So you want to go to grad school or you’re thinking about it? 
Well, you’ve come to the right place.
Do note that by reading this article, there’s no guarantee that you’ll get into grad school; I am not in cahoots with the application committee of your prospective grad program.
For some, grad school is necessary for their career. For others, it’s a choice between continuing their academic journey or going straight into the workforce. I’m in this boat. I believe that a master’s degree could help me in my professional journey, but it’s so expensive. Do I want to be in more debt? However, having only an undergraduate degree could prevent me from moving up in the workforce. This is my dilemma. I’m sure that others are in the same boat as well.
Here are some things to consider when making your decision on whether this whole grad school thing is for you:
- Why go to grad school?
As mentioned earlier, for some, grad school might be necessary for their careers, while for others, it might be considered a stepping stone to get to their professional goal. So ask yourself, why do I need to go to grad school? If your answer to this question is that you don’t know what else to do after you graduate or you’re too scared to enter the workforce, these are red flags. Not everyone has it figured out, myself included. I don’t know what September 2024 is going to look like. I don’t even know what’s going to happen tomorrow, but paying thousands of dollars for grad school shouldn’t be the only option when you’re confronted with the question of what’s next.
- Choosing the right school/program.
When choosing a school to apply to, check their website to see if it’s a more academic or practical master’s program. Will there be a thesis or research option? See if the program offers an internship/placement component. Be sure to check the faculty website of your program and see if their research focuses align with your interests. Depending on the depth of the faculty, this could help determine the prestige of a program.
Now that you’ve narrowed down the schools and programs that you want to apply for, there are some things that you should keep in mind during the application process:
Application Process
- CV.
Show the application committee why you would be a great addition to the school. Talk about your professional experience, even if it’s unpaid. Mention how you won a case competition or how your paper was published in a journal. Feel free to add that you save injured birds on the weekend.
- Research/ Personal Statement.
Tell the application committee what you will bring to the program and talk about your strengths. Also, make sure to tell them why their program fits you, whether that be how the program offers a course in a niche subject or how a certain professor’s research interests correspond with yours. Talk about how the overall program aligns with your research and goals.
- Letters of Reference(s).
Most schools ask for academic references. When you ask a professor for a reference letter, be sure that they know you and that they can write a letter about you being a great student and why this school would be lucky to have you. Be sure to give your references ample time to write their letters. Have strict deadlines when you are leading this lengthy project of getting into grad school. You might want to give your references a copy of your statement and your CV so that they can have everything they need to write an effective letter on your behalf.
- Writing Sample.
Some grad schools ask for a writing sample to be included in your application. Include one of the best papers that you wrote in a 3rd or 4th year course.
Conclusion
I’m in my fourth year, scared about the future, just like you. I’m not sure what September 2024 will have in store for me. I might be in a great big lecture hall for another year of schooling in a master’s program or sitting behind a desk in some cubicle. There might be a quiz that can tell you if grad school is for you; I haven’t come across one yet. Whatever path you choose, there’s no wrong answer, and that’s life. Don’t listen to your mom about how she thinks getting a master’s degree is a good idea. Listen to yourself and what you believe in. Good luck!
Resources
- Tips | Considering Grad School
- Talk to students within the program.
- Talk to profs.
- Visit your university’s career center.