It’s no secret that graduate school is a big decision and a big commitment—of time, money, and energy. So how do you know if you’re ready? It’s not just about meeting admission requirements. It’s about having a clear understanding of why making this commitment is important to you, whether the timing is right and whether you have the motivation, preparation and support to see it through to completion.
Here are some checklist items that will help you know when you’re ready for grad school:
You have a clear purpose and goal
Earning a graduate degree can have a transformative impact on your life and those you share it with. Whether you wish to advance or gain deeper expertise in your field, change careers or be a positive role model for your family and community, success in graduate school starts with having a clear purpose and goals and developing an informed plan for achieving your them.
You’re intellectually and emotionally prepared
Graduate school is challenging and rigorous, but the truth is that most people who have earned a bachelor’s degree are better prepared to be successful grad school students than they might think. Many of the most successful graduate school students are the same ones who, at one point, had been wrongly led to believe that they weren’t “grad-school” material. If you’re excited about learning at a deeper level, can manage independent work and are ready to contribute to a community of your peers, you may be ready for graduate school.
You’ve explored your options
Being ready means doing your research: comparing program designs and outcomes (graduation and job placement rates), talking to an admission adviser and attending program information sessions (such as those regularly offered at University of the Pacific). When you’ve taken the time to learn what’s out there and what fits your needs, you can make well-informed decisions about the options that will work best for you.
You’ve thought about timing
Whether you’re thinking about starting grad school right after completing your bachelor’s degree or returning several years later, there’s no single “right” time to go to graduate school. Being “grad school-ready” often means you’ve made space in your personal and professional life to grow, have the support needed to stay focused and on-track, and you’re excited about what lies ahead. If you’ve been able to check some or all these boxes, giving graduate school a more serious look may be your next step. Schedule a personal chat with one of our graduate advisers who are ready to help you create a graduate school plan that works best for you.
