The Interfolio Blog

You may have picked your major or think you know where you want to go to school, but there is a lot  more to consider than simply the prestige of the degree and what interests you most. With jobs in higher ed becoming more scarce and student loan debt becoming a major national problem, applicants to graduate programs should consider the larger implications of their decision during the application process. Today, we pull three thought provoking and detailed articles that take a hard look at issues you should consider when filling out the applications and sending in your acceptance letter.

1. Financial decisions: Just Say Dough - Inside Higher Ed.  We know you can apply for loans, grants and scholarships. This article is not meant to help you get the money, but instead to help you think about the implications of taking on the debt you'll likely accumulate when going to graduate school.
2. Field of study: Just Don't Go Part 1 and Just Don't Go Part 2 - Chronicle of Higher Ed.  Deciding on your major and field of study may seem like a no-brainer. You studied for four years or more in undergrad and you've got a pretty clear idea of what you'd like to pursue further. Before going back to school though, you should read these articles, especially if you are thinking about a humanities degree. Ultimately, you should pursue what you love and you have every right to. Just make sure you're fully informed as to what your professional future will look like if you do.
3. What you'll face when starting to apply for jobs: Career Section - Chronicle of Higher Ed.  Knowing what you're getting yourself into also involves knowing what you'll be doing when it comes time to graduate and start looking for a job. Check out recent articles on the academic job search process and learn about what people who are on the search now are facing.