Skip to main content

Utility

  • Admissions
  • Exploring Grad School
  • Current Students
  • Community Impact and Engagement
  • Faculty + Staff
  • Alumni
Give
Intranet
Report Sexual Misconduct
Home

Main navigation

  • Academics
    • Master of Science
    • Master of Landscape Architecture
    • Doctoral (PhD)
    • Dual-Degree Programs
    • Graduate Certificate Programs
    • Undergraduate Program
    • Courses
    • Online Learning
  • Research + Impact
    • Sustainability Themes
    • PhD Profiles
    • Student Research
    • The Centers, Institutes + Initiatives
    • Faculty Profiles
    • Labs
  • Prospective Students
    • Why Michigan?
    • Application Information
    • International Students
    • Financial Aid + Tuition
    • Visit Campus
    • Faculty Profiles
    • Admitted Students
    • Exploring Graduate School
  • Student Services
    • SEAS and PitE Student Center
    • Career Services
    • Financial Aid
    • Academic Advising
    • Student Organizations
    • Student Development
    • Forms, Handbooks + Policies
    • Quick Links
  • News
    • Community Highlights
    • In the Media
    • Stewards Magazine
  • Events
    • Co-Sponsorship Form
    • Submit Event
    • Admissions Webinars
    • Gallery
  • About
    • Who We Are
    • SEAS Values
    • Collective Impact Committee
    • Leadership
    • Demographics
    • Faculty Profiles
    • Administrative Departments + Staff
    • Facilities + Locations
    • Community Impact and Engagement
    • Art & Environment Gallery
    • COVID-19
    • Land Acknowledgement
    • History
    • Email Sign-Up
Search search icon

Utility

  • Admissions
  • Exploring Grad School
  • Current Students
  • Community Impact and Engagement
  • Faculty + Staff
  • Alumni
Give
Report Sexual Misconduct
search icon Search
Image
Samuel T. Dana Building

Graduate School Myths

  • Find the Right Match
  • Prepare
  • Steps to Grad School
  • Become a Strong Applicant
  • Application: What Do I Need?
  • Paying for Grad School
  • Graduate School Myths
  • Online Games

Utility

  • Admissions
  • Exploring Grad School
    • Find the Right Match
    • Prepare
    • Steps to Grad School
    • Become a Strong Applicant
    • Application: What Do I Need?
    • Paying for Grad School
    • Graduate School Myths
    • Online Games
  • Current Students
  • Community Impact and Engagement
  • Faculty + Staff
  • Alumni

The decision to apply to graduate school is one that should not be taken lightly. It’s a long and time-consuming process. While graduate school provides an exciting opportunity to further one’s education, it may also create some unrealistic perceptions and expectations. Here are some common myths about graduate school that we’ve dispelled.

Myth 1: Applying for a master’s degree will increase my chances for a PhD.

The majority of STEM PhD programs accept applications from students with a bachelor’s degree. While having a master’s degree helps you define your research interests and provides experience, it’s not a quick route to a PhD and doesn’t guarantee admission to a PhD program. Check your program’s requirements.

Myth 2: I can’t afford graduate school.

Funding packages are managed by each university and program, and aren’t necessarily connected to the financial aid opportunities available through the federal government. Your graduate school may offer financial aid in addition to the funding package. Most PhD students receive financial support that covers tuition, fees, health benefits and a stipend adjusted to the cost of living. Funding resources are more limited and competitive for master’s students. Ask about financial packages before accepting an offer.

Myth 3: There’s no way a single parent can go to grad school.

There’s not one type of graduate student; students come from different backgrounds and experiences and have different needs. Most graduate institutions like the University of Michigan offer programs and resources to help parents.

Myth 4: I am a sophomore; I do not have to think about graduate school yet.

It’s never too soon to prepare! Starting early will give you the opportunity to explore your interests and career options. Get involved. Talk to your professors and graduate students at your home institution. The more relevant experience you have, the stronger your application will be.

Myth 5: A PhD is only for those who want to be professors.

The transferable skills graduate students develop (critical thinking, multitasking, etc.) are highly valued across many fields. Opportunities for PhDs outside of academia include:

  • Analysts
  • Directors
  • Statisticians
  • Policy makers
  • Consultants

Myth 6: I attend a small minority-serving institution; I won’t feel comfortable at a large university.

Graduate school cohorts are smaller than undergraduate cohorts, and students work closely with faculty and other students in their program, forming a supportive network that can make a big school feel smaller. Large universities, meanwhile, provide more resources and opportunities for interdisciplinary work.

seas logo
University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability
Dana Building
440 Church Street
Ann Arbor, MI 48109
(734) 764-6453
Email us
facebook
twitter
instagram
linkedin
youtube
flickr
planet blue global impact logo

Footer

  • Contact us
  • Intranet
  • Contact Web Team
  • Email Sign-Up

© 2025 The Regents of the University of Michigan | Privacy Policy

Produced by Michigan Creative