Answering the question, “What is graduate school?” isn’t actually as simple as you might think.
Why?
Well, one person might think going to grad school means pursuing an advanced degree, such as a PhD in Chemical Engineering or an MA in Political Science. Someone else might include programs that lead to an MBA, JD, or MFA in Photography.
All of which makes the question “Should I go to grad school?” an even trickier one!
On the one hand, going to graduate school can help you to reach professional and personal goals. But… going to grad school can also be a waste of time and money if you don’t carefully consider how it aligns with your long-term goals. (For example, is an MBA worth it? Depends…)
To help you make an informed decision, we’ve created this guide digging into everything you should consider before applying for grad school. Specifically, this guide will help you learn:
The different types of graduate programs
The differences between college and grad school
What you do as a graduate school student
How to decide whether to go to grad school
Answers to frequently asked questions regarding grad school
What is grad school?
“Grad school” refers to any postgraduate degree program. Unlike undergrad (aka college), which prepares students for a broad understanding of various subjects and develops foundational skills, grad school prepares students for in-depth expertise and advanced research within a specific discipline.
Graduate students dive deeply into their chosen field, conducting extensive research, and often contributing to their respective academic communities through scholarly publications, presentations, and projects.
Types of grad schools/programs
Your options for graduate programs are numerous and diverse. However, the following broad categories roughly encompass all of the graduate school programs to consider.
Business School
Business schools grant degrees such as Master of Business Administration (MBA) or other specialized master's degrees on business-related topics (e.g., Finance, Marketing).
Business school students graduate with the analytical, leadership, and decision-making skills required to navigate and excel in dynamic professional environments.
Business school programs vary in length, but full-time MBA programs often take around two years to complete. Part-time and executive MBA programs, designed for working professionals, have a more flexible schedule and a longer duration. There are also accelerated MBA programs that students can complete in one year.
Law School
Law school provides advanced education in law, awarding the Juris Doctor (JD) degree. Many law schools also grant master’s degrees in specialized legal fields, such as Master of Law (LLM) in areas like International Law, Tax Law, or Intellectual Property Law.
Law school students develop a deep understanding of legal principles and analytical thinking. Students graduate with a solid foundation for various careers, including legal practice, business, politics, and advocacy.
How long law school takes can vary: A full-time JD program in the United States usually spans three years. Part-time options are available for those balancing other commitments. There are also accelerated JD programs that take around two years to complete.
Med School
Medical school, commonly referred to as med school, grants the Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree. Students undergo comprehensive study and practical training to become healthcare professionals, such as physicians, surgeons, and medical researchers.
In medical school, students study a broad range of subjects, including anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, pathology, and clinical medicine.
The typical length of a full-time MD program in the United States is four years. After completing medical school, graduates undergo a residency program in their chosen specialty.
Master’s vs PhD
Master's and PhD programs are distinct paths for advanced education, each offering unique benefits.
Master's degrees, such as an MA (Master of Arts), MS (Master of Science), or MFA (Master of Fine Arts), provide specialized knowledge and skills in a particular field. These programs typically take one to two years to complete, emphasizing coursework and sometimes a thesis, final project, or comprehensive exams.
On the other hand, a PhD, or Doctor of Philosophy, is the highest academic degree and involves more extensive research and contribution to the chosen field. PhD programs often take around five to seven years to complete, including coursework, comprehensive exams, and the completion of a doctoral dissertation.
Master's programs are suitable for those seeking specialized expertise for professional advancement. PhD programs best suit individuals aspiring to contribute significantly to research and academia.
If you want to explore further, here’s a full guide to Master’s vs PhDs.
Differences between college and grad school
A common misconception about grad school is that it’s just a continuation of undergraduate studies from college. But that’s pretty far from the truth.
Keep in mind the following differences to ensure you have appropriate expectations for graduate school.
More independence. In grad school, students are expected to take greater control of their learning, conducting more self-directed research and exploration of their chosen field.
More research-focused. Unlike college, where coursework is often the primary focus, grad school places a higher emphasis on original research, requiring students to contribute to the existing body of knowledge in their field.
Smaller class sizes. Graduate school classes tend to be more intimate, allowing for more interaction with professors and a collaborative learning environment among peers.
More work, less time. Grad school demands a higher level of commitment, with intensive coursework, research, and projects often requiring more effort in a condensed time frame compared to undergraduate studies.
Professional development. Graduate programs often integrate professional development opportunities, preparing students for advanced roles in academia, research, or relevant industries.
What do you do in a graduate school program?
Your day-to-day life in graduate school will depend on the specific program and field of study you choose. Still, there are some commonalities across most graduate school programs.
Advanced skills
Graduate programs aim to cultivate advanced skills in your chosen field through specialized coursework, research projects, and practical experiences.
For example, as a graduate student in an MBA program, you might enhance your strategic decision-making abilities, leadership skills, and financial acumen.
Mentoring and advising
Graduate students often benefit from personalized mentoring and advising relationships with experienced faculty members, guiding them in research, career planning, and more.
Therefore, it’s crucial to thoroughly investigate the faculty's mentorship approach and the availability of advising resources when researching potential graduate programs.
Networking
Graduate programs offer valuable networking opportunities, allowing students to connect with peers, faculty, and professionals in their field.
The networking component of graduate programs is particularly crucial for students in fields such as business and law.
Building connections during grad school can open doors to internships, job opportunities, and long-term career success.
Specialized coursework
In grad school, your coursework is highly specialized, concentrating on specific aspects of your chosen discipline and providing in-depth knowledge and skills within a narrow focus.
For example, typical coursework for a graduate student in computer science might include advanced algorithms, machine learning applications, and data mining techniques.
On the other hand, a graduate student in environmental science might focus on courses related to climate modeling, environmental policy analysis, and sustainable resource management.
Teaching assistantships and fellowships
Graduate teaching assistantships and fellowships help students gain valuable teaching experience, mentorship, and financial support while pursuing their studies.
Teaching assistantships are particularly integral for graduate students in fields leading to careers in academia.
Grad student TAs gain hands-on experience in classroom settings, opportunities to develop pedagogical skills, and preparation for future roles as educators and researchers.
Academic publishing and conferences
Academic publishing and conferences allow graduate students to contribute to their field's scholarly discourse, share their research findings, and connect with professionals and researchers in their domain.
For example, a Ph.D. student in psychology might publish a study on cognitive behavioral therapy outcomes in a reputable journal and present their findings at major conferences such as the American Psychological Association (APA) Annual Convention.
Comprehensive exams, thesis, or dissertation
Grad school culminates in comprehensive exams, a thesis, or a dissertation. These comprehensive assessments require students to demonstrate mastery of their subject matter through in-depth exams or original research contributions.
The type of assessment will depend on each program’s curriculum. However, most PhD programs require the completion of a dissertation.
How to decide whether to go to grad school
Don’t avoid this topic. You should think carefully about whether going to grad school is the right decision for you. Why? Because it’s not for everyone.
According to a 2019 report from Payscale, two thirds of graduate degree holders have some regret about their decision to attend grad school.
Most of the people surveyed experienced the most regret about student loans. However, graduate degree holders also reported regretting their chosen area of study, poor networking opportunities, the time taken to obtain the degree, school choice, and more.
Does that mean going to grad school is a bad decision? Not at all. With thoughtful planning, grad school can help you:
Develop the necessary credentials to advance your career
Increase your job prospects in your current career or a new field
Gain the skills and licensure to be a specialist in a particular field
If those are your motivations, graduate school can be advantageous.
However, many prospective grad students fail to consider whether a graduate degree actually aligns with their personal and professional goals before applying. Instead, they choose to go to grad school for reasons such as:
Pursuing higher education just to delay entering the job market
Using grad school as a way to avoid making career decisions
Seeking a graduate degree solely for the prestige without a clear career goal
If you choose to attend graduate school for one of those reasons, you're likely to face challenges and potential regret.
Should you go to grad school? Ask yourself these questions
Consider the following questions and recommendations to help you determine whether attending grad school is the right move for you.
1. What are your long-term dreams and career objectives? How does a graduate degree fit into the broader picture of your aspirations?
The last thing you want to do is invest time and resources in a graduate degree that doesn't align with your long-term goals or contribute meaningfully to your professional journey.
So, it’s essential to consider whether a graduate degree can indeed play a pivotal role in achieving your aspirations.
Conversations with mentors, industry professionals, or career counselors can offer valuable insights into the alignment between your dreams and pursuing a graduate school education.
2. What is the job market like for your intended field of study? What are the average salaries and employment rates for individuals with similar graduate degrees?
Researching the job market for your intended field can help you gauge the potential return on your investment in a graduate degree.
Look for industry reports, employment statistics, and projections for the future. How competitive is the job market? What are the growth prospects for your field?
You can also network with professionals in your intended field, attend industry events, and leverage online platforms to gather insights. Alumni from your prospective program can provide valuable real-world perspectives on career outcomes and salary expectations.
3. What is the estimated cost of your graduate program? How does it compare to the potential increase in earnings? Are you comfortable taking on student loans?
Understanding the financial aspects ensures you are well-prepared for the economic realities of pursuing graduate school.
As we just mentioned, graduate degree holders who expressed regret about attending grad school had the most regret about student loans.
Research the total cost of each prospective graduate program, including tuition, fees, and living expenses. Compare this with the potential increase in earnings that a graduate degree may offer in your chosen field.
Additionally, consider your comfort level with student loans by evaluating your financial situation and future repayment plans.
For more, you can check out this guide on how to pay for grad school, and explore options like the Federal Work-Study Program.
4. How well does the faculty and department expertise align with your academic and research interests? How can their knowledge contribute to your educational and professional goals?
You should only attend a graduate program where the faculty's expertise complements your research interests. If not, you risk compromising your research focus and potentially settling for a direction that may not align with your true academic and professional passions.
So, research the faculty members' areas of expertise, ongoing projects, and publications before applying. Assess how their knowledge aligns with your academic and research interests.
You can also connect with current students or alumni to understand how the graduate department faculty contributes to students' academic and professional development.
Attend informational sessions or open houses. You can also reach out directly to faculty members for discussions, which can further help in evaluating the compatibility of your goals with the expertise available in the department.
5. What resources and support services does the program offer?
Access to resources, such as professional development, cutting-edge laboratories, and research stipends, can significantly enhance your experience in grad school.
Therefore, reading through the program's website, speaking with current students or alumni, and attending open houses to gather information about academic support, career counseling, and any additional resources are essential.
6. What is the program's graduation and job placement rate?
No matter the program, graduate school is a means to an end. Graduation rates and job placement statistics can provide valuable insights into the program's success in supporting students to achieve their academic and career goals.
Check the program's official statistics or contact the admissions office for information on graduation rates and job placement outcomes.
7. Am I ready for the rigor of a graduate program?
Be honest with yourself to avoid wasting time and resources. Reflect on your reason for wanting to attend grad school, personal and professional commitments, time management skills, and work ethic.
Consider seeking advice from current graduate students or professionals in your intended field.
FAQ regarding graduate school
How does grad school compare to college/undergrad?
While college provides students with a solid foundation across a range of academic disciplines, and some degree of focus with your undergraduate major, grad school involves specialized coursework, intensive research, and smaller class sizes. It's more independent and research-focused, preparing you for advanced roles in your chosen field.
Where should I apply to graduate school?
Deciding where to apply for graduate school is a personal decision. Consider factors such as program reputation, faculty expertise, available resources, and location.
Reach out to current students or alumni for insights and prioritize grad programs that align with your academic and career goals.
When should I apply to graduate school?
If possible, we recommend starting the application process about a year before you plan to begin your graduate program. This timeline will give you enough time to gather documents, prepare for standardized tests, and tailor your application materials to each graduate program.
Graduate school application deadlines vary, so check each program's website for the most accurate information. For an in-depth guide, you can explore this post on grad school application deadlines.
How many grad schools should I apply to?
The number of grad schools to apply to depends on your preferences, goals, and resources. Consider a mix of reach, match, and safety schools—typically, a range of 3 to 8.
How do I apply for graduate school?
To apply for grad school, you’ll need to research prospective programs, gather required documents (transcripts, recommendation letters, CV, statement of purpose, etc.), and prepare for any standardized tests (e.g., GRE, LSAT, GMAT, MCAT).
Visit each graduate program's website for specific application requirements and instructions.
How do I write a statement of purpose?
Writing a statement of purpose for grad school involves expressing your academic and career goals, highlighting relevant experiences, and explaining why you're a good fit for the program.
You should tailor each statement to the specific program's requirements, demonstrating your unique qualifications and aspirations.
Check out these excellent statement of purpose examples for inspiration.
What is a CV?
A CV, or curriculum vitae, is a comprehensive document detailing your academic and professional achievements, research experience, publications, presentations, and more.
Unlike a resume, a CV is often longer and provides a detailed overview of your entire academic and professional history.
Is there financial aid for grad school?
Yes, there are various financial aid options for grad school, including scholarships, grants, fellowships, and assistantships.
Research opportunities offered by the specific grad programs you're interested in, explore external funding sources, and consider federal student loans.
And we mentioned them above, but be sure to check out this guide on how to pay for grad school, and explore options like the Federal Work-Study Program.
Final thoughts on grad school
Going to graduate school can be an excellent way to deepen your knowledge in an academic field and advance your career.
But, considering the significant time and financial commitment, you should approach the decision to pursue graduate school thoughtfully to avoid regret down the line. We hope this guide has helped.
If you're looking for additional resources to help you apply for grad school, we recommend speaking with our graduate school admissions consultants. We can help you craft a strong statement of purpose and navigate the graduate school application process.
So, why wait? Schedule a consultation and take the next step in your grad school journey!
Ameer Drane
Ameer is a freelance writer who specializes in writing about college admissions and career development. Prior to freelancing, Ameer worked for three years as a college admissions consultant at a Hong Kong-based education center, helping local high school students prepare and apply for top colleges and universities in the US. He has a B.A. in Latin American Studies from the University of Chicago and an M.A. in Spanish Linguistics from UCLA. When he’s not working, Ameer loves traveling, weight lifting, writing, reading, and learning foreign languages. He currently lives in Bangkok, Thailand.
Top values: Growth / Diversity / Empathy
