Panel answers questions, informs

Graduate school representatives shed light on post-undergrad

Dave Kim / senior photographer Representatives from JMU, Virginia Tech, Marymount University, the Appalachian School of Law, Radford University and American University discuss graduate schools on Monday. Academic Advising and Career Development sponsored the panel.

A panel of six graduate school representatives talked to a full room of mostly seniors Monday night.

The panel discussion, sponsored by Academic Advising and Career Development, gave a general overview of the different graduate schools, the programs offered, when to apply, the application process and personal insight on how to pick the right school and program.

The panelists were William Walker from JMU, Carole Seyfrit from Radford University, Nancy Pruitt from the Appalachian School of Law, Joanne Sax from American University, Francesca Reed from Marymount University and Brian Woerner from Virginia Tech.

A big question for students was how much time one should take off between graduation and graduate school.

Senior Amy Stalknecht said, "The thought of starting graduate school right away overwhelms me, maybe in a couple years but definitely not now. " Woerner addressed her concern, saying, "Having work experience in no way diminishes your desirability as a candidate. "

Walker said it is important to get as much experience as you can so you know which type of program you really want to study. Woerner also advised students to pick something that they truly are interested in, not just to go with the hot career of the moment.

Another big question was whether a student should go to graduate school full time or take classes and work at the same time. The panelists had varied views on this topic. Most graduate schools only give so many years to finish their programs, said Pruitt.

She said that you only have four years to get your juris doctorate from a law school and the state bar limits how many hours you can work while in school. She said if you go full time, law school can be completed in three years.

According to Reed, many physical therapy programs run Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., so working during the week isn 't feasible and working on the weekend limits free time to study or relax.

"Many types of financial aid are only offered to full-time students, " Seyfrit said. So if you 're depending on financial aid to pay for school, you might not have the opportunity to work because you 'll spend all of your time in class. "If you 're going to go to school part time, find one that fits your schedule, " Seyfrit said.

However, according to Reed, many corporations will grant tuition remission to their employees who continue to work and attend school part time while working for their masters of business administration.

Reed concluded the session by saying, "When applying to grad school, look at what they 're offering and promising you. "