Is Graduate School Right for Me?
When making the decision to pursue a graduate degree, research and reflect on:
- Your long-term career goals
- Degree requirements for your career goals
- Academic challenges presented by the degree
- Time demands and length of programs
- Financial investment required for degree completion
- Your commitment to the field of study and career goal
How Can I Become Competitive for Graduate School?
Graduate schools look for candidates with backgrounds and qualities which include:
- Appropriate undergraduate and prerequisite coursework
- Research, teaching, or other career-related experiences
- Clear understanding of how a graduate degree advances your career goals
Why Should I Attend Graduate School?
Attending graduate school right after graduation or after taking some time off from school have different advantages.
Advantages of going straight to graduate school:
- Your professors can write letters of recommendation with recent experiences in mind.
- You are accustomed to living on a student budget.
- Your study skills and success strategies are practiced and familiar.
- You are used to academic schedules and demands.
Advantages of taking time off from studies:
- You have more time to explore and decide on career and program options.
- You can save money for graduate school and gain greater financial stability.
- You may become more energized to take classes again after a break from coursework.
- You may be able to get into more competitive programs after gaining additional experience.