Rutgers: Career Services (Thinking about Graduate Study?)

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Thinking about Graduate Study?

In recent senior surveys, more than 80% of Rutgers students have indicated that they intend to pursue future graduate study. As more students think about graduate school and the competition to gain admission increases, Rutgers students and graduates must become increasingly sophisticated about the admissions process to attain the best results. Here are four key questions to ask:

Why Should You Consider Graduate Study?

You're probably thinking about a graduate degree because your chosen profession demands one or you are committed to further study in your chosen discipline.
When Should You Begin Graduate Study?

If your goals are clear and financial resources are available, consider studying for a master's or doctoral degree shortly after graduation from college. However, if your career goals are not yet well established and resources are insufficient, you should probably wait for several years.
Where Should You Go to Graduate School?

Eight key criteria are useful in choosing the right graduate or professional school program:
- Interest in the Field. Your interest in and commitment to your field of study are probably the most important factors. If you're uncertain about what to study, maybe that's a clue to wait.
- Availability of a Degree Program. Do some research to see which universities offer the degree programs that meet your interests. Look beyond the catalog to determine if a program is right for you.
- Career Opportunities. Look down the road a few years. What are the current job prospects in the field? What are future projections? Remember that job markets are bound to change—for better or worse—during any four to five year period.
- Quality. Four key factors in assessing quality are faculty, facilities, student body and reputation. To assess the quality of a program, talk to professors, read between the lines of catalogs and other literature, and talk to professionals in the field.
- Cost. Cost is one of the simplest and best ways of choosing a graduate program. First, determine how much money you have available for graduate education (savings, regular income, tuition support programs, loans, financial aid, parental support). Then seek programs that are affordable.
- Location. Do you prefer urban, suburban or rural locations? Also consider the accessibility of mass transit, commutation time and costs (if you're a commuter) and proximity to museums, other educational institutions, research institutes, and libraries.
- Size. Institutional size provides clues to the overall environment, character, academic resources, class size, and student-faculty ratios and relationships.
- Credit vs. Non-credit. A formal program leading toward a particular degree is often not the best route to follow. An increasing number of non-credit, non-matriculated, and extension-type programs at the post-baccalaureate level might be more appropriate than the traditional programs.
How Do You Get Admitted?

There are five key aspects to the admissions process for graduate and professional schools:
- Undergraduate Preparation. The trend in graduate admissions is away from requiring specific undergraduate courses and toward more liberalized course requirements. However, be sure you know the specific requirements of the program in which you are interested. For example, in the sciences, calculus, organic chemistry, biology and physics are routinely required. Beyond meeting specific quantitative requirements, it is highly desirable to show some qualitative strengths in your undergraduate major.
- The Application. This form is usually your only contact with an admissions committee and the impression you make is critical. If essays or personal statements are required, make sure you write in a clear, concise, grammatically correct style. Have your statement critiqued by a professor or career counselor.
- Credentials. Graduate and professional schools require three items in support of the application: transcripts of your college work, recommendations and, in some cases, standardized test scores. Transcripts are obtained from the Registrar, who will forward your official transcript to the school to which you are applying. Recommendations should be from professors or professionals in the field who know you and your work well; letters from well known individuals are a plus. Be sure to set up your personal online credentials file through Interfolio. Go to http://www.interfolio.com/.
- Standardized Tests. Standardized tests will not "make or break" your candidacy, and there are ways to prepare for them. Go to Internet Resources and GRE Test Prep Seminars for further information.
- Interviews. Interviews are rarely required today in the graduate and professional admissions process. However, if an interview can be arranged, you can learn more about the program and provide a clear impression of who you are.
- Deadlines. All schools have deadlines, and they are there for a good reason. Apply as early as possible. Early applications demonstrate your interest and timeliness. Note other deadlines such as portfolio submissions (for studio programs), interviews (if required), and standardized tests.

Written by: Richard L. White, Director of Career Services


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