Graduate school can be a big decision. It’s an investment of time and money, and it’s not always clear what you’ll get out of it. If you’re thinking about attending graduate school, there are a few things you should consider beforehand.
Here are some questions to ask about graduate school before you make your decision.
67 Questions you can ask about graduate school:
- What are the job prospects after graduation?
- Can I see myself in this field for the rest of my career?
- Do I need a graduate degree to advance in my chosen field?
- How long will it take me to complete the program?
- Is there a thesis or capstone project required for graduation?
- What are the program’s admissions requirements?
- Do I meet the admissions requirements?
- What is the program’s curriculum like?
- Does the program offer any specialization tracks?
- Are there any areas of the curriculum I’m not particularly interested in?
- What kind of hands-on experience will I get during the program?
- Do I have time to commit to a full-time graduate program while working full-time?
- Is there an online or hybrid option available?
- What kind of support does the school offer students?
- Do they have a career services office to help with job placement after graduation?
- How accessible are faculty and staff outside of class time?
- Will I be able to visit campus before making a final decision?
- Is there anything else I should know before applying?
- What are my career goals?
- Does graduate school align with my career goals?
- Can I get there without going to graduate school?
- Can I afford it?
- How long will it take?
- Will my salary increase with this degree?
- What is the job market like in this field?
- Am I passionate about this subject?
- Do I want to study this subject full-time?
- Do I want to live in this city during grad school?
- Is the program reputable?
- Do they have a good placement rate for graduates?
- Have their alumni gone on to successful careers?
- Do the faculty have a good mix of research and teaching experience?
- Does the department have a good reputation within the field?
- Does the department have good relationships with industry partners?
- Will I be able to get funding for my research projects?
- Why do I want to go to graduate school?
- Am I willing to relocate for graduate school?
- How will I finance my education?
- Do I have the time to dedicate to pursuing a degree?
- What is the admissions timeline for the schools I’m interest ted in?
- What is the GRE, and do I need to take it?
- Where do I want to study? In an urban or rural setting? Near family or friends?
- Do I want a small or large school?
- Do I want a private or public school?
- Do I prefer a religious or secular school?
- Are there specific programs, majors, or areas of study that interest me?
- Does the school offer coursework relevant to my interests?
- Do they have world-renowned faculty in my field of interest?
- What kind of research opportunities are available at the school?
- Can I see myself studying there for 2-3 years (or more)?
- What do current students and recent alumni say about their experience at the school?
- How will pursuing a graduate degree help me reach my goals?
- What are the different types of graduate programs available?
- Which type of program is the best fit for me?
- Do I need a graduate degree to achieve my goals?
- How much will it cost to pursue a graduate degree?
- What kind of financial aid or scholarships are available?
- How long will it take to complete a graduate degree?
- When do I need to start taking classes?
- Where will I be taking classes?
- Are there evening classes available?
- How competitive is each program I’m considering?
- Will I be able to get the courses I need in order to graduate in a timely manner?
- Who are the professors in each department and what are their research interests?
- What unique research opportunities or facilities does each department offer?
- What kinds of internship or practicum experiences are available through each department?
- What kinds of extracurricular activities or organizations are available through each department/college/university?
Frequently Asked Questions
What do you mean by graduate school?
Graduate school is an institution that awards advanced academic degrees such as master’s and doctoral degrees. A person may attend graduate school after completing a bachelor’s degree program, or they may attend graduate school to earn a specific credential or certificate.
Why is it called graduate school?
Graduate school is called that because it is the next step in your education after you get your bachelor’s degree. It is a place where you can learn more about your chosen field of study and get more advanced training in that field.
What is the purpose of graduate school?
Graduate school is meant to give students the opportunity to specialize in a particular field and learn more about their chosen field. It also provides the opportunity to make contacts and improve one’s professional skills.
Conclusion
These are just a few of the many questions you should ask yourself before making the decision to go to graduate school. Weigh your options carefully and do your research; Graduate school is a big commitment, but it can be worth it if you’re sure it’s the right decision for you!
