The time, money, and energy necessary to complete a course of graduate study are quite significant. While some students go directly from undergraduate to graduate school, others prefer to work first for some time and then return to school. In fact, this experience is often valued by many graduate and professional schools.

Good reasons for going to graduate school include:

• You have done your research and know you want to work in a field or at a level that requires post-graduate study prior to entry

• You are very certain that you are ready to devote time to discipline-specific study to develop expertise, qualify you for advancement, or enhance earning potential

• You are passionate about your choice and know where you want graduate school to take you

• If you can't get funding, you are prepared to undertake loans to finance your graduate education, and delay (or go back to) a student lifestyle

Reasons not to go to graduate school:

• You want to avoid looking for a job because you don't know what you want to do

• You've heard that the job market isn't great, so you want to delay looking for a job

• You want to extend the joys of the undergraduate years and avoid entering the “real world”

• You want to be earning money instead of borrowing more

Once you have made the decision to apply to graduate school, dedicate yourself to being planful and highly organized. Start the process early, leaving enough time to:

• Research schools and programs to find the right fit; do internet research; request catalogs; talk to current students, faculty, alumni, admissions representatives and/or career office representatives

• Determine test requirements, dates, and application deadlines (LSAT, MCAT, and GRE Subject tests are offered throughout the year at Brown)

• Study for and take appropriate tests

• Research funding options, scholarships, financial aid

• Request faculty letters of recommendation; establish your dossier file

• Write and re-write applications and essays

For information about standardized testing, check the following:

•  LSAT

•  GRE

•  GMAT

•  MCAT

In addition to faculty advisors, Career Services counselors are available to work with you through the process. Dean Ripley advises for students interested in Health Careers, and Dean Ashley advises regarding law and business school.