read the first page

Key Phrases - Capitalized Phrases (CAPs): (learn more)
Expected Family Contribution, United States, George Washington University, National Science Foundation, Don't Miss Out, Council of Graduate Schools, Johns Hopkins, Lotus Organizer, American University, National Research Council, Nellie Mae, New York, Perkins Loans, Bob Orndorff, Don Brezinski, Nobel Prize, Princeton Review, Baseline's Info Accelerator, Davidson Perfect Resume, Federal Student Aid Information Center, Marva Gumbs, Nathalie Friedman, Native Americans, Richard Nelson Bolles, Robert Wilson

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Citations (learn more)

This book cites 31 books:

• What Color Is Your Parachute Workbook: How to Create a Picture of Your Ideal Job or Next Career by Richard N. Bolles on 4 pages
• Completing Dissertations in the Behavioral Sciences and Education (Jossey-Bass Higher Education Series Jossey-Bass Social and Behavioral Science Series) by Thomas J. Long on page 196, and page 214
• Career Choices for Students of Mathematics by Career Associates on page 326, and Back Matter
• Jobs for English Majors & Other (3rd ed) (Jobs for English Majors and Other Smart People) by Peterson's on page 327, and Back Matter
• Successful Dissertations & Theses: A Guide to Graduate Student Research from Proposal to Completion (Social & Behavioural Sciences) by David Madsen on page 214, and Back Matter

See all 31 books this book cites

 

4 books cite this book:

• The Ph.D. Process: A Student's Guide to Graduate School in the Sciences by Dale F. Bloom on 4 pages
• The Parent's Crash Course in Career Planning by M. Harris in Back Matter
• A Woman's Guide to Doctoral Studies by Diana Leonard in Back Matter
• High Tech Hot Shots: Careers in Sports Engineering by Celeste Baine in Back Matter

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What Do Customers Ultimately Buy After Viewing This Item?

	85% buy the item featured on this page: Getting What You Came For: The Smart Student's Guide to Earning an M.A. or a Ph.D. 4.4 out of 5 stars (88) $11.52
	8% buy Graduate Admissions Essays: Write Your Way into the Graduate School of Your Choice 4.4 out of 5 stars (27)
	3% buy Get Into Graduate School: A Strategic Approach for Master's and Doctoral Candidates 4.0 out of 5 stars (2) $13.60
	2% buy Graduate Study for the Twenty-First Century: How to Build an Academic Career in the Humanities 5.0 out of 5 stars (11) $23.35

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88 Reviews 5 star:  (60) 4 star:  (13) 3 star:  (10) 2 star:  (3) 1 star:  (2)           Average Customer Review 4.4 out of 5 stars (88 customer reviews)		Share your thoughts with other customers:
Most Helpful Customer Reviews 159 of 160 people found the following review helpful: 5.0 out of 5 stars Covers almost all the crucial topics, March 6, 2002 By  Monica J. Kern (Lexington, KY United States) - See all my reviews    As a college professor, I am always on the lookout for a good source to help undergraduates who are contemplating getting a Ph.D. as well as to help graduate students succeed in their Ph.D. program. This book is one of the best in this genre I have come across. Although the author is a biologist, it is clear he has done his homework on other disciplines, and his advice is useful for graduate students in any field. One of the most impressive features of the book is its comprehensive coverage. From improving one's credentials to get into a graduate program to getting a job once you have the Ph.D., Peters has detailed, entertaining advice for all the steps one encounters along the way. Liberally sprinkled through the book are anecdotes from students in a variety of fields that will leave most of us thankful that we did not have the Ph.D. advisors these poor hapless souls did. Indeed, there were only two aspects I wish the book would have covered but it did not. First, there is no mention of handling coursework in a graduate program. This is probably because coursework and course grades are of much lower priority in graduate school than it is for the undergraduate degree, but I think Peters could have made this point and encouraged readers not to fall into the trap of spending more time on coursework than is warranted. Second, I wish Peters had devoted more space to talking about getting academic jobs. College-level teaching is still the single most popular career goal for Ph.D.'s, and there are aspects of getting an academic job that are different than applying for jobs in the private sector. I wish he had written a separate chapter on academic jobs. In a related vein, there was only one piece of advice that Peters give that I flat-out disagreed with, and that was his comment that teaching wastes time and that Ph.D. students should avoid teaching as much as possible. This is true for many Ph.D. students, but it is definitely NOT true for Ph.D. students desiring teaching jobs at 4-year, liberal arts colleges. Those jobs will want to see ample teaching experience, not just as a teaching assistant but also as sole instructor of a course. A student who does not have considerable teaching experience will not be competitive for those jobs, and because there are more of those jobs available than tenure track lines at research universities, taking Peters' advice on that score could be ultimately self-defeating. However, those are the only negative comments I would make on an otherwise excellent book. I recommend it highly for anybody even contemplating going on beyond an undergraduate degree, and I plan to give copies of it to all my incoming graduate students. 40 of 40 people found the following review helpful: 5.0 out of 5 stars So Good, I Bought it Twice!, November 10, 2000 By A Customer I bought this book in 1997 before starting a masters program. I had a JD and thought that getting a masters would be a piece of cake. Was I wrong! However, at least with Dr. Peters' book in hand, I knew what to look out for, what to concentrate on, and what not to spend my time worrying over. Like an idiot, I tossed the book when I finished my masters program because I thought I'd gotten 'what I came for.' Now I'm applying to Ph.D. programs and knew that this was the ONE book I had to have before starting on this journey. My thoughts were borne out when a respected professor friend recommended the book. When I said I'd not only read it, but had just bought my SECOND copy, I knew from his face that he knew I was serious. Getting What You Came For offers a great service. I thought I knew about academia, but again, the law school experience is not the graduate school experience. Because of Dr. Peters' advice, I made a point of getting out of my intellectual shell and worked on developing a true network of colleagues. Two years out of a rigorous masters program, I continue to be in contact with a large number of classmates and professors - professors who know me, are supporting me in my Ph.D. applications, and who have developed into real friends. This book isn't supposed to be read in one sitting and not every section will be applicable to every reader. Some sections are more helpful once you're in school, as opposed to the applications process, some are more helpful to doctoral students. However, much of the book is applicable to most people. There are sections on issues relevant to minority, women, international, and mature students. Most guides assume the reader is a 28 year old white American male. If you don't fit this profile, your experience will be different. Dr. Peters addresses these differences well. If you are applying to doctoral programs, most of the book will apply to you. If you are in a program, you will return to Dr. Peters' book often for its advice on time management, thesis writing, dealing with faculty, and employment when it's all over. I recommend this book highly to anyone considering graduate school. If you are already in a school, you should still buy it - you will get helpful insights that you can use throughout your academic career. 51 of 54 people found the following review helpful: 5.0 out of 5 stars A Necessary guide, February 10, 2004 By  T. Hooper "thdizzy" (Osaka, Japan) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)    Are you planning to go to graduate school? If you are, this is a necessary guide which gives you all the basics--from applying to graduation and beyond. One of the most important points is that you have to prepare for graduate school early. Don't wait until after you're accepted to choose your advisor. You shouldn't even apply until after you select your advisor. This point of advice saves a lot of heartache later on, because having a good relationship with your advisor is one of the single most important things in graduate school. If you have a suitable advisor, graduate school will go more smoothly. Another thing I like is that it doesn't try to sugarcoat the graduate school experience. It tells you exactly that graduate school is a rough experience and that out of all the people who enter graduate programs, only 8% go on to academic work. If you can't face these facts, then you probably aren't driven enough to succeed in a graduate program. If you're still burning for higher education and are willing to face the difficulties involved, you're ready for graduate school. Basically you should go in with both eyes open. I recommend picking up this guide to help you through your postgraduate life.		Ad feedback   Most Recent Customer Reviews 5.0 out of 5 stars Review This is an excellent book for any person considering graduate school. The book is practical and well written with excellent advice. Read more Published 2 months ago by D. Layish 5.0 out of 5 stars One word - Great!! I have not found a book like this that is as good yet! The chapters are neatly organized, it's easy to read and helpful whether you are a current graduate student or thinking of... Read more Published 4 months ago by Melissa A. Newberg 3.0 out of 5 stars Helpful for considering grad school, but... "Getting What You Came For" is a good common-sense guide for the majority of students who are considering grad school, and some of the advice and guidance that Peters imparts is... Read more Published 8 months ago by Todd B. Frary 5.0 out of 5 stars Practical Advice for Impractical People In the humanities, completing a PhD can take as long as 10 years. Reducing that time as much as possible is crucial for a graduate student. Read more Published 11 months ago by Micheal Hickerson 3.0 out of 5 stars Focused on traditional students I have to agree with other reviewers who say this books needs to be updated. I am a working adult who has gone back to college to finish a degree as a part-time student. Read more Published 11 months ago by Karen S. Garvin 4.0 out of 5 stars Good but needs updating I bought this book when I was preparing to apply for Ph.D programs in the social sciences. It is a good source, and is actually the most detailed account of graduate school I... Read more Published 12 months ago by M. Boone 5.0 out of 5 stars Really Helpful I am in the middle of my reading. But everything looks like what I needed to hear. If you are looking for doing a master or a Ph.D. sure it will result very helpful. Read more Published 12 months ago by Mauricio Garza Bulnes 4.0 out of 5 stars authors humor made my day while grad school was miserable I bought this book during a period in my second year of grad school when I was at a low point. I was unhappy with my research, annoyed at my professors, and coming home everyday... Read more Published 12 months ago by Lauren A. Barth-cohen 3.0 out of 5 stars Aging, biased, but useful The book dates from 1997, and the author did not to go into academia. (He went to work for the government. Read more Published 15 months ago by Dale W. Rosenthal 3.0 out of 5 stars Dated Desperately needs updating. Advice on computers is somewhat laughable, and job situation has likely changed substantially for some Phd's since this was written. Read more Published 16 months ago by J. Joseph Search Customer Reviews Only search this product's reviews

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Product Details

• Paperback: 400 pages
• Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux; Rev Sub edition (April 11, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0374524777
• ISBN-13: 978-0374524777
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars See all reviews (88 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #6,385 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

  Popular in these categories: (What's this?)

  #11 in	Books > Reference > Education > Graduate School Guides
  #22 in	Books > Professional & Technical > Education > By Level > College
  #48 in	Books > Nonfiction > Education > College & University

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

159 of 160 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Covers almost all the crucial topics, March 6, 2002

By	Monica J. Kern (Lexington, KY United States) - See all my reviews

As a college professor, I am always on the lookout for a good source to help undergraduates who are contemplating getting a Ph.D. as well as to help graduate students succeed in their Ph.D. program. This book is one of the best in this genre I have come across. Although the author is a biologist, it is clear he has done his homework on other disciplines, and his advice is useful for graduate students in any field.
One of the most impressive features of the book is its comprehensive coverage. From improving one's credentials to get into a graduate program to getting a job once you have the Ph.D., Peters has detailed, entertaining advice for all the steps one encounters along the way. Liberally sprinkled through the book are anecdotes from students in a variety of fields that will leave most of us thankful that we did not have the Ph.D. advisors these poor hapless souls did.
Indeed, there were only two aspects I wish the book would have covered but it did not. First, there is no mention of handling coursework in a graduate program. This is probably because coursework and course grades are of much lower priority in graduate school than it is for the undergraduate degree, but I think Peters could have made this point and encouraged readers not to fall into the trap of spending more time on coursework than is warranted.
Second, I wish Peters had devoted more space to talking about getting academic jobs. College-level teaching is still the single most popular career goal for Ph.D.'s, and there are aspects of getting an academic job that are different than applying for jobs in the private sector. I wish he had written a separate chapter on academic jobs.
In a related vein, there was only one piece of advice that Peters give that I flat-out disagreed with, and that was his comment that teaching wastes time and that Ph.D. students should avoid teaching as much as possible. This is true for many Ph.D. students, but it is definitely NOT true for Ph.D. students desiring teaching jobs at 4-year, liberal arts colleges. Those jobs will want to see ample teaching experience, not just as a teaching assistant but also as sole instructor of a course. A student who does not have considerable teaching experience will not be competitive for those jobs, and because there are more of those jobs available than tenure track lines at research universities, taking Peters' advice on that score could be ultimately self-defeating.
However, those are the only negative comments I would make on an otherwise excellent book. I recommend it highly for anybody even contemplating going on beyond an undergraduate degree, and I plan to give copies of it to all my incoming graduate students.

40 of 40 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars So Good, I Bought it Twice!, November 10, 2000

By A Customer

I bought this book in 1997 before starting a masters program. I had a JD and thought that getting a masters would be a piece of cake. Was I wrong! However, at least with Dr. Peters' book in hand, I knew what to look out for, what to concentrate on, and what not to spend my time worrying over. Like an idiot, I tossed the book when I finished my masters program because I thought I'd gotten 'what I came for.' Now I'm applying to Ph.D. programs and knew that this was the ONE book I had to have before starting on this journey. My thoughts were borne out when a respected professor friend recommended the book. When I said I'd not only read it, but had just bought my SECOND copy, I knew from his face that he knew I was serious. Getting What You Came For offers a great service. I thought I knew about academia, but again, the law school experience is not the graduate school experience. Because of Dr. Peters' advice, I made a point of getting out of my intellectual shell and worked on developing a true network of colleagues. Two years out of a rigorous masters program, I continue to be in contact with a large number of classmates and professors - professors who know me, are supporting me in my Ph.D. applications, and who have developed into real friends.

This book isn't supposed to be read in one sitting and not every section will be applicable to every reader. Some sections are more helpful once you're in school, as opposed to the applications process, some are more helpful to doctoral students. However, much of the book is applicable to most people. There are sections on issues relevant to minority, women, international, and mature students. Most guides assume the reader is a 28 year old white American male. If you don't fit this profile, your experience will be different. Dr. Peters addresses these differences well.

If you are applying to doctoral programs, most of the book will apply to you. If you are in a program, you will return to Dr. Peters' book often for its advice on time management, thesis writing, dealing with faculty, and employment when it's all over.

I recommend this book highly to anyone considering graduate school. If you are already in a school, you should still buy it - you will get helpful insights that you can use throughout your academic career.

51 of 54 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Necessary guide, February 10, 2004

By	T. Hooper "thdizzy" (Osaka, Japan) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

Are you planning to go to graduate school? If you are, this is a necessary guide which gives you all the basics--from applying to graduation and beyond. One of the most important points is that you have to prepare for graduate school early. Don't wait until after you're accepted to choose your advisor. You shouldn't even apply until after you select your advisor. This point of advice saves a lot of heartache later on, because having a good relationship with your advisor is one of the single most important things in graduate school. If you have a suitable advisor, graduate school will go more smoothly.

Another thing I like is that it doesn't try to sugarcoat the graduate school experience. It tells you exactly that graduate school is a rough experience and that out of all the people who enter graduate programs, only 8% go on to academic work. If you can't face these facts, then you probably aren't driven enough to succeed in a graduate program. If you're still burning for higher education and are willing to face the difficulties involved, you're ready for graduate school. Basically you should go in with both eyes open. I recommend picking up this guide to help you through your postgraduate life.