Choosing a Graduate School

Answer 1

When deciding to attend a University for Graduate School, there are many questions that one needs to consider, the most important of which is degree of study. Graduate Schools are not like undergraduate programs where a broad field of study is taught by the same rules, guidelines and philosophies. Graduate programs are specifically tailored for each discipline and there can often be separate programs for studies that are categorically linked. After you have decided what your main area of study is going to be, concentrate on the goals that are required for each program. Similar graduate level programs have very different ending goals; social psychology programs can be tailored for education purposes, lab/testing purposes, or have more real-world implications. In order to follow the right path throughout graduate school, students need to know where they want to end up upon completion. Though the process seems tedious and overwhelming at times, the more research and time you put into planning out your graduate school journey, the better your chances of a successful transition into graduate level studies.

If a student is already doing the research necessary to begin graduate school, it is likely that they have maintained high GPA and test scores throughout the undergraduate career and are highly motivated individuals that want to make a difference in their world. For reference, graduate schools only take the most promising of students, which means that it is quite the competition to get into a graduate school these days. In order to assure that you have what it takes to be evaluated for a graduate program, you must maintain a high GPA through undergraduate level courses, but you also have to be evaluated on a standardized scale; the GRE is that scale. The GRE is a test that can accurately determine where you are in comparison to other students trying to enter graduate school. This test proves a lot and studying is necessary! Not only does it serve as a way for committee members to separate the go's from the no's, it determines who gets research positions, grants, financial aid, and many more opportunities that can make or break your graduate school career. The GRE is not something to overlook and neither are letters of recommedation and your essay for admission. Promising applicants to graduate schools are equipped with high GRE scores, highly positive letters of recommendation and a great admissions essay. Focusing your attention on such details is bound to make you stand out amongst your peers and prepare you for academic excellence in graduate school.