If you are considering going to graduate school to earn a master’s degree and are looking for ways to improve your chances, here are some tips that can help you.
- Start the process early, even if you are still an undergraduate. If you know that you want to attend graduate school, start working for it now. On the most basic level it is important to get good grades. If you can, take as many advance courses as is possible with your degree and work load. If possible, assist professors with teaching and research- this will make for excellent grad school practice and will likely provide you with a fabulous recommendation. Start the application process early. The early you complete it, the more the admissions committee will know how dedicated you are.
- Look into the tests required for you master’s program. Tests like the LSAT, MCAT, and GRE require extensive amounts of preparation. Study a lot, take practice tests, and use a study guide. Some people don’t think that a study guide is that important; ignore them. Study guides can drastically improve your scores if you use them correctly.
- Apply to multiple schools. It is suggested that you apply to at least six different graduate school programs. Even if there is one that you want most and you think that you’re a great candidate, it is wise to have safety schools. Research other schools to decide where else you would be comfortable going. The more schools you apply to, the higher the likelihood that you’ll get accepted somewhere.
- Know that the admissions committee for graduate school is very different than for undergraduate degrees. For master’s programs, the professors decide, so it is a much more personal process. Visit your prospective schools and make a point to talk with the professors. Try to make a good impression so that when they consider your application they associate positive things with you. If you manage to meet a professor, strike up an email conversation as follow up. Ask them about their research or other aspects of interest in the master’s program.
- Include any articles or publications that you have written in your application. Graduate school is primarily reading and writing; having a published piece demonstrates a high level of skill and is testament to the kind of student that you will be.
- Stay abreast of any developments in your prospective schools. If new grants or donations are made for research projects they may be accepting more grad students then normal as a way to use the money. This can up your chances for acceptance.
- If you are unsure about whether to pursue a master’s degree or a doctorate, go for the doctorate. Doctorate applicant receive a higher preference and there is usually an option to switch to master’s if you so choose later on down the road.
These are just some suggestions of ways to make yourself a more appealing candidate to the graduate schools of your choice. Obtaining a master’s degree requires a lot of work no matter how you go about it, so you might as well get ahead of the game by applying early and studying hard.
Almost every graduate school in the country requires that all applicants submit letters of recommendation. While your admission to graduate school largely depends on other factors such as GPA, extracurricular activities and a superb application essay, a few stellar recommendations from a trusted source could be what tips the scales for you getting into the graduate school of your choice. Here are some helpful tips for going about getting recommendation letters.
First, pay close attention to how many letter of recommendation your graduate school of choice asks for. This number is usually three. Although you may think it will help you to find more, don’t waste your time. Admissions representatives are very busy and will usually not read extra letters.
Next, it is time to think of who to ask for recommendations. Always consider the titles of people you are asking for this important favor. People like your current and past professors or supervisors would be excellent choices. Just be sure that these people can attest to qualities that are relevant to your master’s degree focus, your work ethic and your academic excellence. Remember that who they are is just as important as what they will say about you. Steer clear of getting letters from friends or family.
Once, you have selected people to ask for recommendations to graduate school, make sure to select a few backups as well. Writing a letter for you would purely be a favor and some people may say no. It is best to approach your selected people by scheduling a face-to-face meeting instead of via email. This will give you an opportunity to better explain what your recommendation should focus on.
A few other tips…
- Ask sooner, not later. Two months notice for a recommendation letter is ideal.
- Confidential letters, i.e. ones you can’t read and are sealed, are more trusted by admissions personnel.
- Start establishing relationships with mentors and professors now. These are the people you will end up approaching for recommendations.
- If someone who is writing the letter doesn’t know you very well, provide them with additional background information.
By Briana
There will be few times in your life that will be as stressful as graduate school. From special projects, to an externship, to your master’s thesis, you will definitely find yourself struggling under the pressure and demands of being a graduate student. Learning more about stress management can really make a difference in your quality of life during your studies. Completing graduate school is important, but nothing is more important than your health and well-being.
Symptoms of stress
It can be hard for some people to realize or admit they are suffering from too much stress. However, stress can really get in the way of your graduate school goals. Psychological effects of stress can include confusion, forgetfulness, worsened temper and a higher level of worry. Physical effects can take the form of head and muscle aches or changes in appetite or amount of sleep. If your are experiencing any of these, stress could be well on its way to messing up your life.
Reducing stress
There are actually many ways in which to reduce the stress that comes with graduate school. The first step is to take back control of your life by getting organized and managing your time more effectively. If you can figure out a solid schedule and maintain it, you will feel like less of a victim of your obligations. This means no procrastinating as well. Getting things done on time or even early will just rid yourself of worries faster.
Now that you have gotten control of your daily routine, it is time to start taking care of your body with regular exercise and healthy eating. Finding time to exercise doesn’t have to mean joining a gym or taking hours out of your day. You can simply lead a more active lifestyle by walking or biking instead of driving, doing household chores regularly or even using free weights or riding a stationary bike while watching TV. Also, be sure to get between seven to eight hours of sleep per night. It really will keep you fresh and alert for your graduate school classes.
Another important part of stress management is to find someone to confide in or to keep a diary or journal. Our own thoughts can be our worst enemy when stressed out and your worries about graduate school could eat you alive if not let out in some form.
By Briana
There are a lot of reasons to decide to attend graduate school: you are wanting to advance your experience in a given subject; your profession requires specialized training; or your career has climaxed and requires an advanced education to jump start it. These among others are the motivating factors for an individual to seek out a master’s degree. Graduate school is a tremendous investment of time and financial resources and is something that needs to be very carefully thought out. If you believe that a master’s program is the appropriate next step for you, these are some things to consider when selecting the right graduate school.
What is your desired specialization? It is very important to make sure that you pursue a higher education in something that interests you, but it is also important that you consider the job market. Some fields are destined to continue growing, while others may begin to decline due to technological advancements, public interests, etc. Selecting a master’s program that is both of interest to you and is in a healthy job market are important factors in your decision
The rank of a university can signify, for some people, the quality of education and the level of resources available to them. While this is true, there are other factors that contribute to the rank of a graduate school. Some of these include things like cost (higher ranks often mean higher tuition), and higher student-to-faculty ration, which can actually detract from the educational experience in many cases. If rank is important to you, be sure to look into why your master’s program is ranked the way it is.
Where a graduate school is located can have a significant impact on your life. First and foremost, is it located somewhere that you can live for 2-6 years, possibly more depending on the job market? Depending on your own personal status- marriage, children, allergies, health priorities, etc- you may have unique points of consideration when selecting a location. Perhaps your only real requirement is staying near family, and is not as complicated as some of the others. Regardless of the circumstances, choosing a master’s program that is in the right location is something that should not be overlooked.
The faculty at a graduate school plays an even larger role than an undergraduate faculty, in that once you have gained admittance to a master’s program, you will earn the majority of your education from a major professor. It is important that you get along with them, that your career goals and ideas work with theirs, and that they have a good reputation; theirs will most certainly impact yours. Again, you will be working with them for anywhere from 2 to 6 years.
The cost of your graduate school education can have a lasting affect. Student loans can be hard to pay off, so it is best to get as much financial aid as you can. Different universities offer different amounts of aid. In general, master’s programs have less aid available than PHD programs. Many PHD programs offer tuition remission or assistantships to help students with their expenses. Aid is definitely available for people pursuing master’s degrees, but it is important to know how much is available and from where.
Finally, you’ll want to consider the quality of life of your master’s degree experience. Depending on your circumstances you’ll want to look into child care availability, employment opportunities for spouses, the local cost of living, and the weather. If you are going to end up spending 2-6 years somewhere, these are all things that can significantly enhance or diminish your experience.
The best way to go about this is to start considering all of these things early. Give yourself time to learn as much as you can, ask questions, and gain an understanding of the different graduate school programs and locations. Once you have answered all the necessary questions, it should be fairly easy to make a decision as to where to apply to gain a master’s degree.
How to choose a graduate school
There are numerous reasons to go to graduate school- maybe you want to have a higher income, or your dream job requires it, or maybe you are just eager to learn something in greater depth. No matter the reason, the decision to attend graduate school will get you to the same question: Which grad school should you attend? Here are a few steps to take when trying to select the best grad school for your needs.
- Location. It is probably best to first explore the options in your area. In doing so you’ll want to look into the different types of master’s programs at the schools near you, and decide which, if any, best suit your needs. Ask yourself questions like, what do I want out of graduate school? What are my professional goals? What are my academic goals? Make a list of the answers and use this to better help you navigate through the decision.
- Graduate school can often be expensive so you’ll want to look for schools that offer financial aid or assistance. Financial assistance programs will sometimes offer free enrollment or a work-study program that offers a little pay for a certain amount of work on campus.
- Explore what are considered to be the most reputable master’s programs for your interests. You can find this out by asking advisers, professors in your area, or people working in a related field.
- Learn the admission requirements for different programs. Determine whether or not you can meet them, and what the time frame from application to actual enrollment will be.
- Take the GRE or equivalent test if you haven’t already. Not all master’s degree programs require that you take it, but most do. Be sure to find out whether or not it is required and give yourself about six months to prepare for it. Some people spend less time preparing, but the more time the better.
- Based on all of your research, you should have an idea of which schools are best for you and can move on from there.
Top 5 graduate school myths
Attending graduate school is a major decision, perhaps one of the biggest decisions you’ll ever make. These days, with a recession plaguing the job market, people are extra hesitant about how they spend their money, especially whether or not is going to spent on graduate school. As a result, there have been several myths created about master’s programs that aid in people choosing against it. Here is a list of the top five myths about graduate school, and the truths behind them.
Graduate school is a “hide out” for a few years until job prospects look better: The truth is that deciding to earn a master’s degree is anything but passive. In fact, it is an aggressive an proactive decision that will only enhance your position in the job market. With limited jobs out there, the more qualified you are and the more you stand out, the better your chances at getting the job. Having a master’s degree enhances your appeal to prospective employers.- Graduate school is expensive and not worth the potential debt: Some people have the luxury of wealth, but most don’t. Chances are that attending a grad school will require taking out loans and getting scholarships. Statistics consistently show, even through the recession, that individuals that have earned a master’s degree make more than those with only a BA or BS. Aside from the likely higher income, there is often more job security in being specialized- especially if you go into teaching.
- Unless you are 100% of what you want to do, graduate school is a gamble: First of all, no one is ever 100% sure of what they want to do. Career advisers often urge job seekers to accept good opportunities wherever they arise, even if they aren’t exactly what the individual set out to do. Earning a master’s degree reinvigorates your employment outlook, and is a great way to establish contacts and encounter new facets of your interests. Most master’s can be applied and reapplied to interrelating fields, further expanding your job market.
- Graduate school means putting life on hold: This is a strange concept, considering that life is always happening, no matter your occupation. But, if it is a concern, there are several things to keep in mind. There are a wealth of flexible programs that can suit your life’s needs. Many schools offer online degree programs that don’t require you to attend actual classes. In addition to that, most master’s programs can be completed in two years or less, or there are part time enrollment options. In other words, there are plenty of ways to experience a normal life while earning a graduate degree.
- Graduate school is only for college professors in tweed jackets: Master’s programs are not only for academics. These days more and more mainstream jobs are requiring master’s degrees for employment. There are numerous ways to enhance your career without need of becoming a college professor or other form of academic.
Hopefully, busting through these graduate school myths can give you more confidence in your decision to attend a master’s program. No matter what, learning is a great way to enhance your life in all aspects and will undoubtedly help you progress, even if it isn’t exactly how you imagine it.
It can be a scary thing to start the journey toward earning your master’s degree. However, you are not alone. Many people have been in your shoes before and can offer valuable advice, not to mention the counselors who are paid to guide you in the right direction. Still, you may feel overwhelmed and don’t know where to start. Here are a few tips to reassure you on your path to higher education.
- Know your requirements – Now that you’ve gotten into the master’s program of your choice, it is important to fully understand what is required in order to complete it. This should be one of your very first steps. Take advantage of any hand-outs, rubrics or other documentation that aims to explain the program’s requirements. Even if you feel your questions have been answered, you should still see your adviser to confirm what you know about the program. It is easy to misinterpret university jargon so always double-check to make sure you’ve got the right information to attain your master’s degree.
- Know the demands – Just because you know what classes you need for your master’s degree, doesn’t mean you know exactly how intense they will be. Feel free to talk to professors about their classes before enrolling. It would also be wise to talk with other students to find out how they managed certain classes. Your counselor should also have some ideas on what to expect and will be able to help you set realistic goals in terms of balancing school with work.
- Find support – Chances are you will encounter hard times during your pursuit of a master’s degree. Before this happens, look into student support groups and study groups on campus. These groups will not only provide you with academic help, but also with emotional guidance and lasting friendships. You may also forget that advisers and professors are usually willing to provide support as well, so feel free to reach out to them.
- Free time – While you may be willing to sacrifice all of your free time while in your master’s program, don’t. Leisure and recreation are vital to wellness and wellness is vital to academic success. If you have a schedule that takes away every minute of rest, you need to make some cuts in order to maintain your sanity. Even if its just for an hour a day or half a day per week, it really does make a difference.
Look at the graduating students above. Some of these students are going directly onto graduate school and some are planning to embark on their careers. Of the students going directly to graduate school, all of them considered this next level of education early on into their college careers. If you plan on enrolling in a master’s program or other graduate programs, the earlier you make the decision, the better. However, going directly to graduate school isn’t the best option for everybody.
A clear reason to go directly to graduate school is because your career path requires it. Doctors and lawyers have to go onto to higher education after college to even qualify for jobs in their field. Masters programs are ideal for those who have a very specific idea of what they would like to do. If you are more open to other possibilities, you may want to dive into the work force before considering your master’s degree. Also, because graduate school will prove to be more demanding than your college curriculum, make sure you are not burnt out and have maintained your study skills throughout your college career. If you are a great student and still have a passion for learning after graduating, why not continue on to graduate school?
Postponing graduate school also has a number of benefits. First, gaining real-life work experience can often help you get admitted into a master’s program. Those with lower GPAs will especially need this help to qualify. Your work experience will also help you narrow down your academic focus for graduate school as well as give you a broader view of your chosen field. An added plus is that some employers will even foot the bill for your graduate studies as an investment into your success as an employee.
Whenever you choose to go to graduate school, you will give yourself more options the earlier you look into schools and their admissions requirements. So if you are a current student and the thought even crosses your mind, do some research and see if you have what it takes to go to graduate school.
Graduate school may not be right for everyone, but it does have some important benefits. Depending on what you do, earning a master’s degree can seriously enhance your professional career. If you are not sure if graduate school is right for you, I would suggest taking time to consider your personal, educational, and professional goals to see if your career path would benefit from earning a master’s degree.
Some of the most common, and most valuable reasons to attend graduate school are:
- Grad students are more marketable, especially for management type positions, and they usually are capable of making a significant amount more money than people without a master’s degree.
- Individuals that enroll in a master’s program put themselves in a position to experience exponential professional growth and development. Most graduate students have been in the work force for a while and by combining that experience with a higher level of education you become an extremely desirable package to employers.
- Graduate school enables individuals to become specialized. Master’s programs allow you to choose a specialty that will help to advance your skills by becoming an expert in your field.
- Attending graduate school opens up new opportunities that may not have been available previously. It is not uncommon for employers to require a master’s degree for specialized jobs these days; having a master’s could land you your dream job.
- Perhaps one of the greatest bonuses of attending graduate school is the opportunity to network with others. Your peers and professors can become great resources once you enter the work force. Sometimes who you know is more important than what you know.
These are only a few reasons to attend a master’s program, but there are plenty of others. I would suggest making a list of all the reasons that you should attend graduate school and how it can benefit you specifically. Be sure to do your research, and don’t be afraid to look into how much more money you could make. Graduate school could quite possibly make your professional dreams come true.
The specific requirements necessary to qualify for graduate school vary somewhat depending on the masters degree and program that you want to get into. Some of the basic qualifications for a masters degree are similar for every masters program at accredited colleges and universities.
- Academic Prerequisites
If you are interested in continuing your education and receive a masters degree, you need to understand that most masters programs are extremely competitive. The minimum grade point average required for acceptance into almost every graduate school and masters program is a 3.5, although. there are several masters programs that will not even consider an applicant that has less than a 4.0 in their undergraduate studies. The majority of graduate schools and masters programs require that applicants complete the standardized GED exam with a passing grade. The GED is a comprehensive exam that covers many of the basic subjects that masters degree students need to be proficient in.
- Extracurricular Activities
Getting into graduate school can be easier if you are involved in three or four substantial extracurricular activities. The clubs you are a member of, the volunteer work you do for your community and the sports you play are the things that make your application stand out from the other masters degree applications. Popular masters programs typically receive far more applications than they can accept each school year. In order to increase your odds of being accepted into these graduate schools, you should make sure that you are involved in at least three extracurricular activities that you can list on your graduate school application.
- The Importance of the Application Essay
One of the most vital portions of a graduate school application is the personal application essay. This essay is your opportunity to prove that you can write at a masters degree level. Graduate school application essays ask you to explain why you feel you would be a good candidate for the masters program. The essay can be somewhat informal, but it needs to address your specific qualifications towards your masters degree and how you would be an asset to the masters program. When you write your essay, think about who will be reading it and try to cater your writing specifically toward the graduate school faculty you want to impress. (Here you can find tips on writing the perfect application essay)
Fundamental Aspects of the Essay
Your graduate school application essay will be considered on many different levels. The content of the application essay needs to be organized and well thought out. The essay should show that you understand the basic construction of a formal essay, opening paragraph, thesis statement, supporting paragraphs and a solid closing statement. Since this is the only opportunity for you to communicate with the people who will decide whether or not to accept you into their masters degree program, you should present your best work. Grammar and spelling need to be perfect. The style of a good application essay should be engaging and relatively informal without slipping into the use of slang or extremely casual terms.
