For divorced professionals slogging through the routine of a dead-end job, graduate school can be a powerful way to expand career prospects. Consider a recent Census Bureau report, which found workers with professional degrees averaging $4.4 million in lifetime earnings, versus $2.1 million for those with 4-year college degrees.
Going back to school also makes sense for those struggling with a downtime in their particular field. “It’s a respectable thing to do,” says Susan Krinsky, Dean of Admissions at
Tulane School of Law in New Orleans. “It’s even a productive thing to do.” But is it something YOU should do? Here’s a cheat sheet to help you navigate the waters of higher education.
1. Go for the Right Reasons.
Still trying to discover your life’s passion? Grad school isn’t the place to do it. “Job prospects should be paramount when considering an advanced degree,” says Todd Johnson, a consultant for
College Admissions Partners. “If you’re seeking one in a field that’s fairly sure to provide employment, great. But if you’re thinking of getting a PhD in the Humanities, I would be concerned simply because jobs are not available in the same numbers.” Analyze your motives for going. Is it to gain leverage in a competitive field, or a built-in excuse to take a breather? Weigh the benefits of further schooling versus non-academic options such as networking, career counseling or a job change.
2. Research Target Schools.
Contrary to the claims of aggressive recruiters and hyperbolic college websites, no one school can provide the best possible learning experience for every subject. “Look at the depth of offerings in your field,” counsels Johnson. “What are the numbers of upper-level courses? This is a strong indicator of its suitability for your advanced degree.” Many schools offer specialized resources for working professionals, such as flexible class schedules, part-time programs and even distance learning options. While visiting short-listed colleges in person can present a number of work and family challenges, the insight afforded by conferring one-on-one with professors, and even sitting in on classes, can help immensely in the decision-making process. To get a true sense of a school’s reputation in the working world, check with their career counselor, who can provide you with information regarding the companies they feed graduates into, as well as unbiased professionals in the field.
3. Know Your Financial Options. For many, the prospect of attending graduate school ends with a single word: tuition. While it’s true that the expenses of adult life can make further education seem like impossibility, few are aware of the plethora of financial aid options available to returning students. “Adult learners may be eligible for grants and scholarships, as well as loans,” says Felicia Gopaul, a Certified College Planning Specialist. “The options do not decrease because you are working at the same time or have children.” She strongly advises potential students to obtain answers to the following questions prior to applying:
- What is the school’s financial aid policy?
- Will they be a good financial partner?
- What scholarship opportunities are available?
- How much debt are you willing to take on to fund your education?
- What programs are available through your current employer?
Most schools offer assistantships and outright grants for advanced degrees, and employers can reimburse up to a maximum $5,250 per year. The first step? All students seeking aid from the federal government should file the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) form. Do it online at www.fafsa.ed.gov/.
4. Take the GRE/GMAT Test.
Thought your days of cramming were over? Think again. Most graduate programs require either GRE or GMAT standardized test scores. And while there’s controversy over how much importance ought to be placed on them when evaluating an applicant, a low score won’t help you. Experts suggest approaching the preparation period as though it were a temporary second job, with all the added responsibilities that implies:
- Use an accredited test prep company. Kaplan (kaptest.com) or Princeton Review (princetonreview.com) are two reputable companies. Though pricey, these organizations maximize available time for working professionals through structured classes, experienced teaching staff and the innate advantage of learning with other students.
- Accept the fact that your work and family obligations will be temporarily impacted. Gather as much support as possible. Be frank with your ex-spouse and family about the added pressures, and establish a set-up taking it into account. If your supervisor at work is amenable, inform him and try to reschedule assignments conflicting with study periods.
- Remember that you always have the option to retake the test in the event of a lower-than-expected score. “Applicants should take the time they need to put their best foot forward,” says Wendy Huber, Associate Director of Admissions at Darden School of Business. “If that means waiting for the next deadline to submit their application so they can get their test score higher then they should take the time.”
5. Be Creative in Obtaining Recommendation Letters.
What constitutes a good candidate for a recommendation letter when you’ve been out of college for years? When going through your list of contacts, keep in mind that above all, a letter needs to provide a knowing and positive evaluation of your abilities and aptitudes. Tara Kuther, PhD, an associate professor at Western Connecticut State University, suggests the following avenues to help you in your search:
- Contact old college professors. If you excelled at a particular class, by all means take the time to track him or her down for a letter. Make sure that a teacher recalls enough about you to write in specifics.
- Enroll in classes. Not only will this give you a taste of the grad school regimen, it’s a prime opportunity to nab a highly-prized recommendation letter from active faculty. If they’re doing research in your area of interest, volunteer to help. Letters from professors who know you now can provide a major boost to your application.
- Ask a current employer or supervisor. Admissions officers place great stock in real-world experiences as an indicator of future success in graduate studies. A supervisor can write knowledgeably on crucial traits such as work ethic, enthusiasm, maturity and life experience. Provide him or her with a description of career-related achievements, why you wish to attend graduate school, and how pertinent skills and abilities are demonstrated by your current work.
6. Prepare for Acceptance.
You’ve covered all the bases and sent off a killer application. Weeks to months go by, and then suddenly there’s an acceptance package waiting in the mail. Avoid panicking over logistics by setting the groundwork early. Gain an overview of the amenities offered by your target college’s town. If graduate school requires a move, explore the local real estate market. Keep your ex apprised of child-care and other tandem issues arising from this new endeavor. Above all, maintain enthusiasm. You’re taking concrete steps towards a better life, and that’s worth getting excited about.
Anish Majumdar has spent more than seven years in the field of freelance journalism, contributing to Psychology Today, The Toronto Star and various Web sites. He is currently based in New York City, and can be reached at majumdar.anish@gmail.com.
