Are You Grad School Material?

Going back to school has been on your to-do list for what seems like an eternity, and you're finally ready to do something about it, especially now that there's a convenient option like online learning. Just remember one thing: Timing is everything. Of course, there's money, too -- that's important. Then there's pinpointing exactly what it is you want to study.

Okay, so maybe timing isn’t everything when it comes to recommitting yourself to higher ed. There are a boatload of other factors to consider as well. To make sure you're prepped and poised to make the move, start by asking yourself the following questions...

Are There Enough Hours in the Day?
Can you devote the necessary time to your studies every day? For most back-to-schoolers, allotting a sufficient number of hours toward schoolwork can be one of the most difficult challenges to their established lifestyle. Whether it's online, distance, or brick-and-mortar learning you're pursuing, make an honest assessment of the time you can realistically commit to the coursework.

Do I Know What I Want?
It's an admirable goal to want to return to school, but do you have a specific academic focus in mind? “Going to graduate school because you’re not sure what else to do is not a good idea,” says Marion B. Castellucci, author of Getting Into Graduate School (Peterson's). "The key is to be sure of what you want to get out of your education before you make that investment.”

Here's a tip -- work in reverse. Think about how you want your extra education to advance your career, and hone in on a specific plan of attack from there.

Will I Stick It Out?
Quitters never win! Are you ready to stick with the challenge until that degree is on your wall? Grad school programs can require anywhere from six months to several years, so truthfully evaluate your ability to commit long term.

Can My Wallet Handle It?
Grad school courses will put a serious dent in your wallet; there's no getting around that. Ask yourself if you’re adequately prepared for the financial hit. Have you set aside tuition money in preparation for your courses? Does your spouse earn enough money to help you shoulder the college commitment? Have you explored scholarship opportunities, or potential reimbursement funding from your employer?

Will My Family and Friends Support Me?
Returning to grad school will inevitably add stress to your lifestyle at times. "Because of the time and effort demanded in graduate school, most other aspects of your life are going to take a back seat,"; says Castellucci. "If you have a family, your spouse and your children may see little of you."

Therefore, it's helpful to surround yourself with a support network to encourage and motivate you through the tough times. Are your family and friends willing to endorse your educational aspirations? How about your boss or co-workers? Having loved ones in your corner can make all the difference.

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