2017 Midwest Summit, involving several universities, to help students interested in graduate and professional studies

Prospective graduate students participate in a graduate school expo at Purdue. On Nov. 11, more than 60 universities are expected to be represented at the Midwest Graduate and Professional School Summit to help students choose the right fit and receive information on funding. (Purdue University file photo) Download image

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — More than 20 percent of students graduating from Purdue University each year continue their education at an advanced level by enrolling in a graduate or professional school. Searching for the right fit can be daunting. Thinking about college choices and funding can be overwhelming. Beginning this fall, the Purdue Graduate School intends to make this process much easier. 

The Midwest Graduate and Professional School Summit, a one-day graduate school exposition, will be held on Nov. 11 in Stewart Center. The event is focused on serving students interested in graduate studies of education, fine arts, liberal arts, health and human sciences, public affairs; and in professional programs of business, law, medicine, and pharmacy.

This inaugural event will showcase workshops, departmental open houses and receptions, capped by a graduate school fair featuring nationally recognized universities. More than 60 universities and over 200 prospective students from around the country are expected to participate.

Lee Gordon, director of graduate admissions at Purdue, said this will be a distinctive event. About $40,000 in travel scholarships will be awarded to participants. Gordon believes that travel scholarships will draw students of diverse backgrounds from across the nation. 

“Purdue undergraduate students will certainly take advantage of this opportunity in their backyard,” he said. “Graduate school recruiters see this as a hotbed for recruiting the best and brightest students anywhere.

By attending the Midwest Summit, students will hear about creating a competitive application, funding their graduate education, as well as exploring graduate education and research opportunities across more than 100 programs. Students can talk to professors, current graduate students, and staff about graduate school and what steps are necessary to set them on the path they choose."

In addition to learning about graduate school, attendees will create an incredible network of who’s who in graduate schools. And if that’s not enough, Purdue will waive the admission application fee for all Midwest Summit attendees.

Besides Purdue, a sampling of other institutions that will have representatives at the event include Boston College, Cornell University, Georgetown University, Michigan State University, the University of Illinois, University of Michigan, University of Southern California, and University of Notre Dame. 

Purdue students and Purdue alumni may attend the Nov. 11 college fair session from 1-4 pm 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