Like with most choices, there are pros and cons to going to graduate school. Consider what those are in your situation before making a decision. Remember, it is never too late to consider/attend graduate school. The path looks different for every person and there is no right/wrong way to do it. And remember, do not count yourself out! Use this page to guide your understanding of the paths to graduate school, listen to grad students recount their experience, and explore the various resources available to guide your independent search. Engage with the grad prep self course to ease you into the process of applying to graduate school.
Starter Considerations to Aid in your Decision Making
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Listen to the PodGrad episodes, where OSR graduate assistants and guests at Roosevelt University discuss grad school, research, and life in academic. It can be found on Spotify or directly on the link below.
https://open.spotify.com/show/5S7TSvTOZKRm41CtbEYgfb
The following Prezi presentation highlights the various paths you may take when considering higher education. But, consider the ways in which your personal experiences/ schooling/ employment can also alter your path.
https://prezi.com/view/QXxOmR67Z1QUCD2QgUvm/
Is graduate school for everyone? It can be, but it might not be the best route for you. Maybe you think you’re not grad school material. We don’t think that’s true! But, depending on your career goals, there may be other things you would prefer to do! Or, you may prefer to wait to choose or attend graduate school, and gain some experience first. Here are a few articles that might offer some perspective.
So You Want to Go to Grad School?
Reasons why someone would go to grad school…
Chapter 1: The Realities of Graduate Study
Reasons why someone would delay going to Grad School…
<aside> 📚 For more information and guidance on Graduate School, visit the Introduction and Finding a Grad Program modules of the grad prep found in this page. **
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This self-guided course will prepare undergraduate students to apply for graduate programs. It is made to be completed over the course of several months, as mapped out in the timeline.
The modules will go over finding a graduate program, preparing to take the GRE, writing a personal statement, getting letters of recommendation, creating a CV, and how to prepare for a graduate interview.
Each of these modules were created to assist you in gathering all the materials needed to be successful in graduate school, but complete independent research on the degree of your choice to ensure you are familiar with all the required steps for the application process.
Common Components of a Graduate School Application: • Application form (one for each program and/or university/college) • Official academic transcripts • Personal Statement • 2-4 letters of recommendations; typically at least 2 from previous or current professors and 1 from someone familiar with your work (e.g., research, employment) • Official standardized test scores (GRE, MCAT, LSAT, TOEFL. Not required by all programs.) • Curriculum vitae (CV) (most common), resume (not as usual) • Sample or portfolio of relevant materials: creative writing sample. research writing sample, portfolio with examples of art forms.
Resources
List of Standardized Test Prep Books/ resources available at the RU Library
Research Guides: Psychology: GRE Prep
Writing Development for Research & Inquiry | Discipline/ Department Hubs | Methods and Research Development Hub | Find Training and Funding Programs | Tools/ Advice |