Why Graduate School?
Advice and tips HERE!
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Perks
Besides helping students experience broader opportunities in the workforce, graduate universities are efficient when it comes to expanding research and providing personalized education. Unlike undergrad experiences, graduate programs are designed to focus on a person’s concentration and further prepare the individual for a career in that field through networking, workshops, and fieldwork.
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Funding
Funding can be daunting for many students, however, it can be broken down. The primary funding opportunities for students are FAFSA, Grants, Scholarships, Student Loans, Fellowships, and Assistantships. All can be directed from your chosen university or program. Also, be on the lookout for university Financial Packages! Every graduate school gives students financial opportunities based on their income and application.
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Application
When applying, there are several points of interest for the application. Updating resumes or CVs (documents listing publications or honorable achievements) gives the university a chance to see your personal interests. Also, develop a personal statement. Note that the topic may vary from why you wish to attend the school to give a brief description of who you are. Lastly, choose references from individuals who know you best. This can range from mentors to professors and religious figures.
How Do You Get In Graduate School?
Graduate School comprises three components: Transcripts, Application, and Personal Recommendations. Every university is looking for individuality amongst normalcy. What makes you unique? Are you a first-generation college applicant? Do you come from a diverse background or commit your time to others through community service? Having an academic drive is only part of the process.
Remember: Balance is key
Most Common Ways People Fund Graduate Degrees
All credits go to Brisa Marie on YouTube for her notes on funding for higher education.
How To Know If You Are Grad School Material
All credits go to Andy Stapleton on YouTube for his notes on the key components of Graduate School.
Grad School Information:
Standardized testing may be required for your degree. Check with the university home page for details
The average cost of graduate school is around $50,000, and dorm living is usually an extra $2,000 if it is not included in the tuition.
According to FAFSA, in order to prepare for graduate school, a student must be:
Maintain high grades (can get into scholarships and grants easily because of this)
Apply for internships for hands-on experience, preferably in your junior and senior years of undergrad
Submit the FAFSA form to all schools you are applying to as early as possible, usually by early February
Take any standardized tests the university may require, like the GRE, though some may not require it
Before applying, talk to advisors and the registrar's office for any required documents or recommendation letters
Familiarize yourself with the many types of aid available such as scholarships, fellowships, grants, and loans
Federal loans and parent loans are government based whereas private loans are made by a lender such as a bank, credit union, agency, or school
If you have a disability or fall into a specific minority or group of marginalized people, you are eligible for a multitude of scholarships nationwide
Current interest rates
Undergrad Students→ 6.53%
Grad Students→ 8.08%
When accepting a direct loan from FAFSA, you must complete entrance counseling in order to understand the responsibilities when taking out a loan as well as sign a Masters Promissory Note in order to officially agree to the terms and conditions of the loan
All funds sent by FAFSA or outside funding will go to the tuition first and then be applied to room and board. If you are a commuter, the remainder of the funds will either be sent as a check in the mail or a direct deposit
All students are given a six-month grace period before having to begin paying loans after graduation
Federal loans may be forgiven if you fall under these circumstances:
If you’re a teacher
A government employee
Disability
Medical staff
If you repay loans under the Income-Driven Repayment (IDR) plan
Almost all universities have grad school programs, so branch out as much as possible
When looking into out-of-state schools, be sure to pay close attention to housing. Some universities require students to live on campus (full residency) or be there for the first week of each year/semester (low residency)
Fellowships- a short-term opportunity to study or conduct research in a specific field
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