How would you like to spend six to seven years immersed in the same subject matter? Sound like fun? And did we mention the demanding course load? Graduate school is much more than a jog around the block, so it is important for you to figure out why you want to go to graduate school and what benefits you hope to get from the experience. That said, graduate school can be the most rewarding and gratifying experience of your life. After all, when you've found an area you love, what could be better than spending time with it and getting to know it better?

Because of the time and effort that goes into getting a graduate degree, many cite their passion for their field as the main reason for attending graduate school. When you love a subject, the idea of contributing something worthwhile to it is very exciting. What could be more rewarding than making even a small discovery in the sciences, for example, that leads to larger discoveries and facilitates the research of others? And even without great breakthroughs, achieving mastery of a subject or discipline can be a great pleasure in and of itself.

But the benefits of a graduate school education are not limited to personal growth. Some of the more tangible benefits may include:

• A raise in pay
• A promotion
• A shift in career direction
• Entry into a new field that requires an advanced degree (e.g. college professor)
• More openings in the job market

How do I get in to graduate school?

How do you get in anywhere? How do you normally get what you want in this world? You ask. For graduate schools the asking process is better known as filling out an application. This process is not always so simple -- graduate school applications can be challenging and daunting. At least you have some experience under your belt, if you can remember back to those stressful days of applying to colleges. The most important thing to remember -- more important than a dazzling essay, even -- is to submit a complete and thorough application, and get it there on time.

If the process seems overwhelming, remember: there are usually just three major steps to accomplish:

• Gather transcripts and recommendations. This can be as simple as contacting the registrar at any previous schools.
• Write your personal statement.The personal statement that you write for graduate school serves a very different purpose from the essays you wrote for undergraduate admissions. In one to two pages, you need to discuss academic and work experience related to your chosen field, as well as show that you are a good fit for the programs you're applying to. Talk to a trusted advisor in your field about the level of specificity the admissions committee will expect. What specific topics interest you, and which faculty members teach classes or do research in these areas? It is assumed when you apply to graduate school that you have already developed some sense of who you are and what you want to do with your life. The personal statement is your chance to demonstrate that you belong in the program of your choice.
• Take the GREs (Graduate Record Exams.) The GRE is similar to the SAT and consists of three parts: analytical, verbal and quantitative. The general GRE is required for admission to most graduate programs. Some schools require an additional GRE Subject test to gauge your knowledge of a certain topic.

How to finance a graduate degree?

Considering the length of some programs (some Ph.D. programs can take as long as seven or more years), you need to think about how you are going to finance your graduate school experience. Most graduate students receive some form of financial aid.

The most common source of aid is loans, whether Federal or private. A number of institutions allow you to borrow money to finance your education. Almost all graduate programs offer their students financial aid in the form of assistantships and fellowships. These require that you to teach classes, assist with research, or perform other academic related services in exchange for tuition. Many of these programs also provide a salary.

Every student hopes for scholarships and grants, forms of aid which never have to be paid back. Work Study, a Federally funded source of aid, is another option.