Should I go to Grad School?

After four years studying towards a combined degree, the knowledge I gained was very broad, to say the least. My study modules ranged from Medical Jurisprudence and Environmental Law to Advertising and Statistical Analysis. I definitely found some topics more interesting than others, but was there anything I’m particularly passionate about? A master's or a PhD is usually quite specialized and can require a lot of self-directed research. Do you love the subject enough to remain motivated?

Let’s say you’ve decided on a course discipline, now where’s the best place to go for it? No two grad schools offer identical course material no matter how niche your chosen topic is. Universities often like to retain their undergrad students by offering them a discount for a master's, but does that mean it’s the right place for you? See how university rankings can help with picking a grad school.

As I mentioned at the beginning, I was considering a master's because I thought it could help me stand out from the crowd in a job hunt. Take some time to think about exactly why you're asking "should I go to law school?" Is it purely to pursue a passion? Or are you hoping the extra qualification can help you in your job search/improve salary prospects in the long term?

A lot of students feel the pressure to continue with their studies straight after a Bachelors in order to avoid a potential knowledge gap; fearing that the longer they’re away from full-time study, the harder it will be to ‘get back into the swing of things’. Others believe some time off academia might help them appreciate the value of a graduate degree more and they will therefore be more motivated to study harder.

If you're still asking yourself "Should I go to grad school?" it helps to speak to some admissions directors or alumni of programs to which you’re thinking of applying. Check out the schedule for the QS World Grad School Tour and see whether your dream school is coming to your city in the new few months.