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Several Questions to Ask Yourself
Going to graduate school usually involves a career choice. You really
need enthusiasm in this career area to be able to keep up with the
demands and intensity of graduate life. Take some time to investigate
your field of interest before applying. Talk to alumnae or professors in
the field and read resources on the subject.
In many professional fields such as medicine, law, psychology, and
education, an advanced degree is necessary. For others, a graduate
degree can enhance your earning power in an occupation and influence how
far and fast you will advanced in your field. Most human service fields
are examples of this. The chances of obtaining increased responsibility
on the job will be enhanced through obtaining an advanced degree.
You may need to take a couple of years off to work to save money for
graduate school. Many graduate students are able to cover all or a
substantial amount of the cost with grants, fellowships or
assistantships. Obtaining loans are also a possibility. Make sure you
investigate these options before deciding you do not have the financial
means. Remember, most fellowships and scholarships are competitive and
are awarded early.
Take some time to assess your energy level. Do you have the motivation
to stay in school for one to seven more years? You may need to take
some time off to "discover yourself" and/or gain some work experience.
After taking time off to work, many students find they have goals more
clearly defined and are better prepared academically for graduate
school. They also find they have a better perspective on life in general
and the energy to invest themselves in their education. Taking time off
can also give you the information needed to determine exactly what
program you need for a particular field. In addition, some graduate
schools will not accept students without some prior work experience;
this is true of most MBA programs.
Make sure you are deciding to attend graduate school for the right
reasons. Some students feel tempted to continue their education because
they do not feel ready to face the demands of "real life" or are not
clear on what career they want to pursue. These are exactly the reasons
not to go to graduate school. Some graduate schools that incorporate
internships and work related experiences into the program serve as a
good transition period from college to the work force. You need to be
clear on your goals before committing the time and expense.
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 if not impossible to get some types of financial aid without
attending full-time. However, attending graduate school part-time does
allow you the chance to work in an organization that is willing to pay
the bill for graduate school.
Although there is no ideal profile for the successful graduate
student, there are some qualities that are important in order to make it
through productively. Some of these skills include intelligence,
initiative and self-discipline. Most graduate programs assume that
students will maintain at least a 3.0 GPA. Time management skills, being
focused and persistence and important qualities. In addition, the
ability to establish good working relationships with your fellow
students, faculty and internship mentors are also important.
