| Graduate
School : Is it for you? College
students enter graduate school programs for a variety of reasons.
Some feel it is the most likely next step. Others do so immediately
following their undergraduate studies because they plan to
continue their education and feel it’s best to do so
while their reading skills and study habits are still “fresh.”
Some conduct appropriate research and realize that before
they can enter their field of choice, they must gain further
education that focuses on the area in which they plan to specialize.
Still, there are seniors or graduates who want to make more
money and think that a graduate degree is the answer. Then,
there are the perpetual students; they apply for further study
to avoid facing the job market and self-sufficiency.
No matter what process
you use to decide whether or not to explore graduate school
options, make sure that you consider many factors so that
you will make an informed decision.
Leo Charette, a
Career Services professional at the College of William and Mary,
suggests that students ask themselves the following questions:
- Do I really love the field enough to obtain an advanced
degree?
- Is an advanced degree required to enter a particular profession
or obtain a certain level within the field?
- Do I have the financial resources to cover the cost of
graduate school?
- Am I burned out academically and do I need to take some
time off? Do [I] have the motivation to stay in school for
one to seven more years?
- Am I postponing some tough decisions by going to graduate
school? Make sure you are deciding on going to graduate
school for the right reasons. Be clear on your goals before
making the commitment of time and expense.
- Do I want to go to school full-time or part-time? Going
to graduate school full-time is a more intensive process
and allows you to interact with the colleagues in your program
at a closer level. Some programs require that you go full-time
and it may be difficult or not possible to get some types
of financial aid without attending full-time.
- Do I have the personal qualities and skills that are needed
to be successful in graduate school?
- When do I want to attend if I decide to do so? Most graduates
opt to work a year or two and then pursue graduate school
plans. There are advantages to both choices.
Applying
to Graduate School: Planning Ahead
If you are serious
about graduate school, it is a good idea to get started early.
You are advised to spend much of your junior year researching
graduate programs and schools and making decisions about where
you will apply. Though most deadlines for graduate school
admissions fall around December or January, some may come
as early as the August before your senior year. Other programs
and institutions have “rolling admissions.”
The following may
serve as a handy outline of tasks to accomplish as you gather
information, make decisions, and proceed with the application
process. Keep in mind that this time line is for those seeking
to further their education the fall immediately following
their college graduation.
Junior Year:
- Narrow your areas of interest/specialty. This will help
you to effectively research schools and programs that might
be the best match for you.
- Discuss your situation with your academic advisor. Gather
as much information and advice as possible.
- Conduct research into programs and schools of interest.
Select about five or six programs.
- Investigate requirements for programs of interest to you.
- Register for appropriate graduate admissions exams and
prepare accordingly. GRE, GMAT, LSAT, and MCAT each have
their own web sites that can be of help to you, providing
an overview, test dates, costs, and sample questions.
- Find out how many letters of recommendation you will need
and begin to speak with your advisor and instructors about
your interests and needs. It is common for three to four
recommendations to be required. Typically these are from
undergraduate professors who can most effectively promote
you, your abilities, interests, and motivation.
- Check into financial aid for which you may qualify.
Summer Following
Junior Year:
- Take whatever graduate entrance exams are required.
- Plan campus visits to gather more information.
- Call or write to request application forms / materials.
- Check on deadlines, admissions requirements, policies,
etc.
- Be clear about the application essay requirements for
each program.
- Complete all first drafts of your essays.
Senior Year – Fall Semester:
- Provide your references with forms or requests for recommendations
for graduate programs and scholarship or fellowship opportunities.
- Ask for appropriate faculty/staff to review your application
essay(s) and to provide feedback and suggestions. Prepare
final drafts.
- Take or retake appropriate graduate admissions exams as
necessary.
- Make sure that your graduate admission scores are sent
to the correct schools.
- Order transcripts from the Registrar’s Office well
in advance of application deadlines.
- Complete and proofread all completed graduate school &
financial aid applications and supporting materials.
- Photocopy all of your materials and send the originals
well ahead of the deadline.
- Call before the deadline to confirm receipt of your application
if no notification is received.
Graduate School Resources
Available On Line
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Career Services | 816.501.2901 | Hodes 708 |