Pros and Cons of Going to Graduate School

Deciding to go to graduate school is a major life decision and is usually at least a two-year commitment. Hence, if you're unsure whether you want to go to graduate school or not, it's best to weigh the advantages and disadvantages.

Pros

Chance to Work with Professors

As a graduate student, you will find many opportunities to work with professors. Working with professors will provide excellent work experience in your specialized field of study and most likely you will get paid in the form of financial aid or a stipend.

Learn More About a Subject You Enjoy

Of course this is assuming you enjoy the subject you are considering going to graduate school for. You'll get to study subjects much more in depth than you did in undergraduate courses.

Do Your Own Research

Rarely do you get to research whatever you want when you're working, but in graduate school, you'll have the opportunity to choose a research topic and do as you please.

Earn a Higher Salary

On average, students with graduate degrees earn a higher salary than students with only a bachelors degree. Many jobs now prefer to hire applicants with graduate degrees, and so a graduate degree could present a job opportunity unavailable to undergraduates.

Cons

More School

Many students are/were aching to finish up undergraduate studies, and the thought of five more years in college to earn a doctorate degree just isn't very appealing.

Cost of Graduate School

Graduate school can be expensive if you don't have any source of financial aid. Contact prospective graduate schools to find out what is available.

Stress

Graduate school can be stressful for some because of the depth at which graduate students study their subject.

Another Standardized Test

Most likely you'll have to study for and take the GRE to apply to graduate school.