Applying to Grad School

The decision to attend graduate school requires serious consideration. It’s important to understand your reasons for pursuing a graduate degree and to research your options carefully. This will require a thorough evaluation of your interests and career goals. The CPDC is here to assist you in every step of the process - from consideration to application.

Start by asking yourself the following questions:

• Do my career goals require an advanced or specialized degree?
• Have I had the appropriate experience that confirms my interest in this direction?
• Where do I want to be in 5 years, and what do I need to do to get there?
• Am I truly committed to the investment of resources this step would require of me?
• What do I need to be successful in graduate school?

Even if you’re not sure you will pursue an advanced degree, allocate the appropriate time for academic choices, co-curricular involvement, and relationships with those who may one day serve as references. Application deadlines vary, so begin your research at least 1 to 1 and ½ years before it’s time to make the critical decision.

Poor reasons for pursuing graduate studies:

• You want to please someone, or you feel it is expected of you.
• You don’t know what else to do.
• You are comfortable in a college setting and want to postpone entering “the world of work.”