To Matriculate or Not to Matriculate: Is Grad School the Right Next Step?
“Education is the food of youth, the delight of old age, the ornament of prosperity, the refuge and comfort of adversity, and the provocation to grace in the soul” (St. Augustine).
I’ve worked with graduate students for the entirety of my 10 years at the University of Notre Dame. It’s an admirable thing, graduate school. There are the “traditional” grad students, who choose to pause or delay their career to further their education and the “non-traditional” students, who continue their career and somehow manage to fit grad school into their life. I was in the latter category, and I will tell you that it’s not an easy task to balance it all.
I consider it a privilege to walk alongside my students (I’m pretty protective; they are all “my” students). Encouragement is one of my charisms, and I think I can say that all my students feel encouraged in the discerning phase of applying to grad school, during their time in the program, and after they’ve graduated. I cheer them on every step of the way.
When I was a recruiter, my role was to fill our programs with future alumni—students who would be academically successful and who also had a heart for the mission and vision of Our Lady’s University. The easy admits were so easy; “They do my job for me, I always said. With them, it was a perfect fit.
But I had many conversations where the best outcome was to defer applying or consider another program, sometimes at a different university or college. You may be thinking, “That is an odd thing for a recruiter to say. Isn’t the goal to talk people into becoming a student?”
Well, yes. But it’s equally important to know when someone isn’t ready, when the commitment of time and money that graduate school demands would not benefit the individual at this time of his or her life.
Not surprisingly, I am a big proponent of higher education. Education opens opportunities that otherwise would not be available, and graduate school is a tremendous professional and personal accomplishment. Having more knowledge about something you feel passionate about is never wrong. Likewise, I know that it is not the right decision for everyone. So, if you are contemplating graduate school, I recommend considering the following questions:
Are You Academically Ready?
What were your grades and how was your experience as an undergraduate? A solid academic foundation is vital to success. If grades were shaky, or if it’s been several years since you were in school, maybe there are some additional classes that you should take before you apply.
How Are Your Time Management Skills?
Do not underestimate the time required to commit to a graduate program, especially if it is an accelerated program, which condenses an entire graduate program down to one year or less. It will disrupt your family life, your friendships, and your career (if you are a working professional). Being smart about managing your time will benefit you as much as being academically prepared.
Who’s Your Champion?
Do you have a support system of people to help and encourage you along the way? Because it will be hard. You will question what you are doing and whether it is worth it. That first test, that first project or paper you work so hard on and don’t get the grade you want or need … obstacles will come; who will help you overcome them?
How Do You Determine Success?
Are you looking for graduate school to help you get a new job? Is the degree itself the measure of success? Is graduate school something you’ve put off for years, and now it’s your time? Be sure to understand your internal motivation. If you think you need a graduate degree just because it is the next box to check off your list, you may need to stop and consider your “why.”
Are You Ready Financially?
There is a lot of conversation out there about the return on investment (ROI) for graduate degrees—whether or not higher education is worth the cost. And for some, it may not be. Take time to consider how a degree could help your income. Do some research on the career path you are looking at and which skills can help you reach the next step.
Graduate school may not be necessary, but if you determine that it is the right thing for you, ask about fellowships and financial aid opportunities. Don’t leave money on the table because you didn’t do your due diligence.
Is Now the Right Time?
There is no perfect time to go back to school, but there are seasons of life when it may not make sense for you. I know women who’ve had babies during an academic program and not missed a beat. I have watched students care for aging or ill loved ones and still make it all work. You know yourself best. Some people can manage babies and work and grad school. Some cannot. There is no shame in taking a break from school or deferring your application.
Take a good look at what is happening in your life and what you can predict for your near future. Can you manage 20 or more hours of study and class every week on top of it?
Pray, Pray, Pray
Pray for guidance and insight into what God is calling you to do. How does going back to school fit into that plan? God loves to challenge and stretch us out of our comfort zone, so be prepared to be amazed at what he’s asking of you!
If the thought of graduate school is causing you stress, take a step back and consider where you are in your life, what goals you are trying to achieve, and what makes sense for you and your family. Graduate school will be there when you are ready. Your odds for success are much greater if you feel prepared and know what to expect.
Then, when you are ready, buy that backpack and those highlighters. It's a leap of faith in many ways, but I’m here to encourage you. You can do this; we are made to shine. I can't wait to see what's next!
Cathi Kennedy is passionate about building relationships. At the University of Notre Dame, she advises graduate students for the Mendoza College of Business. Her background is in marketing and communications, and she recently received her MBA. Impassioned writer, voracious reader, aspiring knitter. Married to a musician and a mom to two amazing sons. Cathi is a convert to Catholicism and seeks to learn something new about her faith every day. Connect with Cathi: LinkedIn • Instagram • Facebook • Blog