Chicago, Illinois:  Four Grad School Myths Debunked  -- Don't let these common myths stop you from earning your graduate degree

Myth #1 – It's too expensive and I can't afford it

Let's face it; education is expensive. But it always has been, regardless of the economy. Fortunately, there are many opportunities to get others to pay for your graduate studies so you can earn your degree with minimal personal expense or debt. 

• Check with your current employer. Many offer educational benefits.
• Work for the college or university you attend.  
• Apply for outside scholarships and fellowship funding.  

As tuition costs rise, so usually does funding for scholarships, and far more financial help is available than you may think.  

Myth #2 – I'm too old to go back to school

• Statistics show that, in many institutions, the average graduate student is in his or her mid to late thirties.  This is happening more and more every year (https://blog.powerscore.com/gre/bid-223716-are-you-too-old-to-go-to-graduate-school/).
• Institutions are very welcome older students with work and life experience because of the value they add to the discipline being studied and to discussions in the classroom.   
• Online, part-time, evening and weekend programs are proliferating in response to the growing number of older students returning to school. There are many good ones. Take the time to research your options and what works best for your situation.

Myth #3 – My undergraduate academic record isn't good enough, and I won't get accepted

• Admissions committees do not just look at grades. They look at everything in your application including letters of recommendation, essays, the courses you took, internships, and work/life experience. 
• The older and further away you are from your undergraduate degree, the less important your previous grades will be.
• If you believe your academic record is lacking, take one or two grad courses and get an A. It shows you're serious about your education and what you're capable of doing.  

Myth #4 - It isn't worth going unless I get into a top-ranked school or program

• There are plenty of examples of people who went to all the top schools yet have failed dismally. Employers know this; and when it comes right down to it, they value who you are, what you can bring to the table and the degree itself far above the institution you attended. 

• Getting your graduate degree from any institution demonstrates to employers that you have what it really takes to succeed – persistence and determination.