Graduate School: Why and When?

Why Go?

If you're considering graduate school because you don’t know what else to do, or because you want to postpone making further life decisions, you are likely to regret it. Be honest and careful when you examine your reasons for attending and when making decisions about timing. Here are some initial questions to ponder as you begin your decision-making process:

What are common career paths for people who pursue graduate work in that field?
Would you enjoy those career paths/work options?
Is the advanced degree actually necessary for what you want to do?
Does it make sense to go now or to work for a while first?
How motivated and committed are you? Graduate school will take a lot of time, energy, and money. To be successful, you need to really want to do it. It's fine to take a break before you apply.

When To Go?

Application Deadlines

Application deadlines for graduate programs generally range from November through the spring, with the majority running from December to early February. It’s best to apply toward the beginning of the application period. Many schools offer places on a rolling basis, and it makes it even more competitive when you apply at the end of the period.

Law school applications are best to submit by the end of November/early December, which puts you in the earlier part of their rolling admissions.

Medical school applications are best submitted at the front end of the application period. 75% or more of applications are submitted in June, and you’re extremely late if you wait until October, the stated deadline.

Timing of Your Application

Pulling an application together takes a lot of work:

studying for the GRE, MCAT, LSAT, GMAT, or other tests
researching and comparing schools
writing applications and essays/personal statements
Updating your resume for graduate programs
negotiating letters of recommendation
requesting transcripts
for some programs: compiling samples of your best writing, a portfolio of your work, preparing for an audition, etc.
Applying for financial aid can be a separate process at some programs
Interviews (some programs) and school visits (optional, but helpful!)

Applying as a Div III

Applying as a Div III requires tremendous organization and discipline. Do as much as possible before coming back to school in the fall of your final year.

Complete your research so you know where you will be applying.
Study for and take any admissions tests ahead of time, so you know your score before you apply.
Talk with faculty and others about writing letters of recommendation, especially if someone is taking sabbatical when you’ll be applying.
Prepare writing samples, portfolios, auditions or what you will need.
Start writing your essays

If, as a Div III, you’re sacrificing your Div III to complete these applications, that will likely impact the quality of both your Div III and applications. Consider that grad school can wait a year.  

Tip: Consider your grad school search, application, etc. like an additional class. Schedule a few hours a week for this.

Applying after graduation

Applying after graduation can be advantageous, as you’ll have more time to produce a strong application than you would while also working on your Div III.
You will have finished Div III and can more completely include it as part of your essay, letters of recommendation, and transcript.
Schools generally look at time off very favorably.
Returning students are often refreshed, ready for more intense work and excited to be studying again.
Some programs proactively seek older students with related work experience.
Working in your field of interest can help you identify possible areas of specialization.
You have more time to talk with those in your field to gain a realistic view of the field, jobs available with the advanced degree, typical work environments, and to learn if these are a good match for you