7 Reasons Grad School Is Better than Undergrad

By Uloop Guest Writer on March 27, 2013

You’ve finished your four-year degree and the thought of stepping foot in another classroom gives you hives. Don’t fret, grad school is completely different. Sure, the hours are tough and the social life is limiting, but there are lots of ways grad school is way better than undergrad.

1. No More Subjects Having Nothing to Do With Your Major

Getting your four-year degree means taking a lot of classes that don’t have anything to do with your major. A university degree is just that: a universal degree encompassing a broad spectrum of studies. When you go for your master’s, you’re only focusing on the subjects pertaining to your field of study. Is math your nemesis? English your enemy? You won’t have to deal with those in your grad studies.

2. Say Goodbye to Classes as Crowded as a Rock Concert

Large classes packed with people- it’s enough to drive you insane. Graduate classes are small and intimate. It’s an excellent opportunity to build working relationships with people who share your interests and passions. You’re never stuck in class listening to some jock whine about having to study what you love. Everyone there shares the same interests and goals as you do.

3. No More Trying to Get Professor’s Attention: He’s All Yours

In a class of umpteen students, all with questions and comments (many of which are completely irrelevant), it’s next to impossible to pick your instructor’s brain when you have an interesting question or idea. Graduate classes are smaller, with a favorable student-to-teacher ratio. You can speak with your professor privately or bring up an intriguing topic in the small class setting (almost) anytime you want.

4. Tuition Support? Stipends? Sign. Us. Up.

Most people complete their undergrad degree with a mountain of student loan debt. Grad students usually qualify for tuition support or stipends which help pay for many of the costs of achieving a grad degree. It’s a good idea to secure these funds as soon as possible so paperwork doesn’t delay your studies.

5. Say Goodbye to Batteries of Tests Bigger Than the FAFA Agreement

Undergrad work sometimes seems like high school on steroids: endless tests, term papers and class assignments. Graduate studies are completely different. Here, you’ll be assessed by what you produce, such as research, publishing and presentations. You’ll actually be producing work and making a contribution to your field, and much of your grading is based on peer reviews, not some instructor who doesn’t like you.

6. Group Study? Won’t Miss That At All

Most graduate work is done independently, not in class. No more doing all the work for a four person study group and earning an A for three people who don’t even deserve D’s. For example, when earning a masters degree in criminal justice, you might be working solo for months on a project, but you can do it in your own time without interference.

7. No Running Around 15 Buildings Carrying 378 Books

Not that you’ll have fewer textbooks to keep up with during grad school (sorry, this part is actually worse), but all your classes will be confined to just 2-3 buildings. No more looking for mystery classrooms or being late because your last class ran over and was four blocks away.

See? The worst part of college is behind you when you land that bachelor’s degree. Grad work is new bag of apples entirely.

References:

  • http://membracid.wordpress.com/2011/06/12/how-undergraduate-and-graduate-school-are-different/
  • http://www.gradschools.com/article-detail/undergrad-vs-grad-64
Anthony Alexander is a freelance writer, journalist, author, and an organizer of words and thoughts. He is a diverse writer who captures moments and converts them into literary works. He is passionate about  education, bettering the world, and life.

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