Deciding on Going to Graduate School? Here’s How to Prep

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Continuing your education is a big decision that affects the total outcome of your career. It is essential to plan diligently and conduct research to pick the best graduate program for your specific goals. In this blog post, you'll learn some critical components of preparing for your graduate degree and some crucial factors of graduate school rankings.

Prepare for Success

Letter of Recommendation

When applying to graduate school, the first order of business is to have a letter of recommendation. A letter of recommendation is a document that describes why you are an ideal candidate for your graduate program. It is a great idea to have a faculty member from your previous institution draft this letter, and it should be somebody who worked closely with you during your studies.

Standardized Test Scores

Many graduate programs will expect you to take standardized tests and submit the scores for evaluation. One of the most common tests they require is the Graduate Record Examination.

This test has three parts: analytical writing, verbal reasoning, and quantitative reasoning. Many questions relate to the work you'll be performing in graduate school, and it's best to study for this test before taking it. You can even find sample questions similar to the actual test online.

Conduct Thorough Research

When it comes to researching different programs, there are a lot of resources you can rely on. You can read books to prepare you for graduate school, and you could even request help from a college admissions consultant.

First, you should decide what your priorities are. Will you be working full-time and going to school part-time? If you answered yes, Arizona State University has an excellent online program with a flexible schedule, so you can juggle work and school at the same time.

If you're searching for a way to travel and complete school, Middlebury has a fantastic study abroad program.

It's best to list what factors are important to you and then research different programs until you find one that matches your needs.

Review Cost and Financial Aid

While deciding between programs, you can compare the costs and analyze your financial aid options. You should be aware of the available interest rates and how long it will realistically take you to pay back any loans. Doing this can help you pick one program over another.

If you have trouble understanding the financial aid information or you want to lower your costs, reach out to a college admissions consultant. They can help you find the best program and loan available for your circumstances.

Moving Forward

Taking the next steps in your educational journey is exciting, but diligent preparation is required. By following these guidelines, you can decipher your most essential factors for graduate school rankings and find the program of your dreams.

Now that you know what you need to do, it's time to implement your plan and achieve your career goals. Reach out to us at Clark College Consulting, and we'll be here to help!

Photo by Karolina Grabowska: https://www.pexels.com/photo/women-in-black-academic-dress-walking-on-the-pathway-8106654/