Career Services Corner: Applying to Grad school
Issue date: 4/21/09 Section: Campus News
Many students have come to us in the Career Services Center with lots of questions about attending graduate school. We would like to take this opportunity to address some of those questions and pose a few more that you may have not yet considered.
1.With the job market the way it is, is it better to go to graduate school than to try to find a job?
Just like deciding on an undergraduate degree, you'll want to consider what you will get out of graduate school, what you will study, how long it will take, how much will it cost, and whether it will give you the professional preparation you need for your chosen career. You'll also want to take a look at the entrance requirements (GRE/GMAT/LSAT scores, minimum GPA, personal statement, interviews, etc.) and decide whether you want to go through the entire application process. Finding a suitable graduate program is just as important as finding a suitable job. Choosing to go to graduate school does not mean less planning or preparation than taking part in a job search. You will want to think about why graduate school is a better option for your individual circumstances and make an informed decision.
2.How do I find the RIGHT graduate school program?
Graduate school can provide an opportunity to specialize so take the time to research what types of programs interest you. There are plenty of options with a wide range of offerings depending on what is important for you. Ask yourself if geographic location is a priority, if the faculty research interests you, or if there will be job opportunities after graduation.
Start by visiting www.gradschools.com to learn more about options and how to contact specific programs. With all the brochures and application materials you will collect from each program in which you are interested, it's helpful to find a way to organize the information. Consider creating a file folder for each program. Use the files to keep track of application deadlines, entrance requirements, supplemental information needed, and main selection criteria. If you've decided to apply for grad school, you will want to have a plan. Pick a few schools to apply to that are a stretch based on your qualifications and a few where you're confident you'll be accepted. Graduate school is even more competitive than undergrad so be prepared to apply to more than one school so you have options for "Plan B." You may decide to apply for more than a few programs, but be sure to consider what a reasonable number is for you.
1.With the job market the way it is, is it better to go to graduate school than to try to find a job?
Just like deciding on an undergraduate degree, you'll want to consider what you will get out of graduate school, what you will study, how long it will take, how much will it cost, and whether it will give you the professional preparation you need for your chosen career. You'll also want to take a look at the entrance requirements (GRE/GMAT/LSAT scores, minimum GPA, personal statement, interviews, etc.) and decide whether you want to go through the entire application process. Finding a suitable graduate program is just as important as finding a suitable job. Choosing to go to graduate school does not mean less planning or preparation than taking part in a job search. You will want to think about why graduate school is a better option for your individual circumstances and make an informed decision.
2.How do I find the RIGHT graduate school program?
Graduate school can provide an opportunity to specialize so take the time to research what types of programs interest you. There are plenty of options with a wide range of offerings depending on what is important for you. Ask yourself if geographic location is a priority, if the faculty research interests you, or if there will be job opportunities after graduation.
Start by visiting www.gradschools.com to learn more about options and how to contact specific programs. With all the brochures and application materials you will collect from each program in which you are interested, it's helpful to find a way to organize the information. Consider creating a file folder for each program. Use the files to keep track of application deadlines, entrance requirements, supplemental information needed, and main selection criteria. If you've decided to apply for grad school, you will want to have a plan. Pick a few schools to apply to that are a stretch based on your qualifications and a few where you're confident you'll be accepted. Graduate school is even more competitive than undergrad so be prepared to apply to more than one school so you have options for "Plan B." You may decide to apply for more than a few programs, but be sure to consider what a reasonable number is for you.
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alexhaffey
Admission Essay Writing
posted 7/23/09 @ 8:41 AM EST
Great article, I totally agree with this post!
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