IS GRAD SCHOOL RIGHT FOR ME?
How can you determine that graduate school is the next best step for you? Many students decide on post- graduate studies because they are unclear of the future and their role within it. Two excellent reasons for attending graduate school include:
- An advanced degree is a pre-requisite for entry into some careers, such as law, medicine, counseling and university teaching. Therefore, to pursue such a position requires graduate study.
- If you long to immerse yourself into a particular academic discipline purely for the love of it, and now is the “hour”, you will likely find your graduate experience satisfying and valuable.
A decision to attend graduate school is an important one. In order to understand your reasons for pursuing a graduate education, you might want to ask yourself the following questions:
- Am I interested in pursuing a specific field of knowledge for the love of it?
- As preparation for my future career, do I need an advanced degree – now or later?
- Am I interested in research projects, writing papers, and presenting academic material in front of a group?
- So soon after graduation, will I possess the motivation necessary to complete independent projects and study effectively in a library?
- Am I in the financial position, willing to live frugally for the next few years?
It is important to specify and clarify your goals regarding graduate school before applying. As you investigate your possible choices after graduation, be sure to consider all your options. Sometimes gaining relevant work experience can help you clarify your goals and enhance your application credentials.
HELPFUL GRAD SCHOOL RESOURCES
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Peterson's Testing Reference Center
Peterson's Testing and Education Reference Center (Follow this link and then click on "Testing and Education Reference Center" on the left side of the page that results; note: this can only be accessed from on-campus) Thinking about grad school? Search thousands of graduate, law, M.B.A., nursing, and distance learning (online) opportunities by program, state, tuition, and more to find the graduate school that's right for you. Then, prepare for the GRE, MCAT, NCLEX, LSAT, and other licensing or graduate school admissions exams to score high and ensure your spot in that perfect grad school. When you use the www.petersons.com site, you should consider registering with the "My Peterson's" option. It allows you to:
- Stay on top of important dates & deadlines
- Explore colleges and build your lists
- Discover unique research opportunities
- Learn to write personal statements and resumes Peterson's helps you prepare for tests, find the right school, explore financial aid, and advance your career.
GradSource.com is a comprehensive and engaging online resource for university students and professionals considering graduate studies and professional degrees. With in-depth information on many programs, grad school overviews, virtual tours, maps, articles and the latest college news, your resource for grad school studies and education starts with GradSource!