Graduate School
Graduate School 101 Presentation
Click the image to view our slideshow on basic graduate school information.
Want to learn more? Make sure to schedule an appointment with your TRIO Project Coach!
Schedule a meeting to talk about Admissions and Applications
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Graduate School Resource Materials
Click the image to access our Graduate School Resource Materials folder!
Graduate school is a LARGE investment. When should I make the move?
• Concentrated in one item; Specificity of study, time, and money.
• Some professions require an advanced degree Some professions require an advanced degree (Physician Assistants, Social Workers, Counselors, Educational Administrators, Forensic Scientists, Sports Psychologists, and more). Check out O*NET Online to learn more about what degree(s) you may need for your future career!
Some questions to ask yourself:
o Do you have a passion that will fuel the work you do? Are you burned out, or can you handle more school?
o Can you study that passion in an academic setting?
o Will it truly help your career journey, or are you just doing it for yourself?
o Are you prepared for the time and financial commitments required?
How do I pay for graduate school?
Fun fact: you will still do your FAFSA while in graduate school! If you are considering applying to graduate schools, you should be filling out the FAFSA as soon as it opens for the academic year in which you are applying.
How to cover the rest:
Federal Direct Graduate PLUS loan (may cover up to the Cost of Attendance). For more information on federal student loans for graduate students, visit the following link: https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/loans/subsidized-unsubsidized
Students may take out private alternative bank loans. However, you still may need a cosigner.
Consider applying for positions on campus! Many graduate programs will have assistantship positions in various areas to help with the cost of college.
Working off-campus is another way to earn money to help pay for your degree. Just be aware of your limitations, and don't burn yourself out!
Can I manage both graduate school and working?
Depending on the type of program you are in, the majority of your time may be spent in class, working on assignments, or writing your dissertation. Consider opting for a Fellowship or Assistantship in graduate school instead of a typical job, as they may offer more flexibility and targeted experiences.
What is a fellowship?
Fellowships are more study-oriented and more flexible. They are academically focused and try to keep you involved in your program.
What is an assistantship?
Assistantships are jobs either on or off campus. They involve more practical and hands-on work and often have agreements with the school.
How difficult is graduate school?
The difficulty of your graduate schooling will vary from person to person, as well as program to program! Graduate school is targeted to a certain field of study, and you may find that it requires more independence and discipline compared to your undergraduate experience.
Consider these questions:
o Do you have a passion that will fuel the work you do?
o Are you burned out, or can you handle more school?
o Can you study that passion in an academic setting?
You can also prepare yourself for the challenges of graduate school while you are working on your bachelor's degree! Spend some time to figure out how you learn, study, and engage with your course materials in the most effective ways. Some people enjoy reading and taking notes, but others need more audio and visual assistance to learn their academic materials.
If you're not certain about the best ways for you to study and feel prepared for graduate-level learning, schedule an appointment with your TRIO Project Coach! We are always happy to assist you.
Do I need to take the GRE?
Most master’s and doctoral programs will require this or some other type of entry exam. Make sure to look at the admissions requirements of the schools you’re interested in!
The GRE has three sections to it: Analytical writing, verbal reasoning, and quantitative reasoning.
What’s the difference between a Master’s and Doctorate Degree?
The Master's Degree
SUMMARY:
Usually the next step after completing your bachelor's degree
Is more specific and intentional in the field of study
Typically takes 1-3 years to complete
TYPES:
Research
Fields that are usually heavy in applied research and academia
Typically have and lead to doctoral studies and research
Examples include a Master of Chemistry, Master of Arts in Literature, or a Master of Arts in History
Professional
Prepares students for professional work in a specific field
Includes classes in which you are taught more practical skills
Examples include a Master of Arts in Counseling or a Master of Education in Student Affairs
Terminal
The highest degree that can be earned in a particular field
Examples include a Master of Fine Arts or a Master of Landscape Architecture
WHEN TO CHOOSE THE MASTER’S DEGREE:
When you want to advance in your field
If it is mandatory for your field of work
If you are interested in practice more than research
The Doctorate Degree
SUMMARY:
Pinnacle of one's educational journey
Typically takes 2-8 years to complete
Culminates in becoming an expert in the field
Typically, you can “earn” a master's degree along the way
TYPES:
Academic / Research
Research intensive that allows for adding to the knowledge base of the field
Typically culminates in a dissertation
Majority of holders practice in academia (professors, deans, etc.)
Professional
Less research-based. Requires a more hands-on approach to learning and can be extremely intensive
Usually requires practice in the field
Industry positions that may require a doctorate include Systems Engineers, Historians, and Statisticians
WHEN TO CHOOSE THE DOCTORATE DEGREE:
Want to contribute to the advancement of the field
When it is mandatory for your field of work
When you want to pursue a career in academia
When should I start applying to graduate school?
This will vary depending on the type of program you are interested in. While some schools have set deadlines, others offer rolling admissions and accept applications all year long.
A good rule of thumb is to start looking at schools early so you can focus on taking the right prerequisites, getting volunteer or shadowing experience, and taking the necessary entrance exams before it's time to apply.
It is common for students to apply to graduate school towards the end of their Junior or Senior year.
how to select a school
Did you know TRIO Student Support Services takes groups of students to Graduate Schools around Texas? If there is a specific school you are interested in, let your TRIO Coach know!
Not sure where to start when selecting a school?
Try researching any schools that you are interested in, such as with the Google Sheets template below. Think about what is important to YOU when selecting a school. Do you want to find a school with the best funding options? Do you prefer somewhere with notable faculty? Are you set on traveling to your dream school across the country? Do you prefer in-person or online learning?
Focusing on your values and using a method that helps organize important data (especially admissions deadlines!) can make choosing a graduate school easier.
Grad School Research.xlsxEntrance Exam PreP
Depending on the type of program you plan on enrolling in, you may need to take an entrance exam such as the GRE or MCAT. These vary by school and program, so check out your prospective program's webpage for exam requirements!
Exam Administration:
• GRE: ETS at https://www.ets.org/gre
• MCAT: AAMC at https://students-residents.aamc.org/applying-medical-school/taking-mcat-exam/
• DAT: ADA at https://www.ada.org/en/education-careers/dental-admission-test
• PCAT: Pearson at https://www.pearsonassessments.com/graduate-admissions/pcat/about.html
• OAT: ADA at https://www.ada.org/en/oat
Free Exam Prep Site for the LSAT & MCAT:
• Khan Academy https://www.khanacademy.org/
Exam Prep Sites:
• Princeton Review: https://www.princetonreview.com
• Kaplan: https://www.kaptest.com/
• Peterson's: https://www.petersons.com/testprep/product-category/grad-school-test-prep/