Friday, March 19, 2010

To Continue Or Not To Continue, That Is The Question

This time last year, I began taking three of the 15 classes I needed to complete my bachelor's degree. I can't believe how fast the time has gone. I knew that I would be on a roll once I had made my mind up about completing my degree. I'm almost done. After this semester, I only need two classes. I can't believe that I returned to college at this point in my life but it was the best decision I've made in a long time and the best time for me to do it.

So now that I'm getting down to the wire, when I'm almost ready to graduate, what happens? UB starts sending me graduate school information. When I returned to college, I was so happy to finally close that chapter of my life. Now the graduate admissions office wants to open a new chapter. I have been considering pursuing a master's degree lately. That's something that was so far from my mind this time last year.

I know that continuing at UB is the best choice if I am pursuing any communications related degree. A friend of mine told me that it looks better to go to a different college for graduate studies. I think that is absolutely ridiculous. Especially when the college I attend has the best communications programs (as far as I'm concerned) in the area.

For me, choosing UB is a no-brainer. My problem is that I keep asking my self, "Do you really want to be in college for another 2 years?" Deciding to go to graduate school is a question that I never really gave much thought to before, but now I can't stop thinking about it. To help me decide, I am going to attend the graduate open house at UB next week. Hopefully, I can get some information about my desired program and this time next year, I'll be in my first graduate classes.

4 comments:

Spencer said...

When I was in undergrad doing Psychology, I heard a lot of people say the same thing about not going to the same undergrad and graduate school.

But then again, I can't see how an extra degree could ever be a bad thing! And now as I do the law school thing, and get older, I think the location, price, and networking opportunities are more important.

Congrats on nearing graduation!

Marni Cooper said...

Thank you, Spencer. It's been a long time coming. Since I've built up the momentum, I might as well keep going.

Charlene F. said...

Congrats marni. You know i'm pulling inspriation from you girl ! We're in the same situation as you remember from our emails. Just night I was thinkin i need to buckle down and save because the loan I get barely covers two classes and I was thinking about trying 3 classes next semester. A few purchases (like another car) hit me unexpectedly so a summer class is out of the question this year.

As for going to another school. I can only see doing that if you got into a bigger and better school. If the area, price, teachers and everything that is important to you are here at UB why leave ! My mother in law is talking about grad school for me. i told her slow down and let me finish the bachelor. Then if SHE pay for grad school, we might can talk.

michelle said...

i think the advice about changing schools is bunk. if my undergrad offered programs, i absolutely would have stayed for another few years. i had an amazing time there. i am liking UB, but for me, it will never be the same

good luck making your grad school decision :)