Advice
Is Graduate School Right for You?
Deciding whether to go to grad school involves more than asking, "Can I get into the program?"
I love connecting with prospective students during admissions consultations. These one-on-one, 30-minute meetings cover program details and the admissions process, but they often move beyond requirements and deadlines to a more personal question: "Is graduate school right for me?" Only you can answer that question, but my goal is to give you the information you need to answer it with confidence.
Here are some questions to get you started:
- Why do I want to pursue graduate school now? What is your ultimate goal? Does your desired career path require an advanced degree? If you're a career changer, will this degree help you bridge the gap to your new field? What opportunities can you get in this program that you can't get elsewhere? Will you be able to build a valuable professional network in this program that will help you advance your career?
Admissions offices want to understand your drive and how you plan to leverage graduate school. Understanding and being able to articulate your motivations will help you create a more compelling application. - Do I have the time to commit to graduate school right now? Life doesn't stop when you start graduate school, and your professional and personal responsibilities won't disappear when your first semester starts. Additionally, graduate school can be intense, so you need to be ready to balance new academic expectations with your existing responsibilities. It's important to be honest about your capacity.
- How will I pay for this program? Financial planning for graduate school is one of the most important parts of the process, but many applicants apply to programs without a plan. Before you submit your applications, know the costs of each program and understand your funding options. Will you be using savings, taking out loans (federal and/or private), using employer assistance, or hoping for scholarships? A plan is necessary so you're not caught off guard, and preparing now will make it easier to evaluate your options when the time comes to accept your offer. Unsure where to start? Talk to the admissions teams so you understand your options.
- If I don't go to grad school now, what will I do instead, and will that get me closer to my goal? There's no right or wrong answer. Consider whether your alternative plans will bring you closer to or further from your ultimate goals. Maybe you decide to get more practical experience and build your résumé. Perhaps you need time to save money or clarify your industry focus. Whether you enroll now or wait, ask yourself if your next step will get you closer to where you want to end up.
The Bottom Line
Earning a graduate degree takes time, money, and commitment. Think critically about your specific situation before deciding if this is the right step. Working through these questions won't hand you the answer, but it will help you move forward with confidence, whatever you decide. If you're still unsure, make an appointment with an admissions counselor. We're here to help you figure out if graduate school is the right next step for your goals!
Topics:AdmissionsFinancial AidFAQs