3. How will I pay for tuition, books, fees and living expenses?
• Family: You've likely borrowed from them in the past; maybe you're lucky enough for it to still be a viable option.
• Student Loans: Even if you've taken out loans in the past, another $50,000 - $75,000 may be a sound "investment" in your future.
• Fellowships/Scholarships: A free education is always the best option. You need a high GPA, good GRE/GMAT/LSAT/MCAT scores and the commitment to search out every possible source of funding.
• Teaching/Research Assistantships: Lots of assistantships include tuition waivers plus a monthly stipend is a great way to get paid for earning an education.
• Employer Sponsorship: Did you know that some companies actually pay for you to continue your education? They usually expect you to continue working for them after you complete your degree so they can recoup their investment.
4. What are the pros and cons of going to graduate school full-time or part-time?
Benefits of going to graduate school full-time:
• you'll be able to complete your degree sooner.
• you can totally commit your intellectual, physical and emotional energy to your education.
• ideal if you want to make a dramatic career change.
Benefits of going to graduate school part-time:
• work income helps pay for your education.
• you can take a very manageable course load.
• you can juggle family responsibilities while completing your degree.
• allows you to work in the function/industry/ career of your choice while continuing your education.
• employer will often pay for part or all of your graduate degree.
5. What should I do now, assuming I want to go to graduate school in the near future?
1. Identify your true strengths, interests and values to help you discover what is right for you-not your friends or parents.
2. Keep your grades up and sign up and prepare to take the required standardized tests.
3. Talk to faculty, friends and family who have gone to graduate school to get their perspective about the differences between being an undergraduate and a graduate student.
4. Talk to faculty, friends and family who are in your targeted profession to get a realistic sense of the career path and the challenges associated with the work they do.
5. Investigate creative ways to finance your education-by planning ahead you may reduce your debt.
6. Research graduate schools to help you find a good match.
7. Investigate the admissions process and the current student body profile of your targeted schools to evaluate your probability for admission.
8. Have faith and apply! Consider you can't get in unless you apply.
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