Choosing a Graduate School

Welcome to the Grad Admissions BLOG. I am a big fan of Seth Godin whose theory of Permission Marketing has helped shape the use of the Internet and the author of the best selling book – TRIBES – Godin talks about BLOGS as being the north star or a place to meet or for ideas to circle around, a place to go where you can find information or talk about something. To that end it is my goal that this grad admissions BLOG will provide you with all of that. I will post helpful information from time-to-time on graduate school and admissions and look forward to helping you by either answering questions you may have or helping to clarify the graduate admissions process. But please think of this BLOG as a place for you to begin a conversation as well about topics you are interested in.

Making your decision to attend graduate school is a major commitment  of time, money and effort. Choosing the best graduate school to attend is an important personal choice with an impact on your professional career. What degree program are you interested in? What are some of the colleges and universities who offer the graduate degree program you are interested in? What are their strengths and weaknesses as they relate to the graduate degree program you are interested in? Will you be a full-time graduate student? Or will you attend graduate school part-time? How will you balance work, family life and your academic studies? How will you finance your graduate school education? Is traditional financial aid available? What alternative loans might be available? Does the college or university offer scholarships? Are their formal programs in place such as graduate assistantships or research assistantships? What are the research interests of the faculty of the college or university I am interested in? What is the reputation of the college or university I am interested in? What accreditation do they hold not only as a college or university but within their programs of study?

Many questions but certainly there are many ways to begin finding answers:

1. Visit GradSchool.Com and other Web based venues to learn about the college or university you are interested in.

2. Call the graduate admissions office and request an informational packet to learn more about the college or university.

3. Attend an informational session to learn more about the college or university, degree program and to meet faculty and an admission representative.

4. Meet one-on-one with an admission representative or call the assistant dean for a meeting.

5. Check in with current students or alums to get a sense of what the college experience as a graduate student will be like for you and to learn how alums have used the degree both personally and professionally.

I have tried in a small way to help address ways that you can learn more about graduate school in your effort to make the most important decision on what college or university you will attend. I look forward to your comments and thoughts.

Best regards,

Dr. Raymond Guillette

Email: ProfessorRayatComcast.net

Grad School for Military Families

Serving in the United States Military offers young men and women many opportunities to develop leadership and skills. Serving in the armed forces also has benefits,  and among the benefits are  improved educational benefits. According to the recent issue of  NATIONAL GUARD SOLDIER & FAMILY FOUNDATIONS,  in an article titled “College VS. Trade School – What’s Right for You?”,  by Bill Hudgins, the resources available to military members is outlined rather well regarding opportunities for educational benefits. According to College.Gov, by 2014, 90 percent of the fastest-growing careers will require some higher education. According to Hudgins the Montgomery GI Bill and Post 9/11 GI Bill both include benefits that can help.

To learn more about the Post-9/11 GI Bill, call (888)-442-4551, or visit GIBILL.va.gov for up to date information on this and other education benefits.

10 TOP REASONS TO GO TO GRAD SCHOOL

Recently in GRAD SOURCE magazine www.GradSource.com there appeared an article about the top 10 reasons to go to grad school. I thought I would take this opportunity to list the Top 10 Reasons as noted by GRAD SOURCE magazine which appears to be a knock-off to David Lettermans TOP 10 list.

1. Advance your career – Most professionals now need a least a master’s degree to get by in their profession and workplace.

2. Do your personal best – Grad School is a great place to test your mettle.

3. Joy of learning – Grad School can give more of what you love to do, and gives you the opportunity to become an expert in your field.

4. Be paid to learn – As a grad student, you can get paid as a graduate assistant or teaching assistant or research assistant.

5. Rite of passage – After four years as a lowly undergrad, you finally earn some respect. You are part of the hood, literally.

6. Place of refuge – Grad school is a good place to park yourself during tough economic times.

7. Expand your mind – There;s no better place than grad school for a complete mental workout.

8. Earn prestige – A graduate degree will open doors to not only a myriad of professions, but also to the inner circle.

9. Build your network – Grad School will give you the opportunity to meet many new people with diverse knowledge and experiences. Not only do you get to rub shoulders with the best and brightest but you also get to establish valuable contacts that will serve you well in your future career.

10. Expand your horizon – Grad School gives you the opportunity to live and work with people all over the world.

What do you think of this Top 10 list from GRAD SOURCE magazine?

I look forward to a conversation with you. Are you thinking of graduate school?

Best regards,

Dr