The Graduate School Decision

As graduation quickly approaches, seniors tend to wrestle with the age-old question, "Which comes first, graduate school or employment?" For some, this is an easy question to resolve; for others, additional thought and evaluation are required.

If you are confident about your career goals and an advanced degree is required for entrance into your chosen field, you should apply for graduate school admissions. Those students who have decided to go into medicine or law tend to fall in this category. Take into account that graduate school admissions is generally very competitive; you may need to complete additional course work or gain work experience to be considered a strong candidate for the graduate program of your choice.

In addition, those students who have a strong desire for advanced studies of a chosen subject, regardless of a specific career goal, may also choose to enter graduate school with confidence. In other words, will your decision to attend a graduate or professional program satisfy your goals/ambitions? If on the other hand, your decision is based purely on default or lack of clear career direction, graduate school is not for you.

As a result of frustration with the job search process, some seniors decide to enter graduate school to avoid the complicated process of finding a job. This strategy can actually lead to more frustration and confusion. Many of these students find that graduate school did not provide the "answer" that they sought. Furthermore, very few employers are willing to take a risk on a misdirected candidate regardless of his/her educational credentials. If postponing a career decision is your reason for considering graduate study, schedule an appointment with a counselor in Career Services to discuss your options.

Each year, several graduate students realize that the programs they are studying are not consistent with their values and interests. Many of these students have already completed one or two years of study before coming to this realization. By carefully exploring your interests and values, you can avoid this predicament. Examine all of your choices while you are an undergraduate and make your decision with confidence.

For some students, the decision to pursue an advanced degree is much more complicated. Some will argue that by attending graduate school immediately following undergraduate school, you will be more successful because your study skills are well developed and you are comfortable with the academic environment. Others will insist that you need a break and that work experience will help you to solidify your career goals.

It is important to consider the value of work experience prior to graduate school. Related work experience will add to your credentials and may strengthen your application for more competitive graduate programs. Work experience may also help you to identify related career paths that were unfamiliar to you. This exposure may cause you to redirect your interests and to apply to different programs than you may have originally considered. It is also realistic to consider the financial impact of graduate school. Many employers value continuing education and will help their employees fund advanced degrees on a part-time basis. Some employers will even pay 100% of educational expenses for their employees.

The decision to attend graduate school is yours to make; no one else can make it for you. Be sure to give this decision careful thought. Take time to carefully consider the questions below and write down your answers.

Are You Ready for Graduate School?

Identifying Graduate Programs
Graduate degrees can be academic or professional. Academic degrees focus on original research, whereas professional degrees concentrate on practical knowledge and skills needed for a particular profession. The amount of time it will take you to complete an advanced degree will vary depending on your academic preparation (do you need to take preparatory courses?); the availability of summer courses; required internships; and general academic structure of the program. As a guideline, most master-level programs can be completed in two years; a law degree (J.D.) generally takes three years to complete; a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree is four years plus specialty training which can account for one to seven additional years; and a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) is generally awarded in 2 to 3 years after completion of a masters level program.

After you have identified your area of study, you must begin researching appropriate programs. Begin by talking with faculty who share your academic interests or with a career counselor. For a listing of all accredited programs in your area of interest, consult one of the graduate school reference guides such as the Peterson’s Guide available in the Career Resource Library. The reference section of most public libraries will also house graduate school guides. These directories will provide general information including: degrees offered; faculty/student ratio; percentage of women and minority students enrolled; average tuition costs; and contact information. In addition to this information, you may wish to consider graduate school ratings that have been conducted by various organizations such as The Gourman Report, U.S. News & World Report’s Graduate School Issue.  All of this information should be carefully reviewed in order to develop your list of graduate school preferences.

First and foremost, you are well advised to seek admittance to the program that is the "best match" between your interests and the program focus. Secondly, make sure that programs under consideration are accredited. You are encouraged to apply to programs that have strong academic reputations; you will find these programs to be more rewarding and, for the most part, better career opportunities are available upon graduation.

After identifying your target list of programs, you should write to those schools requesting a course catalogue, application materials, and financial aid information. Most all colleges and universities now publish this information on their web site.  The number of schools that you should include on your "target" list will vary depending on your academic credentials, the type of degree sought, and the prestige of the programs to which you are applying. Your research should be completed very early in the fall semester. 

As you begin to receive graduate school information, review the material, giving special consideration to your individual interests and goals. Be sure to set aside adequate time each week to study and review this information. You do not want to get behind, miss application deadlines, and limit your opportunities.

To assist you in evaluating your top graduate programs, you may find it helpful to download and complete a graduate school decision making chart.