The Grad School Decision: Basic Considerations
To go or not to go, that is the question. Grad school sounds like agreat option for…what exactly? A chance to learn more, get a betterjob, and earn a bigger salary…or are you looking to gain bragging rights, or perhaps borrow a little more time before you have to hit the real world? Whatever your reason, there's a lot to think about ifyou're going to commit to another few years of school.
Grad school isn't for casual learners — it entails hard work; long hours; lots of reading, research and writing; and most likely,financial debt. As much as the idea of extra letters in your titlemight sound endearing, if you really want to go for an advanceddegree, there are a few things you need to consider.
Why you want to go?
First and foremost, grad school isn't a cakewalk. Even if you werecream of the crop as an undergrad, this is a whole other ball game.Students entering grad school should be serious about their studies, so maturity and dedication are necessary. Your decision to attendshould be made with a goal in mind — entering a certain profession orenhancing your career, for example. Don't go after an advanced degreeif it's just a way to kill time or stave off a midlife crisis. If that's what you're looking for, take up golf!
What to study, where to go?
When you apply, know what you want to study, because unlike college,this isn't the time to be feeling out what you want to do with your life. This is serious stuff, so give serious thought to what you wantto study and why you think it will benefit you.If you're sure of your aspirations, then it's time to consider whereyou want to study. Most programs are competitive and many schools have fewer grad programs to choose from than they do undergraduateprograms. Many schools build reputations as excellent places forcertain fields of study, and that's where they may put all theirenergy, finances, and academic resources. Depending on what you want
to study and how concerned you are with the name of your alma mater,this may limit your options in terms of location, size, student body, etc.Depending on your life circumstances, choosing a school may be complicated by the fact that perhaps you have a good job (or yourspouse has a good job) — and maybe a mortgage and kids, too. It'spossible that there are no options for graduate study within drivingdistance, let alone within the field you want to pursue. Ask yourself if you're willing to tear up roots to get that degree.
The peer factor
In grad school, classes are smaller and more interactive. Professorstend to treat you more like, well, adults…adults with skills, knowledge, and a keen interest in their chosen studies. Your fellowstudents may be a bit more diverse, including people from variousstages of life. Many classes consist almost entirely of students intheir thirties or forties who have returned to school to enhance their education and their careers. These are not folks who will be impressedwith discussions of the keg parties last weekend. Come to classprepared. Do your homework and expect to involve yourself indiscussions, make presentations, and speak to the subject as an expert (or at least as someone who wants to become one).
The benefits
The benefits of a graduate degree are an essential consideration.While it may be a nice added feature to your resume, spending the timeand money may not be necessary. There are a few degrees that areobviously necessary to get into certain fields, such as law ormedicine, but many fields don't demand that you have a master's to getstarted. Take a look at available jobs — even the higher end job postings in your chosen field are likely to state something like,"Master's degree preferred, but will substitute for experience andother qualifications." If you're already working and have built asturdy career, another degree may not be required to climb higher up
that ladder.
How far to take it
Given that you need to weigh the necessity and benefits of pursuing anadvanced degree, you should also consider how much of a degree you need. A doctorate in just about anything is great if you plan to become a professor or researcher, but in most fields, it's notnecessary. While it may sound nice to refer to yourself as Dr.So-and-So, it's not necessarily going to impress potential employers nor change their salary offers.
Competitiveness
We've already mentioned that grad students tend to be serious about their studies, and subsequently, there is a certain level ofcompetitiveness, at least at the admission end of things. Grad schools have far smaller programs than most colleges, so you may be competing against some very smart people for a limited number of openings.Admission officers want students who will be able to contribute to their research programs and reputation, so ask yourself if you're up to the challenge.
Workload and lifestyle
If you start grad school, expect whatever social life you have to diminish substantially. (If you didn't already have one, don't expectto gain one!) After-hours get togethers will probably consist of library outings and study groups, and that's as good as it's likely toget. You may have some fun here or there (as you should), but the bottom line is there's a lot of work to be done and it's not the kind of work that you can cram in the night before. Say goodbye to squeaking by on the next day's test. It just doesn't work that way.Also make sure the prescription on your eyeglasses is current; you'relikely to be doing a lot of reading…late at night…when everyone elseis asleep.
Costs
Last but not least, look at how much that degree is going to cost youand whether you'll be able to get any free aid to obtain it. Freefinancial aid for grad school is harder to come by, so unless you're independently wealthy, it's likely you'll have to take on at least some debt. When all is said and done, will it be worth it?
Make a good decision before taking a step.
To go or not to go, that is the question. Grad school sounds like agreat option for…what exactly? A chance to learn more, get a betterjob, and earn a bigger salary…or are you looking to gain bragging rights, or perhaps borrow a little more time before you have to hit the real world? Whatever your reason, there's a lot to think about ifyou're going to commit to another few years of school.
Grad school isn't for casual learners — it entails hard work; long hours; lots of reading, research and writing; and most likely,financial debt. As much as the idea of extra letters in your titlemight sound endearing, if you really want to go for an advanceddegree, there are a few things you need to consider.
Why you want to go?
First and foremost, grad school isn't a cakewalk. Even if you werecream of the crop as an undergrad, this is a whole other ball game.Students entering grad school should be serious about their studies, so maturity and dedication are necessary. Your decision to attendshould be made with a goal in mind — entering a certain profession orenhancing your career, for example. Don't go after an advanced degreeif it's just a way to kill time or stave off a midlife crisis. If that's what you're looking for, take up golf!
What to study, where to go?
When you apply, know what you want to study, because unlike college,this isn't the time to be feeling out what you want to do with your life. This is serious stuff, so give serious thought to what you wantto study and why you think it will benefit you.If you're sure of your aspirations, then it's time to consider whereyou want to study. Most programs are competitive and many schools have fewer grad programs to choose from than they do undergraduateprograms. Many schools build reputations as excellent places forcertain fields of study, and that's where they may put all theirenergy, finances, and academic resources. Depending on what you want
to study and how concerned you are with the name of your alma mater,this may limit your options in terms of location, size, student body, etc.Depending on your life circumstances, choosing a school may be complicated by the fact that perhaps you have a good job (or yourspouse has a good job) — and maybe a mortgage and kids, too. It'spossible that there are no options for graduate study within drivingdistance, let alone within the field you want to pursue. Ask yourself if you're willing to tear up roots to get that degree.
The peer factor
In grad school, classes are smaller and more interactive. Professorstend to treat you more like, well, adults…adults with skills, knowledge, and a keen interest in their chosen studies. Your fellowstudents may be a bit more diverse, including people from variousstages of life. Many classes consist almost entirely of students intheir thirties or forties who have returned to school to enhance their education and their careers. These are not folks who will be impressedwith discussions of the keg parties last weekend. Come to classprepared. Do your homework and expect to involve yourself indiscussions, make presentations, and speak to the subject as an expert (or at least as someone who wants to become one).
The benefits
The benefits of a graduate degree are an essential consideration.While it may be a nice added feature to your resume, spending the timeand money may not be necessary. There are a few degrees that areobviously necessary to get into certain fields, such as law ormedicine, but many fields don't demand that you have a master's to getstarted. Take a look at available jobs — even the higher end job postings in your chosen field are likely to state something like,"Master's degree preferred, but will substitute for experience andother qualifications." If you're already working and have built asturdy career, another degree may not be required to climb higher up
that ladder.
How far to take it
Given that you need to weigh the necessity and benefits of pursuing anadvanced degree, you should also consider how much of a degree you need. A doctorate in just about anything is great if you plan to become a professor or researcher, but in most fields, it's notnecessary. While it may sound nice to refer to yourself as Dr.So-and-So, it's not necessarily going to impress potential employers nor change their salary offers.
Competitiveness
We've already mentioned that grad students tend to be serious about their studies, and subsequently, there is a certain level ofcompetitiveness, at least at the admission end of things. Grad schools have far smaller programs than most colleges, so you may be competing against some very smart people for a limited number of openings.Admission officers want students who will be able to contribute to their research programs and reputation, so ask yourself if you're up to the challenge.
Workload and lifestyle
If you start grad school, expect whatever social life you have to diminish substantially. (If you didn't already have one, don't expectto gain one!) After-hours get togethers will probably consist of library outings and study groups, and that's as good as it's likely toget. You may have some fun here or there (as you should), but the bottom line is there's a lot of work to be done and it's not the kind of work that you can cram in the night before. Say goodbye to squeaking by on the next day's test. It just doesn't work that way.Also make sure the prescription on your eyeglasses is current; you'relikely to be doing a lot of reading…late at night…when everyone elseis asleep.
Costs
Last but not least, look at how much that degree is going to cost youand whether you'll be able to get any free aid to obtain it. Freefinancial aid for grad school is harder to come by, so unless you're independently wealthy, it's likely you'll have to take on at least some debt. When all is said and done, will it be worth it?
Make a good decision before taking a step.
posted by Mallik @ 8:16 PM
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