What are the challenges of graduate school?
Graduate studies require a long-term commitment. Depending on the choice of programs, field of study, and availability of funding, graduate school can take between six and ten years. Even with full financial assistance and the support of family and friends, it can seem like a long time to be living as a student. There can be times when graduate study demands all of your time and energy, which makes it difficult to lead a balanced, healthy life. It can also be insular, isolating you from outside activities, and in many institutions it can be extremely political. If you don’t receive a good financial aid offer, it can also be expensive-graduate tuition and fees are higher than those for undergraduate study–although these costs can be offset by higher earnings. As mentioned earlier, only you can weigh the advantages and disadvantages and decide what you are comfortable with and what is best for you.
