Is Graduate School Right for Me?

• Identify your true motivations for wanting to go to graduate school. Delaying entering the world of work, pleasing a family member, or following guidance without researching the necessity of a grad program are generally not good reasons to attend graduate school

• Talk with faculty members in your field of interest to learn about the admission process and identify potential graduate schools

• Look up faculty doing research in your field of interest and see what kind of research they publish

• Participate in research that is related to your field of interest

• Research the financial aspects of applying to a graduate program, including looking into possible funding sources such as fellowships, scholarships, teaching or research assistantships, or student loans

Before pursuing additional education, ask yourself: 

Why do I want to go to graduate school?

Many people completing undergraduate degrees have been consistently enrolled in school for the last 15+ years of their lives, and doing something that's not school can be hard to fathom. Though there are many reasons to go to grad school, it is not advisable to pursue further education just to delay getting a job.

Do I need a graduate degree to further my career?

Many people who think they need to go to grad school are basing those opinions off of biased sources. Take the time to look into job descriptions for jobs that you want now and in the future and see if a graduate degree is even required. It is also helpful to look at the job outlook for jobs in your field with bachelor's degrees versus graduate degrees.

Do I have the passion needed to engage in intensive study?

Pursuing a graduate degree is a rewarding experience, but will also be a new kind of challenge academically and professionally. Being passionate for a particular field is essential to stay motivated during the more challenging aspects of a graduate program.

What program will best fit my needs and interests?

Graduate degrees often require a greater level of specialization than an undergraduate program. That will mean searching for a program that is a good fit for your interests will involve digging deep into the classes offered, but knowing about the faculty, facilities, resources, and relationships that the program can offer you.

Should I develop more hands-on experience in my field before attending graduate school?

People completing their undergraduate degrees sometimes worry that they have to pursue a graduate education right away. However, according to an article from GraduateGuide.com, the average age of a graduate student is 33 years old. It can be beneficial to go into the working world and gain practical, hands on experience that will shape your expertise and interest in a field before pursuing a graduate degree. Additionally, some employers may offer tuition reimbursement to employees who are pursing a degree related to their field.

Can I afford graduate school?

This is a question that only you can decide for yourself. While many graduate programs offer financial aid, fellowships, graduate assistantships, and other ways to pay for your degree, you will likely need to find a way to support yourself during the course of a graduate program.

Should I attend graduate school full-time or part time?

• If you need your work income to help pay for graduate school or you have family responsibilities, it may be best to attend part-time.
• If your employer agrees to pay for your tuition while you are still working, part-time graduate attendance can be a win-win!
• Some graduate programs, such as many PhD programs, do not allow for part-time attendance, so make sure to check with the graduate admissions program.

Applying to graduate programs is a little different than applying to undergraduate programs. Most graduate programs are significantly smaller than the undergraduate equivalent, and accept a smaller pool of candidates. Additionally, you will be working much more closely with faculty during a graduate program, especially if you are pursuing a PhD.

Tips: 

• Browsing for "the best" programs isn't necessarily the way to find the best program for your interests. It is helpful to talk to people with degrees like the one you are interested in pursuing and see what programs they know about.

• In addition to reading about the program, look up the faculty that work at the institution. Take the time to go into scholarly journal databases and see what kind of research is being done in the program. If you find an interest in the research, it will both heighten your passion and help you identify faculty with whom to collaborate if you are selected for the program.

Graduate Program Research Resources: 

• The Graduate School Guide

• Graduate Colleges & Universities

• College Source Online

• GradSchools.com

• U.S. News: America's Best Graduate Schools

• Online PhD Program Information

Once you've identified the programs that meet your needs, it is time to start setting up your application. Every college will have different requirements for what you need to submit, as well as different deadlines. As a result, you will want to take careful notes about admission requirements and plan on submitting your applications well before they are due.

Application Requirements: 

Resume/CV

A resume is meant to be a summary of your relevant professional experience. When submitting a resume for a graduate program, make sure you are flexible about how you define professional experience: you may include relevant classes you've taken, projects you've completed, studying abroad experience, or other accomplishments from the years you were completing your degree. A CV (or curriculum vitae) is a much more comprehensive document that details your educational accomplishments, teaching experience, research, and other academic credentials.

Personal Statement

A personal statement is a document you will write responding to a prompt or prompts requested by the admissions department. Personal statements often need many revisions, and are benefited by being reviewed by many people ahead of submission.

Letter of Recommendation

A letter of recommendation is submitted by a professional in your field, most often a faculty member, to support your application. Note that these letters may be submitted in a variety of ways depending on the institution. You should request a letter of recommendation from your chosen faculty member well ahead of when they are due, typically at least a month if not more.

Test Scores

You may be required to take one or more academic tests prior to applying, such as the GRE, and then submitting those scores alongside your application.

Official UMass Transcript

An official UMass transcript is the document that certifies your academic accomplishments. Instructions for submitting your transcript can be found below.

Depending on your field of study, you may be required to complete one or more preliminary exams prior to submitting your application for grad school. These tests often have limited windows in which they can be completed, and as a result, you should research and schedule your exam dates well in advance of applying for a graduate program.

Common Grad School Tests

• GRE- Graduate Record Examinations

• CPA- Accounting Institute Seminars

• DAT- ADA Online: Dental Admission Testing Program

• GMAT- GMAC MBA Explorer

• LSAT- Law School Admission Council

• NCLEX- National Council of State Boards of Nursing

• MCAT- AAMC: Medical College Admission Test

Most graduate programs will ask you to submit three letters of recommendation from professionals in your field, most commonly faculty. A letter of recommendation takes time and thought to put together, so you should think about who you would like to ask carefully and give them as much notice as possible prior to your request. 

Tips: 

• Before asking, you should know to which programs you are planning on submitting applications and what the process will be for the faculty member in order to submit their letters of recommendation.
• When asking, plan on visiting the professor during their office hours to make the request in person. If you cannot, plan an e-mail that reminds the professor of who you are, details your request, and mentions why you have asked them specifically to write your letter.
• Note that a professor may say that they are unwilling to write a letter of recommendation for you. More often than not, it is because the professor does not know you well enough or does not have enough time to properly draft a recommendation. 

A personal statement is a document you will write responding to a prompt or prompts requested by the admissions department. Personal statements often need many revisions, and are benefited by being reviewed by many people ahead of submission. For more information on how to write a personal statement, visit the Personal Statement Guide.