Why Go to Graduate School and How to Choose a Program

Considering the myriad reasons for contemplating graduate school, two prevailing motivations include:

1. A graduate degree serves as a requisite for entry into or advancement within your chosen career.

2. Individuals entering your career path with a graduate degree typically commence at higher positions or salary levels.

Many individuals view pursuing graduate-level studies as an opportunity to delve deeper into academic interests cultivated during their undergraduate years or as a decisive step in defining their ideal career path. However, it is crucial to harbor a clear objective when deciding whether to return to graduate school, steering clear of applying due to societal expectations or uncertainty about life's next steps. Prior to initiating the application process, ask pertinent questions:

• What specific career goals will be advanced by enrolling in graduate study?

• How dedicated am I to the career or academic work I will be pursuing in graduate school?

• What educational level do I need or want to attain – Master’s, Ph.D.?

• Am I seeking a traditional program or a part-time program that permits concurrent employment?

• How pivotal is obtaining a degree from a prestigious program or institution?

• Am I open to relocating for graduate school?

• How will I fund my education?

• What is the anticipated duration for completing my degree?

When researching programs in your field, it is essential to identify highly-regarded ones and assess the opportunities they offer. Programs associated with "big-name" schools may not necessarily align with your objectives, so consider your strengths and weaknesses as an applicant. Seek counsel from undergraduate professors or professional colleagues well-acquainted with your field, and secure letters of recommendation from individuals who know you well.

Supplementary tips for investigating graduate programs include consulting resources such as the annual U.S. News and World Report on Best Graduate Schools. Engage with professors and professionals in your desired field and cultivate personal connections with the faculty of programs you plan to apply to. Another pivotal consideration is determining how to fund your graduate degree, with academic programs often providing fellowships and teaching opportunities.

Being well-informed about the schools you are applying to allows you to tailor your personal statement effectively. Commence by exploring the department’s website, and do not hesitate to initiate contact with the department for additional information. Establishing a positive rapport with the department secretary can prove beneficial, as they are a crucial source of information during the application process.

Above all, be informed; converse with as many people as possible about the programs you are investigating. Focus on finding the right fit for you by compiling a list of your priorities. Consult with successful professionals in the field and current graduate students for valuable insights. Consider applying to a mix of "reach," "safety," and intermediate schools, bearing in mind the financial constraints associated with application fees.

Allocate sufficient time to:

• Thoroughly research your options

• Prepare for and take required tests

• Secure letters of recommendation and dispatch them, along with transcripts, to the departments you are applying to

• Craft the required personal statement

• Complete applications

For instance, if the majority of application deadlines fall in January, commence earnest research up to a year prior, with a well-formed list by summer or early fall. Recognize that contacting professors during the summer might be challenging, making spring or fall semesters more suitable. Secure letters of recommendation as early as possible (and express gratitude to your recommenders!). Ideally, conclude all mandatory testing a few months before deadlines, ensuring scores reach department offices on time, and affording time for retests if necessary.

In the United States, a graduate degree is increasingly indispensable in many fields, promising a rich and rewarding experience when the right program is found. As with any worthwhile endeavor, meticulous preparation is the linchpin to success.