Applying Grad School This Pandemic? Here's the Checklist to Consider

Feb 10, 2021

The rippling effects of Covid-19 and the economic situation are still lingering even in the year 2021, and it has affected students in inevitable ways. If you are a 2020 college graduate, you may very well understand the following year has canceled summer internships, companies have frozen hiring processes, and most companies have even withdrawn job offers for grad students. It is a dreadful point of view, although it makes sense that many grads students are on the lookout for opportunities elsewhere, in particular for higher education. Amid the pandemic-COVID-19, many graduate schools continue to accept new students adapting their programs to either hybrid or online formats exclusively.

Choosing the right grad school is demanding and sluggish- as it should be. After all, whatever you decide or choose will have a direct repercussion on your future. To help make the process less taxing and easier, EDAMBA has a compilation of a checklist to consider when a student wishes to apply for grad school amid a pandemic.

1. Certificate vs. Online vs. On-Ground

As a student, you will need to make a firm decision on grad school's purpose, whether you need additional certification or you need the classes online or on- ground.

• Online- Online grad programs are valuable if you have a full–time or part-time job or family or personal obligations. It is also suitable for students that may not have specific programs available in their area but can avail of those online.
• Certificates/ Degrees- Both degrees and certificates offer almost the same opportunity to advance students' careers. You will have to consider time and resources, career, and aspirations while making a decision.
• On-ground- On-ground grad schools will not be possible amid the current pandemic due to the mandatory protocols of social distancing students need to consider this aspect.

2. Research More About Programs

What you wish to do with the grad degree/certificate will be the basis of your choices as to which programs to choose. You can always start by asking yourself the following questions:

• What programs do I want to qualify for?
• What am I looking for by applying to grad schools?
• How is it beneficial for my career?

You can always seek help from admission counselors, expert guidance, or someone who has already gone through the process; having a different perspective helps you make a decision quickly.

3. Standardize tests

While standardized tests indeed bring out grunts in many students, most schools still need standardized test scores and consider them when evaluating an applicant. Although test requirements have changed since the pandemic, you will require doing some more research and determining what procedure the grad you wish to apply follows. Research on tests is fundamental if you want to enter the Ph.D. community as they have a different set of rules and regulations, unlike others.

4. Compare financials

Comparing financials among different grad schools and various programs is crucial but is, unfortunately, not given any importance. When calculating the cost of a total program, consider

• Tuition fees
• Relocation cost if required
• Scholarships awarded by third-party or institutions
• Check eligibility for any employer-sponsored tuition reimbursements.

You can also compare the return on investments from different programs' total cost to salary after graduates for a clear understanding.

Hopefully, the above checklist is helpful when you apply for grad school amid this pandemic. The European Doctoral Programmes Association in Management & Business Administration (EDAMBA) aims to develop and secure the most eminent standards in doctoral education in management and business studies.