Should I Go to Graduate School Important Questions to Consider?

Answer 1

If you are ending your college career, you may be wondering whether or not you should attend graduate school. Here are some questions to ask yourself and important aspects to consider as you enter (or continue) the graduate school discernment process.

• Will getting a graduate degree help me to get the job I really want in the future? When considering graduate school, it’s important to keep in mind the “end game.” Is the degree you are considering absolutely necessary for the job you would like to have in the future or is there another way of attaining this goal? It’s important to look at all of your options.
• What do job prospects in my field look like? What are the predictions for the future? It’s important to be realistic about your job options when you finish your graduate degree.
• Is funding available? Many graduate programs offer student funding in the form of scholarships, grants or teaching assistantships. Find out what types of funding is available in your field.
• What are your options in terms of attending graduate school full-time or part-time. There are benefits and downfalls to both scheduling arrangements. It’s important to consider the pros and cons of both options.
• What are your options in terms of in-person and online programs (or hybrid programs)? What are the pros and cons of each of these ways of obtaining a graduate degree?
• How does graduate school fit into the rest of my life? How will attending graduate school impact other aspects of your professional and personal lives such as family, job, hobbies and interests, etc.?

There is no “one-size-fits-all” approach to graduate school. You choices will depend largely upon your personal circumstances.