{"id":4038,"date":"2023-07-02T01:00:38","date_gmt":"2023-07-02T08:00:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dornsife.usc.edu\/careerpathways-temp\/?page_id=4038"},"modified":"2023-11-13T21:25:28","modified_gmt":"2023-11-14T05:25:28","slug":"frequently-asked-questions-about-graduate-school","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/dornsife.usc.edu\/careerpathways\/grad-school-advising\/frequently-asked-questions-about-graduate-school\/","title":{"rendered":"Frequently asked questions about graduate school"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n\n    \n  \n    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div\n  class=\"cc--component-container cc--image-gallery \"\n\n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  >\n  <div class=\"c--component c--image-gallery\"\n    \n      >\n\n    \n  <div class=\"inner-wrapper\">\n\n    \n      <div id=\"gallery-2117117810\" class=\"gallery-container\">\n\n      <div class=\"swiper images\">\n        <div class=\"swiper-wrapper\">\n                                    <div class=\"swiper-slide\">\n                                      \n<div class=\"f--field f--image\">\n\n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \n              \n      <img\n                            data-src=\"https:\/\/dornsife.usc.edu\/careerpathways\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2023\/11\/jon-tyson-hhq1Lxtuwd8-unsplash-768x432.jpg\"\n          data-srcset=\"https:\/\/dornsife.usc.edu\/careerpathways\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2023\/11\/jon-tyson-hhq1Lxtuwd8-unsplash-1920x1080.jpg 1920w,https:\/\/dornsife.usc.edu\/careerpathways\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2023\/11\/jon-tyson-hhq1Lxtuwd8-unsplash-1280x720.jpg 1280w,https:\/\/dornsife.usc.edu\/careerpathways\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2023\/11\/jon-tyson-hhq1Lxtuwd8-unsplash-768x432.jpg 768w\"          data-sizes=\"(min-width:1200px) 75vw, (min-width:768px) 83vw, 100vw\"          class=\"lazyload\"\n        \n                  alt=\"lit question mark\"\n        \n        \n                                      \/>\n\n    \n    \n  \n  \n\n<\/div>\n                              <\/div>\n                              <\/div>\n      <\/div>\n\n      <div class=\"swiper captions\">\n        <div class=\"controls-container\">\n          <button class=\"button-prev\" aria-label=\"Previous Image\">\n            <svg version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\"\n            x=\"0px\" y=\"0px\" viewBox=\"0 0 35 35\" enable-background=\"new 0 0 35 35\" xml:space=\"preserve\">\n            <polygon fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" fill=\"#000\" points=\"15.7,27.5 5.7,17.5 \n            15.7,7.5 18.7,10.4 13.6,15.4 28.3,15.4 28.3,19.6 13.6,19.6 18.7,24.6 \"\/>\n            <\/svg>\n          <\/button>\n          <button class=\"button-next\" aria-label=\"Next Image\">\n            <svg version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\"\n\t x=\"0px\" y=\"0px\" viewBox=\"0 0 35 35\" enable-background=\"new 0 0 35 35\" xml:space=\"preserve\"><polygon fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" fill=\"#000\" points=\"19.3,27.5 29.3,17.5 \n\t19.3,7.5 16.3,10.4 21.4,15.4 6.7,15.4 6.7,19.6 21.4,19.6 16.3,24.6 \"\/>\n<\/svg>\n          <\/button>\n        <\/div>\n\n        <div class=\"swiper-wrapper\">\n                                    <div class=\"swiper-slide\">\n                                  <div class=\"slide-caption\">\n                        \n<div class=\"f--field f--description\">\n\n    \n  <p>Photo by <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/@jontyson?utm_content=creditCopyText&#038;utm_medium=referral&#038;utm_source=unsplash\">Jon Tyson<\/a> on <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/photos\/white-markee-light-hhq1Lxtuwd8?utm_content=creditCopyText&#038;utm_medium=referral&#038;utm_source=unsplash\">Unsplash<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n                  <\/div>\n                              <\/div>\n                              <\/div>\n\n      <\/div>\n\n\n    <\/div>\n  \n  <\/div>\n\n\n  <\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n            \n  \n    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div\n  class=\"cc--component-container cc--accordions \"\n\n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  >\n  <div class=\"c--component c--accordions\"\n    \n      >\n\n    \n  \n      <ul>\n              <li>\n          <button type=\"button\" class=\"accordion-trigger \" id=\"heading-1-1-KOh4g0dj4t\" aria-controls=\"section-1-1-KOh4g0dj4t\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-disabled=\"false\">\n                          <span class=\"item-title\">What are the different types of graduate programs available?<\/span>\n            \n                      <\/button>\n\n          <div id=\"section-1-1-KOh4g0dj4t\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"heading-1-1-KOh4g0dj4t\" class=\"accordion-panel\">\n\n                            \n    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div\n  class=\"cc--component-container cc--rich-text \"\n\n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  >\n  <div class=\"c--component c--rich-text\"\n    \n      >\n\n    \n      \n<div class=\"f--field f--wysiwyg\">\n\n    \n  <p>There are various types of graduate programs, including master&#8217;s degrees, doctoral degrees, professional degrees (e.g., MBA, JD), and specialized certificates. Master&#8217;s degrees can be research-based (e.g., MS, MA) or professional (e.g., MBA, MFA).<\/p>\n<p>Explore this <a href=\"https:\/\/dornsife.usc.edu\/careerpathways\/researching-graduate-programs\/\">page<\/a> for details!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n  <\/div><\/div>\n            \n                      <\/div>\n        <\/li>\n\n              <li>\n          <button type=\"button\" class=\"accordion-trigger \" id=\"heading-1-2-KOh4g0dj4t\" aria-controls=\"section-1-2-KOh4g0dj4t\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-disabled=\"false\">\n                          <span class=\"item-title\">What are the admission requirements for graduate school?<\/span>\n            \n                      <\/button>\n\n          <div id=\"section-1-2-KOh4g0dj4t\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"heading-1-2-KOh4g0dj4t\" class=\"accordion-panel\">\n\n                            \n    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div\n  class=\"cc--component-container cc--rich-text \"\n\n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  >\n  <div class=\"c--component c--rich-text\"\n    \n      >\n\n    \n      \n<div class=\"f--field f--wysiwyg\">\n\n    \n  <p>Admission requirements vary by program and institution but generally include a completed application form, transcripts, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and an updated resume.\u00a0 Documenting research and\/or field-related experience should be included in the resume.<\/p>\n<p>Some programs also require standardized test scores (e.g., GRE, GMAT) and\/or\u00a0 a portfolio or writing sample.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n  <\/div><\/div>\n            \n                      <\/div>\n        <\/li>\n\n              <li>\n          <button type=\"button\" class=\"accordion-trigger \" id=\"heading-1-3-KOh4g0dj4t\" aria-controls=\"section-1-3-KOh4g0dj4t\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-disabled=\"false\">\n                          <span class=\"item-title\">How do I choose the right graduate program for me?<\/span>\n            \n                      <\/button>\n\n          <div id=\"section-1-3-KOh4g0dj4t\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"heading-1-3-KOh4g0dj4t\" class=\"accordion-panel\">\n\n                            \n    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div\n  class=\"cc--component-container cc--rich-text \"\n\n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  >\n  <div class=\"c--component c--rich-text\"\n    \n      >\n\n    \n      \n<div class=\"f--field f--wysiwyg\">\n\n    \n  <p>Consider your interests, career goals, preferred area of study, research opportunities, faculty expertise, program reputation, location, funding options, and resources available. Researching and visiting potential programs can help you make an informed decision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n  <\/div><\/div>\n            \n                      <\/div>\n        <\/li>\n\n              <li>\n          <button type=\"button\" class=\"accordion-trigger \" id=\"heading-1-4-KOh4g0dj4t\" aria-controls=\"section-1-4-KOh4g0dj4t\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-disabled=\"false\">\n                          <span class=\"item-title\">How long does it take to complete a graduate degree?<\/span>\n            \n                      <\/button>\n\n          <div id=\"section-1-4-KOh4g0dj4t\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"heading-1-4-KOh4g0dj4t\" class=\"accordion-panel\">\n\n                            \n    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div\n  class=\"cc--component-container cc--rich-text \"\n\n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  >\n  <div class=\"c--component c--rich-text\"\n    \n      >\n\n    \n      \n<div class=\"f--field f--wysiwyg\">\n\n    \n  <p>The duration of graduate programs varies depending on the degree and field of study. Master&#8217;s degrees typically take 1-2 years, while doctoral degrees can take 4-6 years or longer, depending on the research involved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n  <\/div><\/div>\n            \n                      <\/div>\n        <\/li>\n\n              <li>\n          <button type=\"button\" class=\"accordion-trigger \" id=\"heading-1-5-KOh4g0dj4t\" aria-controls=\"section-1-5-KOh4g0dj4t\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-disabled=\"false\">\n                          <span class=\"item-title\">How do I find funding for graduate school?<\/span>\n            \n                      <\/button>\n\n          <div id=\"section-1-5-KOh4g0dj4t\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"heading-1-5-KOh4g0dj4t\" class=\"accordion-panel\">\n\n                            \n    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div\n  class=\"cc--component-container cc--rich-text \"\n\n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  >\n  <div class=\"c--component c--rich-text\"\n    \n      >\n\n    \n      \n<div class=\"f--field f--wysiwyg\">\n\n    \n  <p>Financing options for graduate studies include scholarships, fellowships, assistantships, grants, research or teaching assistant positions, student loans, part-time jobs, and employer reimbursement programs.\u00a0 These can be offered through the school, government agencies, private foundations, or professional organizations.\u00a0 Research and apply for relevant funding opportunities early in the application process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n  <\/div><\/div>\n            \n                      <\/div>\n        <\/li>\n\n              <li>\n          <button type=\"button\" class=\"accordion-trigger \" id=\"heading-1-6-KOh4g0dj4t\" aria-controls=\"section-1-6-KOh4g0dj4t\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-disabled=\"false\">\n                          <span class=\"item-title\">How many graduate schools should I apply to?<\/span>\n            \n                      <\/button>\n\n          <div id=\"section-1-6-KOh4g0dj4t\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"heading-1-6-KOh4g0dj4t\" class=\"accordion-panel\">\n\n                            \n    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div\n  class=\"cc--component-container cc--rich-text \"\n\n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  >\n  <div class=\"c--component c--rich-text\"\n    \n      >\n\n    \n      \n<div class=\"f--field f--wysiwyg\">\n\n    \n  <p>The number of graduate schools you should apply to depends on several factors, including your qualifications, field of study, and personal circumstances. While there is no specific magic number, it is generally recommended to apply to a range of graduate schools, typically between 3 to 8 programs.<\/p>\n<p>Ultimately, the goal is to apply to a mix of reach, match, and safety schools that reflect your academic and career aspirations. It&#8217;s important to conduct thorough research on each program to make informed decisions about where to apply.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n  <\/div><\/div>\n            \n                      <\/div>\n        <\/li>\n\n          <\/ul>\n  \n  \n\n  <\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":50,"featured_media":0,"parent":1858,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-4038","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.1.1 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Frequently asked questions about graduate school - Dornsife Career Pathways<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/dornsife.usc.edu\/careerpathways\/grad-school-advising\/frequently-asked-questions-about-graduate-school\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Frequently asked questions about graduate school - 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