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.
