Published: March 10, 2008 12:13 am            

Grad school: More money and more homework

FAIRMONT — Many college students working on their undergraduate degrees have an intention of going to graduate school, while others aren’t sure what their next move will be.

For those of you who are considering or planning on going for the next step, here is a little insight.

Michelle Thompson-Shaffer, of Fairmont, tells us a little bit of what it’s like to be a grad student.

“It’s hell on Earth. I spent probably 50 hours a week on class work, easily,” said Michelle.

Professors are different in grad school than in undergrad. According to Michelle, they are more personal due to there being fewer students in each class. She is going full time as a grad student. She is taking six hours this semester and majoring in history at West Virginia University.

Much of the time, grad students take their classes in the evening.

“The classes are three hours long and usually go over,” she said.

The grad student tells us that the classes consist entirely of discussion on the week’s reading (homework). There are no lectures during the class time in any of her classes.

“It’s hard because I’m a non-traditional student. I’m a mom, and I substitute teach every week,” said Michelle.

When asked why this particular student decided to go for the long haul and go on to graduate school, she expressed a very common reasoning.

“More money,” she said, laughing.

Amanda Allen, an undergraduate student at Fairmont State University, is also intending on going to graduate school once she finishes her degree. Amanda has a double major in psychology and sociology, and will be graduating in May.

When asked what her plans are after graduating with her bachelor’s degree, Amanda said she needs some time for transition.

“I would like to take a year off to do independent research,” Amanda said. “I know the reason I’m taking a year off is because I’ve been so busy with my degree that I haven’t been able to get involved. That’s why I want to do independent research and get into as many activities as possible because the people who have been involved in everything look better on their applications than those who haven’t. Honestly, social pressure is also a factor in my decision because my degree is pretty useless unless I go to graduate school.”

This is more on the side of how to prepare for graduate school. It is not only about where you are going to go, but how to be ready for the application process in general. Credentials and resume are everything when applying.

“It’s expensive and very competitive, especially in my field,” said Amanda. “I know that there are lots of different entry exams that you have to take, depending on the school you are looking into.”

When the psychology and sociology major was asked if there were any other reasons she might be interested in furthering her education, she said that she thought she would be more prepared to help patients the way she wants to.

“I need to specialize,” said Amanda, “so that I can help people to the best of my ability.”

The intention of this information is not to scare any undergraduate students away from the idea of getting a master’s degree. Instead it is to help give them an idea of what is to come. Indeed, going in the graduate program is more difficult than regular college, but in the long run, more job security as well as a higher pay rate often goes in line with the degree. If you’re considering continuing your education at the end of your bachelor degree, hopefully these little facts of insight from someone who’s been there will strengthen your decision for the future.

        

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