What is Graduate School?

Thinking of going to graduate school? Applying to graduate school is a huge decision, and requires discipline, time investment, and adequate planning in preparing for continued education. First off, let’s take a look at what exactly graduate school is and what is required to apply. For those looking to further their education after completing their undergraduate degree (Bachelor’s degree), graduate school can be a great option. Graduate school in itself is not a specific school, but rather an option to receive an advanced academic degree in a specific field of study. After completing a bachelor’s degree, (which is required) there are a wide variety of options to choose from when looking to advance your education and a multitude of advanced degrees and programs are offered at universities. Currently, around 5.9% of Latinas have a graduate degree, and around 4.5% of Latino men have acquired one as well.

Applying to Graduate School

Admission decisions are based on multiple factors, as graduate school can be competitive. The application process typically consists of a personal statement of objectives in what you are hoping to achieve in the program of your choosing, such as educational and career goals. It’s important to have a cohesive personal statement that showcases your motivation, passion, leadership skills, and overall professional background. The personal statement should also be a reflection of who you are as an individual by highlighting any relevant achievements, interests, and personal and professional aspirations. Most applications will also require around three letters of recommendation from previous professors, employers, or supervisors in any career or academic-related field. Academic transcripts from all previous colleges are typically requested, as well as a minimum GPA in coursework. For example, a university might require at least a 3.0 cumulative in all graded coursework. Some admissions applications may also require writing samples to showcase your writing abilities, aptitude for academic research, and a professional resume. Applying to grad school can seem overwhelming, but it will come to fruition if you have the drive and ambition to advance your education. For Latinas, there are also educational resources available online and via social media to help encourage you on your path such as Latinicida’s annual Advancement Award and platforms like Latinas With Masters.

What to Expect

In choosing the right graduate degree program for yourself, you should expect to find a vast amount of programs that are offered. Incoming students should anticipate a more rigorous and intense workload than their undergrad experience. Expectations for grad school are typically held at a higher standard, therefore, personal focus and academic passion are a necessity as many of the courses will be advanced and specialized. Students should also expect to spend a lot of time engaging in advanced academic research. What are some possible degree potentials to look at? Some options available post undergrad include, but are not limited to: Law School (J.D, Juris Doctorate), Medical School (M.D. Medical Doctor), Business School (MBA), Master of Arts in Legal Studies, Communication, Writing, Media and Film Studies, English, History, Education, Criminal Justice, and much more. Other degree options include Master of Science programs in Nursing, Engineering, Physics, Economics, and Computer Science just to name a few. Other advanced degree options include Ph.D. programs. Some Ph.D. programs require a master’s to be admitted while others may only require a certain amount of post-master credits to apply. Ph.D programs may take up to 7 years to fully complete. Studying for the GRE, GMAT, LSAT, and MCAT tests are also something to take into consideration. For example, admission into law school requires the passing of the LSAT test. Some universities will offer prep courses to help study for these particular tests, and it is highly recommended to utilize any prep courses that may be of help.

Paying for Graduate School

Attending graduate school can be expensive. Applying for grants, scholarships, fellowships, loans, and FAFSA (Financial Aid) are some financial assistance options when paying for tuition. Look into scholarship opportunities at your university, tuition reimbursement with your employer (if offered), and also other scholarships based on gender, race, field of study, and occupation. The Hispanic Scholarship Fund also offers scholarships for students with Hispanic heritage. Teaching and research assistantships are other options to look into as well and may help graduate students pay for tuition. Attending graduate school is not for everyone, which is why it’s very important to find out whether it will pay off in the long run and whether it is necessary for your career aspirations. If you are unsure about attending grad school, talking to professors and former and current grad students will also help in deciding whether it’s a fit for you and your long-term goals. Whatever you decide, choose wisely.