Graduate School

Students choose graduate school for many reasons, including intellectual curiosity and professional advancement. Some choose grad school because they aren’t sure what to do or don’t feel ready for a job. These aren’t good reasons. Graduate school requires a commitment of time and money. If you’re not sure that you’re ready, then it’s best to wait.

Some careers, such as those in medicine, dentistry and law, require education beyond the bachelor’s degree. A job as a college professor, researcher, or psychologist also requires an advanced degree.

Whereas an undergraduate major is a broad introduction to a given field, graduate school is very narrow and specialized. For example, grad school in psychology requires choosing a specialization such as experimental, clinical, counseling, developmental, social, or biological psychology. Decide early because your choice determines the programs to which you’ll apply. Consider your interests. What courses did you especially like? On what topics have you written papers? Seek advice from professors about the differences among the various specialties in a given field. Inquire about existing employment opportunities for each specialization.

Graduate school is different from college because it requires a higher level of academic commitment. You must enjoy and excel at reading, writing and analyzing information. Speak with professors and graduate students to get a better idea of what’s involved in graduate study. Most first-year graduate students are overwhelmed and remark that they had no idea of what they were getting into. Seek a first-year student’s perspective for a reality check.

Generally, it is expected that students will maintain at least a 3.0 average during graduate school. Some programs deny funding to students with less than a 3.33 average. Can you juggle multiple tasks, projects and papers at once? Can you manage time effectively?

Going to graduate school affects the rest of your life. There are both pros and cons to continuing your education. Seek information from multiple sources including the career-counseling center, your family, graduate students, and professors. Take your time with it. Most importantly, trust your judgment and have faith that you’ll make the choice that’s best for you.