Is Graduate School Right For You?
If you’re thinking about pursuing a graduate degree, you should first consider the following:
- Do you have clearly defined goals that include graduate school?
- Have you researched your desired career path to determine what graduate degree and program is best?
- Do you have experience in the field? Volunteer work and projects count.
- Is the degree necessary?
- Will gaining some additional experience maximize your competitiveness?
- Is your GPA competitive enough for your graduate school goals?
- Have you planned ahead or are you rushing through the application process?
- Are you looking forward to continuing your education?
- Have you thought about how you’ll pay for a graduate degree?
Identifying and Researching Degree Programs
There are two steps in identifying appropriate graduate programs. First, you want to identify what type of degree you should be pursuing. This will then help narrow down which programs you’ll research.
Admissions Testing and Applications
Most graduate schools have similar application requirements. It’s important that you always check the specific requirements for the programs to which you’re applying. These may include: Admissions exams, online applications, recommendations, application statements and essays, research proposals, transcripts and interviews.
Application Timelines
Application timelines can vary depending on degree and program, institution, or even global location.
Funding and Scholarships
Students should look for funding opportunities through the specific program(s) they are applying to. Students might also consider serving as Teaching, Graduate and Residential Assistants while in graduate school.
Medical School and Healthcare
The Greene Center works to prepare students for medical, dental, veterinary, nursing, or other health-related graduate schools programs. Our advisors can assist you in building a competitive candidacy for medical school by providing assistance with:
- Understanding the various academic requirements
- Gaining experience
- MCAT information
- Applying
For more information on preparing for medical school, schedule a meeting with a career advisor or visit the health professions advising website.
Law School
Before you begin exploring law school it’s important determine if it’s the right option for you by thinking about why you want to pursue a law degree. There is no ‘penalty’ for waiting a year or two before heading to law school and in some cases waiting may work to your advantage.
