Introduction
Grad School. You know it means more college (and more money). But what does it give you? Is it worth it? And how would you start applying?
In a nutshell, grad school is any college program that allows students who have completed an undergraduate degree to gain an advanced degree, such as a master’s degree or doctorate. While attaining a bachelor’s degree is impressive, gaining an advanced degree is challenging yet highly rewarding! Others have thought the same, as there has been an increase in advanced graduate degrees conferred since the turn of the century.
For 2021–22, Universities in the United States conferred 1.1 million graduate degrees, with 880,200 master’s degrees and 203,900 doctor’s degrees. (NCES). About 21 million adults now hold a master’s as their highest degree, double the number from the past. The number of doctorate holders has also doubled (US Census, 2019). Does this increase mean much? Statista expects this trend will continue, projecting well over one million college students receiving master’s degrees alone in the 2031-2032 academic year.
This article will guide prospective students through key considerations of grad school, the application process, and other steps along the way. Understanding the importance of careful planning and preparation will clarify your next steps for grad school.
Self-Assess: Is Grad School Right for You?
Career Goals and how graduate education aligns
Should you go to grad school, and are you ready for grad school? Evaluating your skills, financial situation, and ability to keep a work-life balance is a practical and necessary way to see if you should apply. Whether you are ready or feel the opportunity isn’t right, understanding your motivations and passion will ensure you don’t waste time feeling about more school.
Types of grad programs
Another aspect to be aware of is the type of degree you want to pursue. Some programs are more practice-oriented for those becoming licensed professionals (MBA, MD, EdD, etc.), while other grad programs focus on researching to advance one’s education or career.
Financial Considerations
When looking at grad programs, understand the total costs (tuition, fees, living expenses, hidden costs) and compare based on the universities you’re interested in. Many universities provide scholarships, federal loans, and employer assistance programs that compensate for costs.
One upside is the opportunity to earn more in the future by heading to grad school now. Some fields have the potential for higher earnings for those with advanced degrees, so research your major to see if your return on investment (ROI) from a higher degree provides a strong enough opportunity cost.
Timeline and Planning
So, you plan to attend grad school, but when is the best time to apply and plan? Your application timeline depends on when you want to start. Generally, if you plan to enroll in the Fall, start applying by March (April at the latest). If you want to start in the Spring semester, apply by early October. Be sure to check with that university’s advisors about their program deadlines. This knowledge will help you plan standardized test dates, how long you have for your letters of recommendation, and when to apply for financial aid and scholarships. Your calendar and reminders app are the best way to keep track of deadlines.
Research and Program Selection
When you start researching what universities and programs you are interested in, here are some factors to consider when choosing:
- Comparing the rankings and reputations of the programs
- The campuses and community culture
- The program length and structure of the program tracks
- The cost and amount of funding from each institution
- The faculty’s expertise in the field and research interests
How many schools to apply to
Knowing how many and which schools to apply for can be daunting. You can sort schools into three tiers: Safety, Target, and Reach. Safety schools are the sure bet to getting accepted. Target schools might be a little more prestigious and harder admission but provide an excellent opportunity for your future. Reach schools are difficult to get into and may be just out of your price range, but it never hurts to dream, right? In general, you should keep a list of around eight grad programs but aim for the majority to be Safety and Target schools.
Making Your Decision
Once you receive your acceptance offers, take a second to evaluate your options. Here are some factors to consider:
- Financial aid packages – compare what you get from each university/ program and see what provides you with the best resources
- Visit campuses/ program locations (if not already) – see what the faculty and staff are like, what their interests are
- Connect with current students and alumni – take any opportunities to meet people who have been there before and ask them about their insights to give you context
- Negotiating offers – be prepared to negotiate with some programs. Keep it professional and leverage your offers from other programs to see what other resources and support may be available (like a stipend or mentor support)
Application Components
Graduate school is more than just picking a program and sending your resume. Many grad programs require you to take standardized tests, like the GRE. You would benefit by researching the program requirements and looking for resources to help you practice and prepare.
When writing your resume and/or cover letter (CV) for grad school, highlight your academic achievements more than your work experience. You can include any field-related internships, practicums, senior capstone projects, and noteworthy presentations that show your academic excellence.
Transcripts, academic records, and letters of recommendation are also crucial before getting accepted. Request your latest transcripts early in the application process and reach out to mentors and employers willing to give you physical letters of recommendation. Providing some materials to the recommenders would benefit them, such as giving prompts about the grad program and asking them to highlight your skills.
A Statement of Purpose/ Intent is another document grad programs expect. You will elaborate on why you are passionate about your field, your desire to pursue a grad program, and how undergrad prepared you to be a good grad candidate. Here are some tips when writing your Statement:
- Start with a strong opening line or a story about your interest/ field of study
- Be clear and engaging, but avoid being over-dramatic
- Let your unique, authentic perspective flow in your words (no clichés)
- Describe why your field is important to you
- Mention what courses, resources, and opportunities attract you to their program
- Show why you fit the program (describe how you align with their program; will need to research the program)
- Highlight your academic experiences, projects, courses, skills, and/or research opportunities (be specific with your examples)
- Include an outline of your academic and career goals from getting a grad degree
- Address any academic weaknesses you have experienced and how you plan to overcome them
- Conclude your statement by reiterating your excitement and confidence that you fit the program.
If asked, be sure to provide a writing sample that showcases your writing skills and abilities. It could be as simple as a research paper, essay, or sample from a writing competition.
Steps After Acceptance
So, you’ve been accepted to and chosen one of your programs. Congratulations! The next steps to focus on involve practical preparations to help you with the transition to grad school:
- Secure where you’ll be living (either grad dorm or housing in town)
- Create a realistic budget for tuition and living expenses
- Reach out to your advisor to discuss your first semester and prep reading
- Meet current and incoming students with program events and social media groups
Conclusion
When it comes to knowing what to do for grad school, you will not know everything. However, with these strategies, suggestions, and steps, you can tackle the grad application process. If you’re thinking of applying, but haven’t taken the first step, start researching and see what options will change your future career!