Contemplating Graduate School

Plan accordingly to find the right graduate program for you.

Attending grad school is a big decision!

The application process requires a lot of time, effort and often money. The same can be said for the graduate degree itself. So how do you know if it's right for you?

Keep Reading to Learn:

If you should go on to graduate school
How to make decisions about prospective programs or schools
Resources for additional information gathering

How do I know if I should go to graduate school?

Clarity

Clarify your professional goals and consider if you need an advanced degree to reach them.

Research

Check the websites of programs that interest you.
Talk to your faculty and professionals in the field.

Additional Considerations

Do you feel ready for another 1-8 years of schooling (depending on the degree and program)?
Would it help to work in the field for a year or two before applying to school?
Is this a financial investment you can make?

How do I decide on a program or school?

Below are a series of questions for you to think about, process with family, mentors, staff and faculty at UST and learn more about with the assistance of prospective programs.

Ask yourself:

How do I Decide on a Program or School?

Faculty

Who would you want to work with on the faculty? What are their academic and research interests, and is that a good fit with your interests?

Opportunities

What are the research (and internship, if applicable) options available?

Statistics

What's the program's reputation and stats, like how many students who start the program finish it? What's the percentage of graduates who get jobs in the field or pass a licensing exam (if applicable)?

Affordability & Assistance

What's the cost? Consider the availability of assistantships, scholarships and fellowships. Do they offer stipends and will the amount cover your cost of living? Is health insurance included?

Next Steps

Consult sites such as these for researching graduate and professional schools:
Speak with your faculty advisor or mentor to ask discipline and field related questions regarding graduate school
Connect with the Career Development Center to reflect on options and the decision-making process