hold information sessions or will invite you to meet with an admissions representative.” Erin Culpepper, recruiter for Meredith’s graduate programs in education, stresses the importance of knowing what you want to gain from graduate school. “Think beyond graduate school – where do you want graduate school to get you?” Culpepper says. “If you want to become a principal that may require a different degree than one needed if you want to continue in the classroom.”
someone else review it before you submit the application packet. A successful application also needs strong recommendations, which have a one-year shelf life. If you are returning to school more than five years since you earned an undergraduate degree, it is best to have recommendations from employers or others who know you professionally, rather than a professor from college. “Be honest with yourself and think about who will write you a good recommendation,” Culpepper said. “The idea is
“Visit prospective schools so you can get a true feel for each campus and program setting. Most graduate programs hold information sessions or will invite you to meet with an admissions representative.” —Page Midyette, Meredith MBA Director Passing the Test Once you have decided on the type of degree to pursue and what schools you’d like to apply to, the next step is taking a graduate admission test. These exams, like the GRE and GMAT, can be a roadblock for many, especially for those who want to return to school several years or more after completing an undergraduate degree. Midyette recommends creating a timeline for completing the application process, including taking the required admission exams. “Don’t let a case of test anxiety keep you from your goal of graduate school,” Midyette said. Culpepper talks to many prospective education students who have anxiety about these standardized tests. “I sit them down and say the GRE is not so much about reading and math skills, but about test-taking strategies,” she said. Culpepper recommends taking a test prep course, or taking practice tests found in preparation books. “Taking practice tests really helps prepare you — it will give you an idea of what your scores will be,” Culpepper said. Keep in mind that admission exams are only part of the application, which also includes transcripts, a resume and essays. These documents help you present yourself to the school. Be certain to proofread, and have
to have professional recommendations from someone who knows you now, not who knew you five years ago.” Financing a Return to School
Concerns about paying for graduate school sometimes keep people from pursing an advanced degree. Be sure to compare total costs, and don’t assume that public programs are less expensive. For example, Meredith’s graduate programs compare favorably against public university programs, once fees and other costs are included. In addition to talking to the school’s financial aid office about scholarship and loan possibilities, find out if the company where you work has any employee support options, Losordo suggests. Or, look for a job at the school you want to attend if the institution allows employees to take courses free of charge. “Working for the school can be an affordable way to get a degree,” Losordo said. Balancing School, Work and Other Responsibilities
Prospective students often fear adding school to an already busy schedule. Culpepper said as part of the process of planning for graduate school, it is a good idea to think about what impact going to school will have on your family life.
“Talk to your family about what it would be like if you weren’t home for three hours one night a week [when you would be in class],” Culpepper said. “Practice that for a week or two. Think about where you would find the time to study, and talk to your family about how they can support you in attending school.” Writing out a schedule is one way to succeed in balancing multiple priorities, says Meredith MBA Program Recruiter Allison Anthony. Anthony suggests making a record of fixed activities, including work, regular meetings, classes and meals, then adding each week’s class assignments, due dates and study sessions. “Schedules work well to help cut down on stress,” Anthony said. “A time schedule frees you from always operating in emergency mode, allowing you to make the best use of your time.” Losordo recommends making your school work a part of family life. “Do your homework when your kids do theirs,” she said. A prospective student should choose a program that fits his or her life. For example, most of Meredith’s graduate programs offer evening classes one or two nights per week, which is often preferable for working students. “Finding balance with your work, family and grad school is challenging; however it is achievable,” Anthony said. Interested in continuing your education at Meredith?
Meredith College offers coeducational MBA, M.A.T., M.Ed., and M.S. in Nutrition programs and coeducational business, paralegal, dietetics and pre-health certificate programs. The pre-health postbaccalaureate certificate program, which prepares students who want to attend medical school, is the most recent addition to the College’s post-graduate options. Visit meredith.edu/graduate to learn more. Alumnae can also find graduate school resources through the College’s Academic & Career Planning office. Visit meredith.edu/ acp for more.
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