Before students walk across the Coleman Coliseum stage and turn their tassels to receive their bachelor’s degrees, most narrow their post-graduation options down to two: get a job or go to graduate school.
Although these aren’t the only options available, students must weigh the possibilities and choose the one that best serves them in their current social and economic standing.
In today’s post-recession economy, the most logical choice may be to get a job instead of paying for more schooling, especially if a student has already acquired student loan debt during their undergraduate career; however, there are many jobs where a graduate degree can as much as double yearly pay rates. This choice may seem ideal, but students must also take into account how they will pay for graduate school in addition to any other debt that was accumulated during their undergraduate career from student loans to personal debt.
In addition to higher pay rates, potential employers may favor applicants who have earned an undergraduate and graduate degree at two different schools because it shows the student’s versatility and ability to adjust to new environments.
“I heard from various professors and advisors that going to another school would be an advantage for me because I would be exposed to a whole new environment – new people, new faculty and ultimately new research ideas and ways of thinking,” said Erica Mathis, University of Alabama graduate and current graduate student at the University of Southern Mississippi. “This is really important to keep generating new, sound ideas for research and to keep research teams diverse and dynamic.”
One of the initial factors to consider when selecting a graduate school is whether or not a student’s program of interest is offered at a particular university that dictated Mathis’ decision, as the University does not have a counseling psychology graduate program.
Mary Lowrey, director of career education and development with the UA Career Center, said students must consider what matters to them personally, academically and professionally.
“Consider the research being done there or the connections to your chosen industry,” Lowrey said.
Mathis said it is important students not to be afraid of limiting their options because they are practical.
“Take into consideration if you will be moving halfway across the country if you get into a particular school you’ve applied to, and if you’re really willing to spend four to five years researching a topic you are applying to your studies,” Mathis said.
Mathis also said students should be mindful of the number of graduate school applications they fill out, because application fees begin to add up.
Additionally, there are entrance exams associated with different graduate programs like the GRE, MCAT or LSAT, which require an investment of time to prepare for the exam and money to take the exam. Registration fees for each test can run $100-$200 depending on the time of registration. Students may also feel it necessary to pay for preparatory courses prior to their exam.
Lowrey said a student must take into account both personal circumstances and career goals when selecting a graduate school.
“Relocating for graduate school allows students opportunities to experience new things academically and personally,” Lowrey said. “The quality of the program and the overall fit for the student must be considered. If students research programs to confirm quality and fit, then the negative impact of relocating will be likely related to personal adjustment.”
UA graduate Robin Criswell said she chose to attend graduate school at the University because the School of Social Work was one of the best options available and because she had already made a life for herself in Tuscaloosa.
“UA and Tuscaloosa have become home to me,” Criswell said. “I have already met many of the graduate level professors during my undergraduate studies, and I have networked with social work professionals in the area. Both of these reasons will help me succeed academically.”
Although Mathis chose to go to graduate school out of state, she said social media has allowed her to keep in contact with friends and family who are important to her.
“Being away is hard and it does take a toll on relationships, but staying connected hasn’t been too hard,” Mathis said.
UA graduate Brooke Terry relocated to the University of South Alabama for graduate school, which is four hours away from Tuscaloosa and six hours away from her hometown.
“It was a shift away from friends and family, and it has been a challenge to keep in touch with them when I am busy with classes,” Terry said. “To avoid any social impact from relocating, you just have to continue to go to new things and put yourself out there. If you do that, you won’t be the new kid for very long.”
When initially selecting a graduate school, Terry said USA was at the bottom of her list, but the deciding factor was a campus visit. Terry said her best recommendations to those applying to graduate school would be to apply to every school they are interested in and visit every campus they are seriously considering.
“When I visited the school, I realized it had everything I was looking for,” Terry said.
In the end, Terry said she wouldn’t change any part of her selection process.
“You’re still young and not as tied down as you will be in the future,” Terry said. “If you ever want to live somewhere different, this is the best time to do it.”
