When you’re considering graduate school, there are hundreds of articles about how to do it best.
Thousands of articles deciding where you should apply and why. Others will tell you what to do before and after applying, what to avoid doing, and what to consider. The financial aspect of graduate school will then add a whole other myriad of information rabbit holes. Needless to say, this requires a lot of sifting through information.
Let me set the scene in September 2018.
I was entering my fourth year of a Bachelor of Music in piano performance. I already completed 95% of my program requirements with good marks, employment and volunteer experiences, and numerous external certificates and qualifications. My plans to apply for graduate school were well underway, and I applied to three schools.
I had excellent written statements, letters of recommendation, and pre-screening requirements. Along with a great resume and transcript. I was invited to audition at two schools with successful interviews. I gathered advice from professors, current and recent graduate students, colleagues, professionals, advisors, and friends throughout the whole process. After spending countless hours talking with people, gathering their thoughts, and editing my materials with them—I learned much about myself and my goals.
You see where this is going.
Despite doing everything ‘right,’ I didn’t get accepted. I graduated from my undergraduate program with the highest standing in my department and faculty, with numerous external performance diplomas from reputable conservatories and colleges, a stellar team of people behind me, and absolutely no destination for the fall. I went back to the drawing board and started gathering advice on what to do next.
Then it hit me.
The guidance I received was excellent, but some of this compiled advice fit together incorrectly like a bad puzzle, stood way in left field, or even contradicted itself. I took everyone’s advice and considered it but could not follow all of it.
My suggestion? Realize that the advice you receive regarding your education comes from different lenses of experience. While some advice is intelligent and inspiring, perhaps it worked for that person when they were in my situation. But maybe that doesn’t work best for me. Some advice is outdated. Perhaps decades ago it was possible and appropriate, but not anymore.
I realize this is more advice about graduate school.
My apologies for adding to the pile. My message is this: the best you can do when applying for graduate school (for the first or second time) is to choose the path you believe is right for you and your goals—after considering all advice and options.
Beyond that, you must thank and count on the support of the people that helped you along the way, even if you went against their sincere suggestions.
There may be parts of the journey where you feel like you’re betraying someone’s guidance. But those people only want what’s best for you. They want you to make your own choices and to experience failure and success on your own terms.
Gather all the advice you can. Good luck!
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