Choose graduate program

That way, you can brainstorm the path or paths toward reaching this goal. On the other hand, your research might confirm that grad school is the right choice for you, and that there are actually multiple programs that will help you achieve your desired outcome.

But, actually talking to someone who experienced the program could help you picture yourself in it. For some professions, a graduate degree is a sure way to increase your earning potential. Before choosing a program, be sure to research salaries in the location you want to work to get a realistic picture of what could be available to you after you finish your program.

Alumni networks and clubs are great ways to stay connected after graduation and to foster professional development. Does your program offer lend itself well to these things?

Building your network and collaborating with the professors, students, and other professionals is a benefit of graduate school no matter what program you choose.

Make sure you know what information will be collected during the application process, and ensure that you have accomplishments and experiences in every area. Make a strong case for your commitment to the profession associated with the program. That is, if you want to get into a graduate program in accounting, make sure you have shadowed or even worked with an accountant. You want to make a convincing case that you are interested in that profession, not just the idea of it or the salary associated with that profession.

For many graduate programs, strong experience in research projects as an undergraduate is highly desirable. For many professional programs e. Finally, ensure that your writing throughout your application is strong. Take plenty of time to prepare your responses, and then have someone proof your work for content, clarity and accuracy. Shemmassian: Some graduate programs require interviews; others do not.

It's worth finding out as far in advance as possible if a program requires interviews — and whether or not they're conducted in person or remotely — to financially plan for travel and sufficiently practice. When preparing for interviews, students should be aware that they may be asked to clarify anything listed on their applications and discuss their educational background and career aspirations.

They should be prepared to highlight their "fit" between their academic backgrounds and goals with what the program offers. Faculty at graduate programs want to know that the student is bright and a good culture fit. Masterson: This totally depends on the program. Many professional schools, such as medicine or dentistry, always involve interviews. Others vary from institution to institution, and still other areas, such as the MBA, may rarely involve interviews.

Bearer: That is the goal with any earned degree from a reputable, regionally accredited institution. It really depends on the economy and job market for the chosen program at any point in time. In general, earning a graduate degree should increase career opportunities, especially in fields such as speech pathology, physical therapy, library science and physician assistant, where graduate degrees are required. Shemmassian: Whether they're fully committed to the fields they intend to pursue.

Graduate school and post-graduate training is often a long journey and requires financial, personal and interpersonal resources to complete successfully. Also, whether the programs they've identified will support their educational and career goals. Do program graduates receive attractive job offers? Retrum: There are a few different reasons students seek a graduate education.

Take your time, read through the admissions requirements and be sure to address each one thoroughly. Be ready to be challenged! For example, many graduate programs require readings to be complete before the first day of class.

The expectations are different in graduate school, so make sure you have the time and space to be successful. Below are some common misconceptions about grad school and the truth about these ideas. It's well-documented, for example, that tenure-track professorships are hard to come by in general, let alone at well-known institutions or in desirable locations.

Although some people may feel uncomfortable going back to grad school because of their ages, in many cases, schools prefer students who are in their mid- to late 30s because they bring valuable life and work experiences to a program. Talk to faculty AND students of that program. You should be able to get in contact with current students or past ones via the program director. Conduct an informational interview about why they chose that program, would they choose it again, and why.

They are the experts. Make sure the campus meets your needs. Is their focus on their undergraduate or graduate population?

Is that what you are looking for? Common sources include your undergraduate faculty, current students and faculty in the programs of interest, as well as online sources.

Check out our list of resources to consult and a spreadsheet we have created to help you take notes. Think carefully about how to present yourself in your personal statement and whom to request recommendations from. You will also need to prepare for the admissions interview, if there is one. Check out our guide and a list of tips from Duke graduate students and faculty.

Tips and insights from Duke graduate students and faculty on what to do and what to avoid when applying to graduate school.