Would You Attend...

[nikki25]

The decision to attend graduate school is certainly a good one. However, the school one decides to attend shouldn't be solely based on emotion. The graduate schools that one applies to should be based on your ability to succeed after you've completed your program. So, to that end, you must ask yourself some hard questions about the school that you are considering:

1. Do they offer the program that I am interested in? (e.g. if you are interested in going to law school and the school you are considering doesn't offer your interest, environmental law--that school may not be the best fit for you)

2. What is the reputation of the program?

3. How successful are program graduates? (this can be obtained from alumni data)

4. Conduct a self-assessment by asking hard questions such as: Is graduate school really want I want to do now? Should I get some work experience? Is work experience necessary to get into the program? (for MBA students) Are the schools that I am considering located in place that I can live for two or more years? How far am I willing to be from home? Would this degree add value to my future net earnings?

5. What is the learning philosophy of the program? (for example, if you are interested in policy analysis or getting your MBA, you will need a school that believes in a strong work ethic and group projects)

There are many choices to consider. The Kaplan people have written a good book that can help you sort through these kinds of decisions. It was very helpful to me when I was thinking through this whole grad school idea. It is called Getting into Graduate School : Selection, Admissions, Financial Aid .

I atttended Hampton for undergrad. While it was an awesome and intellectually fruitful learning and growing experience, I would not have chosen it for graduate school. I wanted to learn in different environments, and so I have completed my master's and now pursuing my doctorate in predominantly white (one elitist and private and the other public and liberal) schools.