Graduate School Exploration

Each semester we take students to a Graduate School Forum to participate in workshops and gain information about the process of applying to and financing higher education. We also sponsor an out-of-state Graduate School Tour once each academic year : past trips have included Chicago, Seattle, Denver, and a graduate research conference at the University of Maryland.

Even if you come from a disadvantaged background, the doors are not closed to you in education. We are dedicated to helping you find the resources to continue your education

Graduate School Tour: Chicago

At the end of the Spring 2012 semester, we took 8 students on a trip to Chicago to explore three graduate schools: Northeastern Illinois University, Loyola University Chicago, and the University of Chicago.

The schools were so different and it was great for the students to see and compare their options. Big or small? Public or private?

At each of the universities, our students met faculty, advisors, and graduate students in their program of interest. They gained knowledge they wouldn't have been able to get from looking at a website. They also got to experience the city of Chicago and all it has to offer - they went to Skydeck Chicago, Adler Planetarium, Shedd Aquarium, John Hancock Observatory, and the Field Museum.

It was an informational and successful trip, and we are so excited that our students were able to get their questions answered about going to graduate school. Here are the stories of some of the students who traveled to Chicago for the tour:

Nereida Macias

"As a first-generation and low-income undergraduate student, I had never been exposed to one-on-one attention by graduate admission advisors.

As an undergraduate interested in the Masters of Education program, I was able to narrow in on my areas of interest in terms of a higher education program. Additionally, I was able to meet with current professors in the Masters of Education programs.

This opportunity allowed me to address any questions and/or concerns regarding the graduate admissions process as well as questions regarding the graduate program.

Visiting Chicago reinforced my educational aspirations. It reassured me that though the odds are against me as a first-generation student, graduate school is attainable."

Cierra Bailey

"The Chicago graduate school tour was a fantastic experience. I got to know great people, experience culture and tourism in a new place, and learn new things about graduate school.

I learned ways to finance a graduate education, the best questions to ask advisers when I’m looking for a program, and what qualities I should look for in the institution I choose. For example: I will consider the demographics of the area where the school is located, the year-round weather conditions, and the social atmosphere on top of the school’s academics.

I also learned that graduate school is a personal choice. When I choose to apply and where I attend cannot be determined by anyone else because I have to feel what fits and I have to feel fully prepared. Learning all of this and hearing advice from current graduate students made me feel more relaxed about graduate school and my ability to make the best decisions for myself.

Before this trip, I was nervous and had a lot of anxiety about where I wanted to go to graduate school and if I was going to go right after undergrad or wait, but after the trip I feel calmer and better informed. I probably would not have gotten this much information elsewhere because I am the first in my family to attend college. For all these reasons I am grateful for this kind of trip."

Debora Matias

"The Chicago Grad Tour gave me the opportunity to stretch my capabilities and surpass my own expectations. It was a great experience. I explored schools and excellent programs that fit my career interest.

Hearing the testimonies of current graduate students and professionals encouraged me to further my education. They provided me with advice to make the graduate progress less stressful such as managing finances, time and setting priorities.

After receiving all this information, I feel prepared to go to graduate school. I am now more confident of what I can accomplish and I am aware of the options I have when I decide to apply for a social work graduate program.

Overall, I am very thankful for the opportunity I had to participate in this tour. I am sure that the grad tour would be as greatly beneficial for students who will get the chance to participate in this tour the following year as it was for me. Thanks to the TRIO SSS program my perspectives and career goals have changed. I know I will be going to graduate school in the future."

Mihir Patel

The Chicago graduate tour program benefited me in many ways. This experience helped me learn about and adapt to a new location.

I learned that a student who takes a master's degree needs to have work experience to get the full learning experience. For example, if I went straight onto my master's right after my bachelor's degree I would have a harder time linking the real world to the text. That is why I think I would need to get some practical experience before I even consider starting my master's degree.

The second thing I learned is that to do your master's degree means you need a lot of time, energy and funds. I would say that a person should only consider a master's degree if they are going to get a significant benefit in their career, business or job.

On this trip I had many mixed emotions. The first was the excitement of experiencing something new. I had never seen Chicago and trying something new always gets me excited. I met new friends and engaged with staff in a different perspective. The second emotion was bravery. I felt brave to venture out on my own both away from parents and away from the classmates. I traveled alone in the city and got to see a lot of what I had planned to see. Another emotion was happiness. I got a lot of optimistic views on everything and learned how to live a happier way.

This trip opened my eyes to many new possibilities and if ever I have to move out of Monterey County, I am prepared for the better!"

Jordan Cosby

"Going to Chicago was one of the greatest experiences I have ever had! Simply put, the trip was a complete roller coaster ride physically, mentally, and emotionally. I pulled almost an all-nighter the night before we left for the trip because I was so excited and anxiously anticipating the journey ahead.

By the first day, we had already visited the Chicago Cultural Museum, Millennium Park, the John Hancock Observatory, and not to mention we indulged in some of the best deep dish pizza Chicago has to offer from Exchequer Restaurant & Pub (an acclaimed Al Capone regular hot spot).

Although the second and third days were as exciting and adventurous, they brought unprecedented personal challenges as well. As it turns out, after visiting all three universities (Northeastern, Loyola, and the University of Chicago), I learned that the pathway to graduate school is not as forthright and narrow as I apprehended. Some graduate programs, such as the Harris School of Public Policy at the University of Chicago, encourage undergraduate students to take a couple of years off from school to gain field experience prior to attending graduate school.

In my research since the trip, I have found this is a common recommendation among graduate programs. Although this is a path travelled by many times over by other students, I had never considered it to be mine. But after scrupulous contemplation, I have taken into consideration that since graduate school is an andragogical learning environment, making the most of the experience may mean that I have to wait.

Fortunately, I graduate from CSUMB in the fall of 2013, so I have plenty of time to determine when I’ll be ready to take on graduate school. Even if I am prepared immediately after undergrad to attend the University of Chicago or another graduate school, I am truly grateful for this eye-opening experience. This trip has most significantly helped me solidify my career objectives even in a foreign metropolitan environment (which is completely awesome!). But above all, this experience has shown me that as every person is unique from one another, there is no need to fear if my path to graduate school initially seems unconventional because it is also what makes me unique and best prepared for my future career."