The Wackerle Corner

Is graduate school right for you?

By: Andrea Emery
News Editor

Have you ever sat back and wondered what life has in store for you after Monmouth College? Some people choose to join the work force and train for a career, but what do you do if you are not ready to join the fast-paced job market? Consider another option: graduate school.

On Wednesday, Oct. 4, the Wackerle Career and Leadership Center will host more than 40 schools from a myriad of different locations at the annual Graduate and Professional School Fair to be held in the Stockdale Center. From 11 a.m. until 1 p.m., Monmouth College students will have the opportunity to meet and greet recruiters from schools all over the country. This event is open to all classes; anyone considering graduate school in the near future is encouraged to attend.

So how do you know if graduate school is right for you? According to gradschoolinfo.com, a website providing tips on what to expect when preparing for graduate school, students thinking about attending graduate school should “analyze their strengths, weaknesses and financial and social situations.” Graduate students are exposed to a narrowed field of study, more specific and concentrated than their undergraduate studies.

According to Petersons.com, a preparatory website for those interested in furthering their education, there are many things students can do to help them prepare for life after undergraduate school.

To begin the graduate school journey, define goals, get prepped and think money. According to the Peterson’s website, “College is about exploring your goals. Graduate school is about defining them.”

Next, begin to create a list of places you might like to go and talk to your advisors and professors about letters of recommendation. Having people to support you and make connections can be very important.

Taking admission exams is also another important step toward graduate school. Some schools may require an entrance exam while others may require standardized tests, such as the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the Law School Admission Test (LSAT). It is important you find out early which tests you will have to take and when applications are due.

During winter months, students interested in graduate school should apply for schools, create a “quantitative evaluation” of their strengths, and make sure financial aid is in order. According to Peterson’s website, “all graduate school students are considered to be independent for federal aid calculations.”

Finally, when all results are in, compare and contrast offers and look into alternatives. Loans and federal aid money may vary, so it is important to “shop around” during the grad school search. Fellowships (scholarships or grants) or assistantships (work-study programs which help pay for graduate school) are sometimes available to students who qualify.

So whether you are just thinking about graduate school, or know for sure you would like to go, do not wait until it is too late to start looking. The Graduate and Professional School Fair is not only an opportunity for seniors to seriously begin their search, but also an opportunity for freshmen, sophomores and juniors to get their feet wet and explore their options for the future. Attending the Graduate and Professional School Fair on Oct. 4 in Stockdale will only give you a “jump start” on the road to graduate school.