The time, energy, and money that graduate school requires warrants extra introspective thought. As you are contemplating these questions, the staff in the CCPD is here for you. We can help you prioritize and clarify your personal and professional goals. Additionally, there are more resources (below) that will guide you on researching graduate schools, funding your graduate education, composing personal statements, asking for letters of recommendation and/or references, studying for and taking graduate entrance exams, and adhering to an application timeline.
- What are your personal and professional goals? Is graduate school a necessary step in accomplishing your goals?
- Are you willing to invest time, money, and energy into an intense academic setting for a prolonged period of time?
- Have you consulted others about your career goals (professors, employers, or CCPD staff member) and how to best obtain them?
- If you want to attend graduate school, should you apply right away or wait a few years before starting school again?
- Are you likely to “lose steam” and not actually apply if you wait?
- Are there other professional options that you would like to explore before committing to another 2-8 years in school?
- Are you feeling a lot of pressure from parents or professors that may be affecting your decision to go?
- Will your life circumstances (marriage, family, etc.) make schooling harder at a later point?
Researching Schools
Financial Considerations
Personal Statements
Entrance Exams
References & Recommendations
Timeline
Resource Links
Other resources on campus: