Important Web links for students considering graduate school
Illinois State University Graduate School Resources
Off-campus resources
Decision making resources
Read the Considering Graduate School document on Illinois State's Graduate School Web site.
Graduate School
Considering a graduate program, law school, or a medical related program? If your answer is yes, you have several decisions to make. Use the resources found on this page as well as the links at left to assist you in making your decision.
When and if I should attend graduate school...
To make a decision regarding when to attend graduate school, you need to research the following:
- Can I obtain a professional position in my field without an advanced degree? Many positions in psychology, speech and hearing, and social work fields almost always require advanced degrees.
- To reach my long-term goals, should I use graduate school to increase my knowledge in a particular field and develop an expertise in this area? Do my GPA and graduate admissions test scores predict that I can be successful in a graduate program? Would some on-the-job experience be useful in completing my advanced degree?
- Many times graduate school projects and papers are easier to complete if you have work experiences from which to draw. Some of the most prestigious business programs accept only work-experienced applicants. Advanced degrees in Education often should be postponed until you have real classroom experience.
- Can I finance graduate school expenses? Are teaching or research assistantships available? Would I be able to fulfill those requirements while studying?
- Many businesses and school districts now provide tuition assistance for employees.
- Is my family situation or lack of family obligations conducive to attending (and maybe relocating for) graduate school?
- Can I carefully research and complete all the admission and application requirements by the deadlines for the program that will help me with my short- and long-term goals?
