The investment you make in your graduate education is one that most always pays off.  However, some prospective graduate students who initially consider post-undergraduate education do not move forward and apply to grad school.  Why?  Because they believe one or more of the four following myths:

Myth #1 – It’s too expensive and I can’t afford it

Let’s face it; education is expensive. But it always has been, regardless of the economy. Fortunately, there are many opportunities to get others to pay for your graduate studies so you can earn your degree with minimal personal expense or debt.

• Check with your current employer. Many offer educational benefits.
• Work for the college or university you attend. I’m not talking about minimum wage or work-study jobs. Get a job in admissions, developments, human resources or other institutional offices. By doing so you will earn a salary and benefits that almost always includes full or partial tuition coverage.
• Apply for scholarships and fellowship funding. There is more available for grad students than undergrads, and it isn’t just the educational institutions that offer them. Look into the following options:
  • Federal or State Department of Education
  • Civic organizations like your local Chamber of Commerce, Lion’s Club, Elk’s Club, Masons, etc.
  • Religious organizations

As tuition costs rise, so usually does funding for scholarships, and far more financial help is available than you may think. By combining the resources above, you can end up with a very large amount of money. Some of these options come with ‘strings attached’ – a method of service or commitment to continuing to work for a period of time after graduation. Fulfilling those obligations will be well worth it.

Myth #2 – I’m too old to go back to school

• Statistics show that, in many institutions, the average graduate student is in his or her mid to late thirties. So there is no disadvantage or stigma in going back as an older student.  This is happening more and more every year (https://blog.powerscore.com/gre/bid-223716-are-you-too-old-to-go-to-graduate-school/).
• In fact, institutions are very welcoming to older students with work and life experience because of the value they add to the discipline being studied and to discussions in the classroom.   
• Online, part-time, evening and weekend programs are proliferating in response to the growing number of older students returning to school. There are many good ones. Take the time to research your options and what works best for your situation.

 

Myth #3 – My undergraduate academic record isn’t good enough, and I won’t get accepted

• Admissions committees do not just look at grades. They look at everything in your application including letters of recommendation, essays, the courses you took, internships, and work and life experience.
• Admission directors are looking for reasons to bring you in, not reasons to keep you out. The older and further away you are from your undergraduate degree, the less important your previous grades will be.
• If you still feel your academic record is lacking, take one or two grad courses and get an A. It shows you’re serious about your education and demonstrates what you’re capable of doing. Then you can say in your application essay, ‘While my undergrad record is not strong, this is an example of the kind of work I do now.’ It doesn’t matter if your recent courses are at a community college or lesser-known university. It’s the initiative that shines.  

 

Myth #4 – It isn’t worth going unless I get into a top-ranked school or program

While listed as ‘Myth #4,’ this may be the number one myth. And choosing a program primarily because of its ranking, may be the number one mistake applicants make.

• There are plenty of examples of people who went to all the top schools yet have failed dismally. Employers know this; and when it comes right down to it, they value who you are, what you can bring to the table and the degree itself far above the institution you attended.

• Getting your graduate degree from any institution demonstrates to employers that you have what it really takes to succeed – persistence and determination.

 

Now that you’re over these myths, what’s holding you back?  Get out there and start pursuing your goals and achieving your dreams!

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