Going to Graduate School
Many careers require an education beyond the bachelor’s degree, and graduate school can be the path to a satisfying career. Before you take the leap, you’ll need an overview of typical graduate programs and an understanding of how to pay for your graduate education.
Samples of Graduate Programs
- Medical School: If you want to attend medical school, you’ll need high grades, a strong science background and good scores on the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT). After four years of medical school, you will also be expected to attend a residency program where you learn more about your medical specialty. Upon completion of the residency program, you must pass a nationwide licensing examination.
- Law School: No matter what major you’re in, you’ll need to show your logic and reasoning skills by taking the Law School Admission Test (LSAT). You can expect to be in law school for about three years. After you graduate law school, you must pass a state bar exam to become licensed to practice law in a particular state.
- Business School: Business schools want their students to have plenty of real-world work experience, along with good scores on the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT). For some programs, you may need to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) as well. The length of an MBA program is about two years, although some accelerated programs are available. If you want to work and attend a part-time MBA program at the same time, it may take longer than two years.
- Other Graduate Programs: Most other programs, whether they are based in the sciences or the humanities, require scores from the GRE. You may also be required to take a GRE subject test in your chosen field. A program’s length and requirements vary depending on whether you pursue a master’s or a doctorate (Ph.D.) degree. Master’s programs typically last for two years and may require the completion of a thesis to graduate. Doctorate programs typically require a lengthier dissertation to graduate. The typical time to obtain a doctorate degree is around five years, but it varies depending on the program and the time it takes you to write your dissertation. Both master’s and doctorate programs may also include a comprehensive examination of all relevant subjects after completion of your course work.
Applying to Graduate Programs
Although each graduate program is different, you’ll need to make sure your application is at its best before you apply. While you’re studying for either the MCAT, the LSAT, the GMAT or the GRE, you might feel as if you are applying to college all over again, only with higher stakes. Most graduate programs are highly selective, so you will need good test scores, high grades and excellent letters of recommendation to get noticed by admissions departments.
Since graduate school acts as a bridge between college and a professional career, you’ll also need to approach your application almost as if you were applying for a job straight out of college. For example, some programs, such as medical schools, may want you to interview with them in person before they accept you. Other programs may request a professional résumé along with your application. These resources can help you get prepared:
Planning for College: Requesting References
Finding Funding for Your Education
Graduate school can be expensive, especially if you already have student loans remaining from college. When applying for financial aid for graduate school, you will need to factor in what you already owe. You may be able to defer your federal student loans by entering graduate school, but you’ll still need to pay off those loans after your studies are over.
If you are wondering how much you should take out in student loans, consider how much you will make in your first year on the job after you graduate. Do not take a loan any larger than this amount. Someone in medical school, for example, might be able to take out higher student loans because he or she will have a higher starting salary than an aspiring anthropology professor. Ask representatives of your target programs about job placement and average salaries. You will also need to take the debts you already have into account.
Some graduate programs offer fellowships or teaching and research assistantships, in which you earn money by teaching introductory classes or performing research in a lab. Most of these fellowships or assistantships will also cover part or all of your tuition. It all depends on the type of program you enter. For example, you may receive a financial-aid offer that includes grants and loans, as well as a teaching assistantship.
These resources can help you get a refresher course in financial aid:
College Board Student Loan Calculator
Checklist: Financial Aid Application
What to Expect from a Graduate Program
Whether you are studying to be a lawyer or a nuclear physicist, you will need to develop several qualities in order to succeed. As with any career, it is important to maintain good relationships with advisors who will guide you through your training, your research or your dissertation, depending on the program. Having good advisors and mentors is essential, so reach out to those who share your research focus and demonstrate an interest in your work.
Graduate students also may find themselves teaching classes to undergraduates while they are doing their own research. People often teach during graduate school for extra income or to gain additional experience. Others choose to take on a part-time job to help decrease their debt. If you think you may be working and studying at the same time, you will need to plan your schedule carefully so you can successfully juggle your research, your writing and your job.