Why did you decide to apply to graduate school?

There were two main reasons as to why I decided to apply to graduate school. One, I want to build on my international studies knowledge to help further my career. Many of the career options that interest me require either several years of related work experience or a master’s degree to be able to apply. Second, I have two varying career paths: diplomacy and humanitarian assistance. Attending graduate school will help me to expand on my interests and will afford me the opportunities to work closely with professors who have careers in one and/or both areas.

How did you determine which graduate programs were a good fit for you?

My journey to find the right fit for a graduate school involved several means, including websites, school visits, and talking to current students. Many of the websites gave insight as to what kind of research was happening within each program as well as the required courses and electives that each one offered. For me, it was also important for the website to be easily navigated and to be able to quickly access professors’ past research, their career experience, and their published work. I also wanted a program that was going to be straightforward about its admissions requirements, application process, scholarship and financial aid opportunities, and decision timelines. When speaking to current students, I primarily looked for place that offers a strong sense of community, as well as a program where it was clear that students are challenged but also enjoy their time there. Cost-of-living was also a factor for me, as well as scholarship offers.

What have you done to prepare for graduate school?

To be honest, when I started at Baylor, graduate school was not initially part of my educational plan. However, about halfway through my junior year, I began to see that attending graduate school and earning a master’s degree would be beneficial to me and my career. First and foremost, even as a freshman, I have tried my best to make earning strong grades a priority, regardless of the class. I’ve also strived to develop my writing and research skills, both of which are essential to succeed in any post-graduate program. But most of all, I’ve learned the importance of establishing working relationships with my professors. In doing so, I have not only received necessary feedback for class-related work, but also insight to both graduate school and career options and, honestly, a genuine interest and concern about me and my education. 

Do you have any advice to share with fellow students who may be considering graduate school in the future? 

First and foremost, continue to study and strive for strong academic performance. Not only will a strong GPA benefit you with admissions, it can also help you secure scholarships. Take advantage of your class essays to help strengthen your writing and research skills. Also, don’t assume you know exactly where you want to attend graduate school. Keep your options open. The Bush School wasn’t even on my radar until about two weeks before the application was due. Finally, whether it’s the Baylor Career Center, which also helped me with my graduate school planning, or your professors, use your Baylor resources to help you stay organized with applications, essays, personal statements, and reference requests. And don’t forget to send a thank you to those who help you.