Making significant life decisions has never been more convenient than it is now in the internet age: Applying for the graduate degree of your dreams is only a click away!

When it comes to deciding on graduate school, however, it pays off in the long term to do some in-person investigation. Whether you’ve just begun considering higher education or you know exactly which master’s degree you want to earn, attending a graduate event will help ensure that you’re making the best decision for your future.

1. Faculty members are an invaluable resource.

West Virginia University has an astounding array of graduate programs — over 225 of them, in fact. These choices can be overwhelming, particularly when some of the programs seem similar. Should you pursue a master’s in finance or a master’s in business administration? Which will better help you to attain your career goals: A degree in healthcare administration or one in public health?

Speaking with experienced faculty at the grad fair can help you more easily decide if the program you’re thinking of is the right fit for you. By gaining more in-depth knowledge about the degree you’ll be pursuing, you can make sure that the program in which you enroll is exactly the one that you’re looking for.

2. It’s an easy way to learn about financial aid opportunities.

Figuring out how best to finance grad school is one of the most universally stressful aspects of the college application process. A grad fair is the perfect place to speak with advisors who are experts in this area: They will ensure that you’re aware of every money-saving opportunity that you might be eligible for.

Whether you’re a current undergraduate with questions about the FAFSA, a working professional evaluating your grant or loan options, or a single parent with questions about relevant scholarships, our financial aid advisors can help you decide how to handle grad school tuition with as little stress as possible.

3. You'll get a first-hand tour of the campus.

Going to a graduate school open house and attending a thorough campus tour are crucial to picking the right place and program for you. You might visit a university with a highly-ranked program in your field but then realize that the advisors you’d be working with aren’t a good fit for you.

4. You can get personalized advice from the Admissions team on how to make your application stand out.

Are you worried about your undergraduate GPA or doubtful of your ability to do well on the math section of the GRE? Spend some time with members of the graduate admissions department to discuss how you can make your application more competitive. You can get advice on what they’d recommend that you focus on in your statement of purpose, given your background.

Many degrees also have program-specific application requirements. Discuss your strengths and interests with the admissions team, and they might be able to recommend some programs in which your application would shine.

5. It’s the perfect chance to network and engage with alumni.

Get the opportunity to meet or get connected with alumni from the program that you’re thinking of attending. These alumni are a great resource, particularly when it comes to their personal experience in the program. How has their graduate degree at WVU influenced their career? What were the strengths and weaknesses of the program they chose? If they could go back and do it again, would they pursue a different focus?

By engaging with alumni who work in a field that you’re interested in, you could even make professional  connections that may benefit your career in the years to come.

Through speaking with faculty, networking with alumni, and receiving important advice about admissions requirements and financial aid, you’re sure to feel more confident in your decisions regarding higher education.

Also, if you have questions about the below topics, we have resources to help guide you!

• Securing a graduate assistantship
• Choosing a graduate school
• Financing graduate school
• GRE test prep
• Making a career change
• Enrolling in graduate school online
• Studying STEM education
• Pursuing a degree in public health
• R1 Institutions, including WVU
• Getting a Reading Specialist Certification

IS GOING TO GRADUATE SCHOOL RIGHT FOR YOU?

Get a rundown of the most important things to consider before first, deciding to go to graduate school and second, deciding where to go to graduate school.