Graduate/Professional School Prep
Is grad school for me?
Graduate and professional schools are for people who need additional credentials beyond an undergraduate degree to reach their career goals. The decision of whether or not to extend your education should be made after careful weighing of options and examining your career goals.
If you are considering graduate school, answer these questions:
- What do I want to do after grad school?
- Does it require an advanced degree?
- Should I take a year off?
- Am I better off getting practical experience instead?
- Am I afraid of burnout?
- Do I have job prospects?
- Am I sure what I want to study?
- Can I afford more schooling right now?
When choosing a graduate school, consider these factors:
Admission Standards
Find out the program requirements: Are your grades acceptable? Are extra activities or work experience required? How is admission determined? Are exams required?
Geography
Choose a place where you'll feel comfortable and where you can afford living. If you plan to relocate with a significant other or a family, consider related factors such as the job market, children's schools, and the region's lifestyle. Is it a good fit?
Cost
Determine the cost of the program, including living expenses. Can you afford it? Is financial aid available and do you qualify? Are there any paid teaching or research positions available at the school?
Accessibility
Determine how easy it will be to get the classes you want and their availability at the time you need them. How is the commute? Is distance education offered?
Certification/Accreditation
It's vital that the program you choose be accepted in the field you are pursuing. Find out what accreditations, certifications, or licenses are necessary in your field and make sure your chosen program meets any national, state, or local guidelines.
Program
What does the program entail? Does it fit your needs and the needs of your chosen profession? Will it adequately prepare you for the next step?
Time
Find out how long it usually takes students to complete the program and determine if this timeline works for you.
Reputation
Look into the reputation of the program as well as the school. It is important that the program you choose is respected and well received.
Faculty
This goes along with reputation. Are the faculty respected in their fields? Are they current with the latest theories and trends?
Employment Statistics
Investigate the employment stats for graduates of this program. Are people being hired in their chosen field? What salaries are graduates being offered?
Graduate School Resources
Admission Tests
- GMAT - Graduate Management Admission Test
- LSAT - Law School Admission Test
- MCAT - Medical College Admission Test
Test Prep Resources
- Mometrix e-library
Provides over 1,800 study guides, practice tests and flashcards for standardized, educational, and professional exams including the NCLEX, MCAT, LSAT, PRAXIS, GRE, GMAT, and NCE.
Directories
- GraduateGuide.com
Directory of searchable graduate school listings along with testing information, financial aid and graduate school news - JobsWeb
Job and graduate school information - Gradschools.com
Comprehensive information for schools and programs around the U.S and the world - Educational Testing Service
Information about many assessment tests - Peterson's Graduate School Guides
Guides to thousands of programs and general information - America's Best Graduate Schools
List of the best graduate schools in America
Tips and Information
- US News Education
Grad School rankings and knowledge centers - EssayEdge.com
"Graduate School Statements 101" a six section course on admissions essay writing and editing - Richardson Prep Center
Admission test preparation - The Princeton Review
Admission test preparation - The Chronicle of Higher Education
The No. 1 source of news, information and jobs for college and university faculty members & administrators - FinAid
Guide to different types of financial aid