Nowadays, college seems to be pushed in American culture more than ever. So many people go to college before they’re ready because of societal or familial pressures, hence why drop out rates can be so high. However, not only is our culture pushing undergraduate education more, it is also pushing more students to go to graduate school, particularly right after finishing undergrad.
Many people consider going to grad school because they genuinely want to further their education, but not everyone feels that way. For many people, graduating college signifies the true start of adulthood and all its harsh realities, which is why some even consider going to grad school to postpone going into the workforce and adulthood.
Some people are pushed to think that getting a bachelor’s degree isn’t good enough. In many academic circles, grad school is almost portrayed as a requirement for success or for anyone who is seen as talented or intelligent. For example, I’m an English major, and many of the professors talk about grad school as if it’s a given for all of my classmates, although many students won’t actually need to go to grad school for what they want to do as a career path.
Going to graduate school does not guarantee a more successful career. A recent graduate may still face difficulties finding a decent job, and the cost of most graduate school programs is astronomical and not financially feasible for many people right after finishing their bachelor’s degree.
Education is incredibly important, but no one should make anyone feel like four years of hard work, dedication and debt isn’t good enough. Deciding to attend any form of higher education and when to attend should be a personal choice that everyone respects. Everyone has a different path, and no one should feel the need to spend so much time and money on more school unless it is their own decision.
