Pexels
If you're deciding if and when to go to grad school, there are several factors for you to consider, particularly during a pandemic. Ask the following questions to help determine what route is best for you.
The most important question is whether graduate school is necessary for your career. To figure this out, try to conduct informational interviews with people who hold positions you're drawn to and make an appointment with someone in your career center for additional guidance.
If you do find out that graduate school helps you land your dream job or advance your career, you'll still need to determine when to go. Some industries, like technology, government and pharmaceuticals, prefer a candidate who has some work experience in addition to a master's degree (which some employees earn on the side while working full-time). For other jobs that require a PhD or which are in academia, check out available job openings, programs with strong tenure-track placement history, and whether field experience makes you a more competitive candidate. Before you invest time into your application (and years in an advanced degree program!), you'll want to know you've taken all the appropriate steps for success.
Do you want to work while earning a graduate degree? Do you prefer to attend class online, in-person, or maybe a little bit of both? These are important questions even in a post-pandemic world! Having the flexibility to switch between part-time or full-time during different semesters may mean you can take an entry level job in your field while working toward a degree (and a promotion).
Unfortunately, the pandemic has shown that none of us can predict how graduate programs may adjust their structures. You can, however, research how they've handled the situation thus far. Talk to admissions officers about what changes have been made and interview current students about how their experience has been. Some conversation starters that can offer you important insight include:
For admission officers…
You likely have other responsibilities and goals beyond completing graduate school. Whether you need to support your parents, or you want to start a family or move to a different city, you should seriously consider whether you want to do both at the same time. Graduate school and, well, life, can be challenging and stressful. It's certainly possible to do both, but it's up to you to decide how you want to spend your time, money and mental energy. What worked for one person may not be right for you. That's why it's important to trust your gut and thoroughly research programs that are compatible with your specific situation.
Ultimately, if you decide going to graduate school is right for you, the best time to go is when you feel you can be most successful. As you consider your career and life goals, financial health and the challenges brought on by COVID-19, be honest with what will best serve you. Graduate school is a long road, so be sure that you have a map to follow for the journey. For more updates on admissions during COVID-19 and study tips and tricks, subscribe to our YouTube channel.
That’s why you want to use your authentic voice when writing any college essay.
So what’s the problem? A student has shared an ess…
I recently visited Washington University in Saint Louis and was lucky enough to set up an interview. By speaking with peers of mi…
Note: Click here for 10 Summer Programs You Can Still Apply For or keep reading to learn more about academic index scores.
Podcasts can offer a wealth of information to busy students, particularly when it comes to the college admissions process. We…
Decision Day occurs each year on May 1st and is the deadline for students to inform the college of their choice of their intent t…
Ascent offers cosigned and non-cosigned student loans with exclusive benefits that set students up for success.
Explore Now!Want to find money for school that doesn’t need to be paid back? Access insights and advice on how to search and apply for scholarships!