You've made up your mind: You're going to grad school! Great. You'll want to make sure that your applications to the different schools -- and for financial aid -- are on track.
January: Evaluate career goals and decide whether to go to grad school.
Spring/Summer: Take standardized admissions test (GRE, GMAT, LSAT or MCAT). Research programs and financial aid options. Secure letters of recommendation.
November/December: Submit entrance applications. Fill out applications for fellowships and other aid.
March/April: Receive acceptance letters. Make your choice.
The application process can take up to a year for traditional programs. But if fall 2006 is too long for you to wait to start your studies, consider one of the growing number of programs that allow you enroll any time of the year. You may be able to take weekend, night or online courses to get started on your degree sooner. These types of programs are usually available for the most popular degrees, such as an MBA.
Your application time will be greatly compressed, but if you start now, there's still time to enroll by fall. For example, apply for financial aid by Februrary, take your exam in March and turn in your application by May to start classes by September.
STARTING OUT The Back-to-School Decision by Erin Burt
Whether you're still in school, a recent graduate or have been working in the "real world" for a few years, the New Year is a good time to evaluate your career goals. Are you satisfied where you are and where you're headed? Or do you want to make a change, move up the ladder or pursue a different interest?
As you explore your career options, the thought of attending graduate school may cross your mind. An advanced degree could be the ticket to a new career or a stepping stone to faster advancement in your current job. But it could be a complete waste of time and money if you don't use it as a means to a well-researched end. Not all grad students find their dream jobs or snag a dream salary.
The sooner you make your decision, the sooner you can start the application process, which can take up to a year for traditional graduate programs. But if you're anxious to start your studies, check out the growing number of programs with rolling application deadlines and flexible admission dates. If you start the application process now, you could be in a classroom by this fall. (See the box on the right for more information on timing.)
Examine your motivation
The first question you should ask yourself, says Peter Vogt, president of Career Planning Resources, is "Are you going to graduate school for a purposeful reason or are you falling into grad school to get away from other things?"
Let's break it down. If you're going to graduate school because:
Your firm won't promote you to the position you want unless you have an advanced degree: right reason.
You're waiting for the job market to improve: wrong reason.
You want to pursue a different field of study: maybe the right reason.
You want to buy time because you aren't sure what you want to do with your life or you don't feel ready for the working world: wrong reason.
If you're tempted by any of the wrong reasons, save yourself the time, money and stress and get a job instead. Breaking out of the routine of school for a while could help you gain greater perspective about your skills, interests and career goals. Besides, you can always go back to school later.
In fact, even if it's not in your field of study, working for a year -- or two or three -- after college before applying for graduate school is a huge advantage, says Vogt, especially if you're plotting a career outside academia. Business schools and some other programs won't even consider you unless you've worked a few years outside of college.
When you're certain that graduate school is the right move, ask yourself if you have the time and energy to be a successful student.
Also assess the impact on your home life, and your job performance if you plan to continue working. Could you quit or work part-time? How would this impact your family budget? Do you need to move or can you attend a school close to home?
GETTING STARTED
