What is an Advanced Degree?
A graduate degree is an example of an advanced degree that goes beyond the baccalaureate-- a master’s or doctorate. Other advanced degrees can include a Juris Doctor (J.D.) for law or an M.D. for medicine. It is a requirement to hold a four-year degree from an accredited program to enter an advanced degree program, including graduate school.
For some professions, an advanced degree is required, such as law, social work, or physical therapy. In other cases, an advanced degree is pursued as a means to develop further expertise in an area, be more competitive on the job market, help advance one’s career, or increase earning potential.
Is Graduate or Law School Right for Me?
What are my Short and Long-Term Interests/Goals?
Before committing to the process of pursuing an advanced degree, it is important to take time to reflect on your short-term and long-term goals (personal, academic, and career goals). Ask yourself, how will an advanced degree help me get there?
As you explore your path, your goals may evolve, and we encourage you to regularly review and reflect on your interests and passions. This can help guide your decisions. Big questions like “What impact do I want to make?” or “What can I offer the world?” may take time to answer, which is okay. The journey starts with thoughtful reflection.
What Degrees Align with my Goals?
An advanced degree is a strategic step toward specialized training and professional growth. It is not just about continuing education. It’s about aligning your studies with your long-term goals. As you explore advanced degree programs, continue researching career options and pay close attention to the educational and experiential requirements needed to succeed in your chosen field.
Helpful resources include the UC Davis Career Center, career counseling through Student Health and Counseling Services, and more. These services can guide you in clarifying your goals, exploring career paths, and preparing to pursue an advanced degree.
How Do I Get There?
How do I become competitive?
Strong grades and test scores are important, but they’re just one part of creating a competitive advanced degree application. Many applicants will have impressive records. What sets you apart is what you’ve accomplished outside the classroom. Think about your research experience, leadership roles, community involvement, internships, and other meaningful contributions. These experiences showcase your initiative, curiosity, and readiness for advanced study.
How Do I Pay for an Advanced Degree?
Graduate and law school can be a significant financial investment. However, with intentional planning and preparation, it can be more affordable than you might think. Understanding the cost of attendance (the estimated cost of attending an advanced degree program for one academic year) is a crucial part of the process. Costs will vary based on factors that include the type of degree, institution, and sources of funding.
Common sources of funding include scholarships, grants, fellowships, campus-based employment (e.g., assistantships and work-study positions), and public and private loans.
Graduate and law school can be costly, but with early planning and informed decision-making, you can make it more affordable. Start by identifying your potential expenses, exploring funding options, and building a financial strategy that aligns with your goals.
Helpful resources include:
- The financial aid office at your programs of interest
- The UCLA GRAPES search engine for graduate school funding
- AccessLex for law school financial planning and scholarships
- Immigrants Rising for undocumented aspiring grad and law students
- Additional institutional and external funding sources
Taking time to plan now can make a big difference later.
What is the Pathway to Graduate/Law School?
Applying to graduate or law school is typically a 6-9 month process, depending on your readiness and planning. Timelines can vary based on the type of degree, specific programs, and your personal goals.
In general:
- 18 months before starting: Begin preparing your application materials
- 12 months before starting: Submit your applications
Your timeline may look different depending on your path, so it's important to start early and stay organized.
The components of the graduate and law school applications often include an online application, transcripts, standardized test scores (if required), personal statements or other essays, resumes/CVs, letters of recommendations, and additional program-specific materials.
Explore more on our website:
Now What? What Happens after Submitting the Application
After you submit your application, the admissions committee will review it according to their own timeline for notifying applicants of decisions. The steps you take after receiving a decision will depend on the outcome.
While waiting, you might choose to:
- Continue submitting applications to other programs
- Apply for funding or scholarships
- Keep your recommenders informed about any updates or decisions