The spring semester for most college students has come to an end. While some students are locked in their dorm rooms cramming for finals, some students are preparing for something even bigger, graduation. For some college students this is the last semester they would ever have to worry about finals, presentations, studying, and maybe even college unless they plan to attend graduate school. For many students seeking a graduate degree hasn’t even crossed their mind, some college students have already accepted jobs and don’t plan to attend school. But for those who do plan to extend their studies there are several tips that will aid you in your search. Searching for the right graduate school is like searching for an undergraduate school all over again with less stress. However, there are some distinct differences a student must understand before applying. Unlike undergraduate school you can not enter graduate school undecided. You must have a strong understanding about what you want to study. This will make the process easier and help you narrow down your search. The purpose of seeking a graduate degree varies from individual to individual. the most common reasons The student is either a junior or senior in college wanting to do advance work in a subject, a profession that requires specialized training such as medicine, law, or social work, and finally a career that has climaxed and requires advanced education to jump start it. For whatever reason you are deciding to go back to school or continue with your education, this step must be carefully planned. Going to graduate school is a tremendous investment of time and financial resources, and you must make sure that you make all the right decisions. It is important for graduate students to analyze there strengths, weaknesses, financial situations, and social situations so that you choose the best school to fit your needs. There are four factors to consider when choosing a school according to www.graduatetips.com, the school’s reputation, location, price tag, school hours, and length of program. n The schools reputation can be identified in the credentials of the accreditation. The accreditation process is a complicated process that some universities continually change. n The location of the school is critical if the student is restricted on travel. Choosing a university closer to home may help save in travel expenses. n The length of the program has different time requirements. Some programs require less time for internships or class attendance. n Finally the most important factor in choosing a school is the price tag. The price of the school is determined by the length of the program, and whether or not you decide to attend a public or private university. Private graduate schools are more prestigious than public graduate schools but of course they are more expensive. Price is extremely important but it shouldn’t hinder you from attending the school of your choice. Loans, scholarships, and grants are available to help aid in the price of school. There was a time when associate degrees were all you needed to get a decent job. Those times have long gone and now bachelor degrees and graduate degrees are expected. The work world is one of the most competitive fields and education has proven to be a great sword in the fight up the corporate ladder. Attending graduate school can be one of the best decisions a person can make. Not only will it help you earn more money, but the odds are you’ll enjoy a much higher level of job and career satisfaction while you’re earning your money. We have to make sure we choose a school that is right for us personally and educationally.Jacqueline Cooper is a spring GSU graduate from Waterproof.