Going Back to the Classroom When the Jobs Aren't There

Since fixing the economy is no easy task, many students - and adults - are going back to school for advanced degrees.

It's hard not to be completely freaked out by the news of increasing applications to law, business, and medical schools. With a total of 2.3 million students enrolled in graduate programs nationwide, a spike of 11 percent in enrollment would represent a quarter of a million new graduate students. But most schools are not able to increase the numbers they admit as the number of applications rises.

So the pool is that much bigger. How do you stand out? And frankly, is going back for an advanced degree still going to be worth it for your career?

There are so many factors that weigh in to the latter, I cannot adequately provide an answer. I know what I personally needed from my potential graduate opportunity (located in New York, Nashville, Los Angeles, or other media-centric city; significant financial aid; major-league internship opportunities and the clout to help me get that ideal internship; and of course, somewhere that will help me show up to the job market with bells and whistles), but to each, his/her own.

I've boiled it down to three key things to keep in mind while applying to go back to school...

1. It's not just about GPA anymore.

Ok, if you're applying to Yale Law, GPA matters. But for everyone else... experience matters. Hope is not lost for the 3.50 GPA student! Or for that matter, the 3.00 GPA student. Develop a narrative - that story that describes who you are and what you've done. This helps you not only on your resume, but also on your reccomendations and essays as well. You have something to talk about, and something by which you can be remembered.

2. Personality doesn't show in Times New Roman font.

It's so incredibly important to have personal contact with the graduate departments to which you're applying. And now, it's more important than ever. If it's not economically feasible for you to fly across the country for a visit, write a letter. Even just a thank you note or a phone call is important. Not only is it just good form to do so, it is a fact that schools document everything.

3. See the money, get the money.

It's a harsh, competitive world out there... and grad school is no different. Research merit-based scholarships and note the characteristics associated with each available one. Donors usually have a description of what type of student they would ideally want to receive their funding. This may be an uncontrollable factor (i.e. race, gender), but many times, it is based on merit (hence the "merit-based" part of it!). If leadership is a key component, talk about that time your sports team was struggling through a workout or game, and it took a shift of focus and determination... and leadership... to get them through.

We'll see what the job market holds for graduates in the next few years... hopefully, this situation will blow over and the job market will open up. But until then, best of luck!