Jan
19
Going Full Time in Graduate School: Benefits Galore
Filed Under grad school | Comments Off
Amber Smith asked:
The number one reason to go full time in graduate school is to get your program finished more quickly. Many people manage to balance both full-time school and full-time jobs with relative ease, particularly if they’re taking online classes.
Different than Undergrad
In graduate school, full time is only 9 hours in comparison to the 12 hours required for an undergraduate degree. Most classes will be three hour classes, so at 9 hours that means you’re only taking three classes a semester. If you can fit one of those in six Saturdays or online, then you will only have to go to class a couple of nights a week.
Finish Sooner
By going to graduate school full time, you will be able to finish in half the time. The sooner you finish, the sooner you can get that big raise and be out of school, at least for another few years. Even balancing 12 hours a semester with a full time job is possible, especially if you’re single and don’t have kids to worry about. Though there will be times when you’re burned out from the load, finishing earlier often outweighs the frustration of these times.
Save Money
By going full-time in graduate school, you will be a better candidate for a graduate assistantship or scholarship. Most of the time these are held for full-time students only, so going full time may prove beneficial if it allows you to save several thousand dollars a semester.
Make More Money
After getting your graduate degree, you will substantially increase your earning power. Although it might seem smart to work at a low paying job and go only part-time, you will probably lose money this way through student loan interest rates and loss of after school years when you could make a significantly larger amount of money.
A Note on Online Degrees
If you’re seeking a degree from an online school, you have even more reason to go full-time. Number one, there’s a good chance your company may be paying for you to go to school. Number two, online classes only last six weeks at a time, so you can easily finish more hours in one semester with less stress in an online degree program. There’s just something more exciting and less stressful about ending a class and starting a new one every six weeks. Most students of online degree programs experience less burnout since they don’t have to deal with the same teachers and groups for sixteen weeks at a time. What a relief it would be to have fun in a class for a few weeks, start a new experience, and still finish school early by going full-time.
Going Full Time in Graduate School: The Benefits
Here’s the rundown of the four major benefits of going full time in graduate school. Consider them before making your choice. Going full time is much easier than it may seem at first, and from experience, I know it’s not only possible but practical as well.
Requires Fewer Hours
Finish Sooner
Save Money
Increase Salary
Lewis
The number one reason to go full time in graduate school is to get your program finished more quickly. Many people manage to balance both full-time school and full-time jobs with relative ease, particularly if they’re taking online classes.
Different than Undergrad
In graduate school, full time is only 9 hours in comparison to the 12 hours required for an undergraduate degree. Most classes will be three hour classes, so at 9 hours that means you’re only taking three classes a semester. If you can fit one of those in six Saturdays or online, then you will only have to go to class a couple of nights a week.
Finish Sooner
By going to graduate school full time, you will be able to finish in half the time. The sooner you finish, the sooner you can get that big raise and be out of school, at least for another few years. Even balancing 12 hours a semester with a full time job is possible, especially if you’re single and don’t have kids to worry about. Though there will be times when you’re burned out from the load, finishing earlier often outweighs the frustration of these times.
Save Money
By going full-time in graduate school, you will be a better candidate for a graduate assistantship or scholarship. Most of the time these are held for full-time students only, so going full time may prove beneficial if it allows you to save several thousand dollars a semester.
Make More Money
After getting your graduate degree, you will substantially increase your earning power. Although it might seem smart to work at a low paying job and go only part-time, you will probably lose money this way through student loan interest rates and loss of after school years when you could make a significantly larger amount of money.
A Note on Online Degrees
If you’re seeking a degree from an online school, you have even more reason to go full-time. Number one, there’s a good chance your company may be paying for you to go to school. Number two, online classes only last six weeks at a time, so you can easily finish more hours in one semester with less stress in an online degree program. There’s just something more exciting and less stressful about ending a class and starting a new one every six weeks. Most students of online degree programs experience less burnout since they don’t have to deal with the same teachers and groups for sixteen weeks at a time. What a relief it would be to have fun in a class for a few weeks, start a new experience, and still finish school early by going full-time.
Going Full Time in Graduate School: The Benefits
Here’s the rundown of the four major benefits of going full time in graduate school. Consider them before making your choice. Going full time is much easier than it may seem at first, and from experience, I know it’s not only possible but practical as well.
Requires Fewer Hours
Finish Sooner
Save Money
Increase Salary
Lewis
Jan
19
* asked:
As a non-matriculated student, I will be taking class but my graduate school test score will be received after the school deadline.
I am not eligible to get grants or loans from FAFSA as a non-matriculated student.
Foundation Grants
Sean
As a non-matriculated student, I will be taking class but my graduate school test score will be received after the school deadline.
I am not eligible to get grants or loans from FAFSA as a non-matriculated student.
Foundation Grants
Sean
Jan
11
ricus asked:
I’m talking about 22 and 23 year olds who finished their undergraduate studies and have moved on to graduate school. What would be the cons of marrying around then? What age do you think is the most appropriate for a guy when he gets married?
Dorothy
I’m talking about 22 and 23 year olds who finished their undergraduate studies and have moved on to graduate school. What would be the cons of marrying around then? What age do you think is the most appropriate for a guy when he gets married?
Dorothy
Jan
11
What to Consider Before Deciding to Go to Graduate School
Filed Under grad school | Comments Off
Elizabeth Saas asked:
Consideration #1: What Do You Hope To Gain From Graduate School?
People go to graduate school for a number of reasons. Before you apply, you should think seriously about what your goals and expectations are. Graduate school is a major investment of time and money, so before you commit either of these precious resources, you should be clear about what you are getting into, and what you’re going to get out of it.
Graduate School As A Route To Personal Fulfillment
Some people return to school for advanced degrees because there is something they’ve always wanted to know more about, you might seek to feed a passion that began in undergrad perhaps, or maybe you are finally going to chase your lifelong dream of immersing yourself in one of the arts, be it writing, painting, sculpture, theater, etc. If you are seeking an advanced degree out of a passion for the subject matter you’ll be investigating in your graduate program, the most important thing for you to do is to make sure that you have sufficient time to devote to your pursuits.
Graduate School As A Route To Financial Enrichment and Career Advancement
You may also seek to pursue your passion to the extent that you’ll be financially rewarded down the road from it. If this is the category you fall into, you should be realistic about what the opportunities are in your field once you’ve been awarded your degree. For example, one should not undertake a graduate degree in filmmaking with the idea that it will get you a job as a director. If you are pursuing an advanced degree in the arts, make sure that the investment of time and money is going to be worth it for you in and of them.
On the other hand, there are other fields where an advanced degree will certainly lead to greater job prospects, and perhaps this is the reason you’re considering going back to school. If you are in a field where a bachelor’s degree alone will prevent you from advancing in your career, graduate school, even if it isn’t a passion for you, might be a very smart decision — especially if you can get someone else to pay for it.
Consideration #2: Can You Get Someone Else To Pay For Graduate School?
Check with your employer or your human resources department. Many companies are happy to invest in the intellectual capital of their employees, and you might be able to take a class or two a semester with tuition remission, where you pay for a class up front and your employer reimburses you upon successful completion of your class. If you work for a university or college, you might be able to take a class each semester for free.
Jacob
Consideration #1: What Do You Hope To Gain From Graduate School?
People go to graduate school for a number of reasons. Before you apply, you should think seriously about what your goals and expectations are. Graduate school is a major investment of time and money, so before you commit either of these precious resources, you should be clear about what you are getting into, and what you’re going to get out of it.
Graduate School As A Route To Personal Fulfillment
Some people return to school for advanced degrees because there is something they’ve always wanted to know more about, you might seek to feed a passion that began in undergrad perhaps, or maybe you are finally going to chase your lifelong dream of immersing yourself in one of the arts, be it writing, painting, sculpture, theater, etc. If you are seeking an advanced degree out of a passion for the subject matter you’ll be investigating in your graduate program, the most important thing for you to do is to make sure that you have sufficient time to devote to your pursuits.
Graduate School As A Route To Financial Enrichment and Career Advancement
You may also seek to pursue your passion to the extent that you’ll be financially rewarded down the road from it. If this is the category you fall into, you should be realistic about what the opportunities are in your field once you’ve been awarded your degree. For example, one should not undertake a graduate degree in filmmaking with the idea that it will get you a job as a director. If you are pursuing an advanced degree in the arts, make sure that the investment of time and money is going to be worth it for you in and of them.
On the other hand, there are other fields where an advanced degree will certainly lead to greater job prospects, and perhaps this is the reason you’re considering going back to school. If you are in a field where a bachelor’s degree alone will prevent you from advancing in your career, graduate school, even if it isn’t a passion for you, might be a very smart decision — especially if you can get someone else to pay for it.
Consideration #2: Can You Get Someone Else To Pay For Graduate School?
Check with your employer or your human resources department. Many companies are happy to invest in the intellectual capital of their employees, and you might be able to take a class or two a semester with tuition remission, where you pay for a class up front and your employer reimburses you upon successful completion of your class. If you work for a university or college, you might be able to take a class each semester for free.
Jacob
Jan
11
Ways to Excel in Graduate School
Filed Under grad school | Comments Off
Catherine Zandueta asked:
If you find graduate school difficult, you are not alone. Graduate education is a time-consuming and thought-provoking journey. There are ways that can help you get through this period and really excel in your classes.
Good study habits will help you excel in graduate school. Expect to be assigned hundreds of pages of reading. You have to learn to read quickly and effectively. Learning good study habits will make your life easier. Take notes while reading. Summarize the topics as you go along especially the ones you have trouble with. Writing will help you memorize and it will also provide good notes to read through before a big exam.
Manage your time. Many people have a hard time studying five hours straight. Studying for long periods of time can cause strain. Plan to study at different times of the day. Study a couple hours before class or squeeze some study time in before lunch. Breaking up your study time will allow you to feel refreshed before hitting the books again.
Another way to excel in school is to get involved. Join study groups. Study groups can provide support when you’re studying. Study groups are also a great way to socialize with your classmates. Spending time with people who understand what you’re going through can be a relief. Talk about better ways to study or new ways to memorize material.
Also get involved with your professors and teaching assistants. Look up their office hours and visit your professor or teaching assistant at least once during your course. This will let them know that you’re serious about the class and want to learn all you can. Ask them to recommend other books if you are fascinated with the subject. Ask them career advice, especially if you are thinking about becoming a university professor.
If you find it hard to get the grades you want, seek out a tutor. Many universities offer free tutoring, usually by students who are older than you or farther along in the graduate program. Tutors can help you better understand your course material. They can also give you advice on how to cope with the assignments and hectic class schedule.
Dont forget to join clubs and hang out with your friends. Don’t underestimate the benefits of play time. Sometimes you need to talk to people that have other interests than your graduate program. School is important but it can’t be the focus of your entire life. Try volunteering or playing intramural sports. Exercise is a great way to relieve stress.
Graduate school is difficult. Take the time to organize yourself and your study habits. You will find that this will give you confidence and help you excel in graduate school.
Caroline
If you find graduate school difficult, you are not alone. Graduate education is a time-consuming and thought-provoking journey. There are ways that can help you get through this period and really excel in your classes.
Good study habits will help you excel in graduate school. Expect to be assigned hundreds of pages of reading. You have to learn to read quickly and effectively. Learning good study habits will make your life easier. Take notes while reading. Summarize the topics as you go along especially the ones you have trouble with. Writing will help you memorize and it will also provide good notes to read through before a big exam.
Manage your time. Many people have a hard time studying five hours straight. Studying for long periods of time can cause strain. Plan to study at different times of the day. Study a couple hours before class or squeeze some study time in before lunch. Breaking up your study time will allow you to feel refreshed before hitting the books again.
Another way to excel in school is to get involved. Join study groups. Study groups can provide support when you’re studying. Study groups are also a great way to socialize with your classmates. Spending time with people who understand what you’re going through can be a relief. Talk about better ways to study or new ways to memorize material.
Also get involved with your professors and teaching assistants. Look up their office hours and visit your professor or teaching assistant at least once during your course. This will let them know that you’re serious about the class and want to learn all you can. Ask them to recommend other books if you are fascinated with the subject. Ask them career advice, especially if you are thinking about becoming a university professor.
If you find it hard to get the grades you want, seek out a tutor. Many universities offer free tutoring, usually by students who are older than you or farther along in the graduate program. Tutors can help you better understand your course material. They can also give you advice on how to cope with the assignments and hectic class schedule.
Dont forget to join clubs and hang out with your friends. Don’t underestimate the benefits of play time. Sometimes you need to talk to people that have other interests than your graduate program. School is important but it can’t be the focus of your entire life. Try volunteering or playing intramural sports. Exercise is a great way to relieve stress.
Graduate school is difficult. Take the time to organize yourself and your study habits. You will find that this will give you confidence and help you excel in graduate school.
Caroline
Jan
10
What is a good university that has a business graduate school in so cal?
Filed Under grad school | 1 Comment
krispy asked:
So im in college right now and i want to go down south (CA) like LA or San Diego to graduate school of business. Anybody know a good one?
Esther
So im in college right now and i want to go down south (CA) like LA or San Diego to graduate school of business. Anybody know a good one?
Esther
Jan
10
Low-interest Stafford Loans Could Help you Meet your Graduate School Expenses
Filed Under grad school | Comments Off
Jeff Mictabor asked:
As a graduate or professional degree student, even with your student grants and T.A.’s salary, you may find you still have school-related expenses to cover. To help you meet the costs of your degree program, NextStudent, a leading Phoenix-based education funding company, offers graduate Federal Stafford Loans, which carry a low, fixed 6.8% interest rate. And as long as you’re enrolled at least half-time, you don’t have to start repaying your Stafford loan until you’ve finished your degree.
Graduate Stafford Loans Can Provide up to $20,500 a Year
The Stafford Loan Program offers two types of student loans: subsidized Stafford loans (awarded on the basis of financial need) and unsubsidized Stafford loans (non–need-based). You may qualify for either type of Stafford loan or a combination of both.
With a subsidized student loan, the government will pay for any interest that accrues while you’re still in school, when you’re in deferment and throughout your grace period.
With an unsubsidized student loan, you’re responsible for all interest that accrues, even when you’re not making student loan payments. Any interest that accrues while you’re postponing repayment—whether you’re in school, in deferment, or in a grace period—will be added to your principal student loan amount for you to repay once your repayment period begins.
As a graduate or professional degree student, you can borrow up to $20,500 a year in Stafford loans of which no more than $8,500 may be in subsidized loans), up to a maximum cumulative Stafford debt of $138,500 between your graduate and undergraduate Stafford loans.
Applying for a Graduate Stafford Loan Is Fast and Easy
There’s no credit check with a Stafford loan. To qualify, you just need to complete your FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and meet the Stafford eligibility requirements:
Enrolled or accepted in an eligible graduate or professional degree program, attending at least half-time
Maintaining satisfactory academic progress, as determined by your school
U.S. citizen or permanent resident
Not in default on any federal student loans
Registered with the Selective Service if you’re male and between the ages of 18 and 25
Once you’re approved for your Federal Stafford Loan, a check will be sent to your school. After your tuition and other school-billed fees are paid, you can use any remaining Stafford funds for your books, materials and other school-related expenses.
After you’ve left school, you can choose to consolidate both your unsubsidized and subsidized Stafford loans with a Federal Student Loan Consolidation. You get more time to repay, and you could substantially lower your monthly payment.
So when your T.A. salary doesn’t stretch quite far enough, let NextStudent help with a graduate Stafford loan. Apply for your Federal Stafford Loan today and get the affordable financing you need for graduate school, that lets you stay focused on getting your degree instead of on making student loan payments while you’re still in school.
NextStudent believes that getting an education is the best investment you can make, and we’re dedicated to helping you pursue your education dreams by making college funding simple. Learn more about Student Loans, Private Student Loans and Student Loan Consolidation at NextStudent.com.
Kim
As a graduate or professional degree student, even with your student grants and T.A.’s salary, you may find you still have school-related expenses to cover. To help you meet the costs of your degree program, NextStudent, a leading Phoenix-based education funding company, offers graduate Federal Stafford Loans, which carry a low, fixed 6.8% interest rate. And as long as you’re enrolled at least half-time, you don’t have to start repaying your Stafford loan until you’ve finished your degree.
Graduate Stafford Loans Can Provide up to $20,500 a Year
The Stafford Loan Program offers two types of student loans: subsidized Stafford loans (awarded on the basis of financial need) and unsubsidized Stafford loans (non–need-based). You may qualify for either type of Stafford loan or a combination of both.
With a subsidized student loan, the government will pay for any interest that accrues while you’re still in school, when you’re in deferment and throughout your grace period.
With an unsubsidized student loan, you’re responsible for all interest that accrues, even when you’re not making student loan payments. Any interest that accrues while you’re postponing repayment—whether you’re in school, in deferment, or in a grace period—will be added to your principal student loan amount for you to repay once your repayment period begins.
As a graduate or professional degree student, you can borrow up to $20,500 a year in Stafford loans of which no more than $8,500 may be in subsidized loans), up to a maximum cumulative Stafford debt of $138,500 between your graduate and undergraduate Stafford loans.
Applying for a Graduate Stafford Loan Is Fast and Easy
There’s no credit check with a Stafford loan. To qualify, you just need to complete your FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and meet the Stafford eligibility requirements:
Enrolled or accepted in an eligible graduate or professional degree program, attending at least half-time
Maintaining satisfactory academic progress, as determined by your school
U.S. citizen or permanent resident
Not in default on any federal student loans
Registered with the Selective Service if you’re male and between the ages of 18 and 25
Once you’re approved for your Federal Stafford Loan, a check will be sent to your school. After your tuition and other school-billed fees are paid, you can use any remaining Stafford funds for your books, materials and other school-related expenses.
After you’ve left school, you can choose to consolidate both your unsubsidized and subsidized Stafford loans with a Federal Student Loan Consolidation. You get more time to repay, and you could substantially lower your monthly payment.
So when your T.A. salary doesn’t stretch quite far enough, let NextStudent help with a graduate Stafford loan. Apply for your Federal Stafford Loan today and get the affordable financing you need for graduate school, that lets you stay focused on getting your degree instead of on making student loan payments while you’re still in school.
NextStudent believes that getting an education is the best investment you can make, and we’re dedicated to helping you pursue your education dreams by making college funding simple. Learn more about Student Loans, Private Student Loans and Student Loan Consolidation at NextStudent.com.
Kim
Jan
8
Coping With Graduate School Stress
Filed Under grad school | Comments Off
Amber Smith asked:
Graduate school can be extremely stressful, especially if you are returning to school after a long break. You need to find a way to deal with the stress so that you can make it through your program even while working a full-time job and taking care of your family.
They’re Not Out to Get You
In graduate school, your professors will not be out to get you. If anything, they will be more helpful than professors you’ve had at any other time in your life. They want everyone to succeed as your failure reflects negatively on both the teachers and the program.
Ask For Assistance
If you do find that you’re having difficulty in graduate school, ask for help. It really is the right thing to do. Like I said, professors in graduate school are eager to help. The key is that you have to ask for assistance before you’re in deep trouble so that you’ll have time to bring your grades up.
Stay Balanced
If you have a family at home and a job and other commitments, giving your time to graduate school can be difficult and frustrating. Do your best to stay balanced by remembering that some things are urgent and some things are important, but the important ones should almost always win.
Make New Friends
If you are returning to school, this is even more important. Make new friends. Even if everyone in your program is half your age, you can still develop new friendships. Plus, since these students are accustomed to being in school, they can help you understand how everything works.
Relax
Whether you run or spend time with your family or go out for dinner with friends, be sure to take a break from studying. Taking some time to relax will keep you balanced and keep your family supporting your schooling instead of feeling like they’re competing with it.
What to Remember
When you’re stressed out in graduate school, particularly after a couple of semesters, remember these things:
They’re not out to get you.
You can ask for assistance.
Stay balanced.
Make new friends.
Relax.
William
Graduate school can be extremely stressful, especially if you are returning to school after a long break. You need to find a way to deal with the stress so that you can make it through your program even while working a full-time job and taking care of your family.
They’re Not Out to Get You
In graduate school, your professors will not be out to get you. If anything, they will be more helpful than professors you’ve had at any other time in your life. They want everyone to succeed as your failure reflects negatively on both the teachers and the program.
Ask For Assistance
If you do find that you’re having difficulty in graduate school, ask for help. It really is the right thing to do. Like I said, professors in graduate school are eager to help. The key is that you have to ask for assistance before you’re in deep trouble so that you’ll have time to bring your grades up.
Stay Balanced
If you have a family at home and a job and other commitments, giving your time to graduate school can be difficult and frustrating. Do your best to stay balanced by remembering that some things are urgent and some things are important, but the important ones should almost always win.
Make New Friends
If you are returning to school, this is even more important. Make new friends. Even if everyone in your program is half your age, you can still develop new friendships. Plus, since these students are accustomed to being in school, they can help you understand how everything works.
Relax
Whether you run or spend time with your family or go out for dinner with friends, be sure to take a break from studying. Taking some time to relax will keep you balanced and keep your family supporting your schooling instead of feeling like they’re competing with it.
What to Remember
When you’re stressed out in graduate school, particularly after a couple of semesters, remember these things:
They’re not out to get you.
You can ask for assistance.
Stay balanced.
Make new friends.
Relax.
William
