Reasons for Going to Graduate School

• having career goals that make graduate/professional school necessary
• wanting to specialize in a particular field
• to do research and / or teach at the university level
• to broaden expertise in an area
• get a better job in your field

• Unable to get a job with a bachelor's degree because of overcrowding in the field. Many job areas that are glutted for those with undergraduate degrees are also glutted for those at the graduate level. You may be no better off with a graduate degree or you may be overqualified.
• To avoid looking for a job.
• Thinking that graduate school will help you decide on a career goal. You are expected to have career goals when you apply to graduate/professional school.
• You don't know what else to do.
• It is expected now after college, (i.e. your parents or professors expect it while you remain undecided).

When you are considering your options, keep in mind the following questions:

• What do I want to do with my life?
• What are both my short and long range goals?
• Do I feel my goals are realistic?
• Is graduate study necessary for me to accomplish my goals?
• Do I know where to get advice and help in career planning?
• How will graduate or professional school affect my future?
• Am I personally ready to tackle graduate school?
• Do I have the necessary ability and interest to be successful in graduate school?
• Has my academic training adequately prepared me to face the demands of graduate school?
• Am I choosing graduate school because I feel I have no options?
• Have I investigated career opportunities available to me at every educational level?
• Am I willing to invest time, effort and expense to undertake a program that requires prolonged concentration in an academic setting?