Is it safe to apply to only one grad school?

Graduate School
1

<p>Hi. I am graduating with a BS in Computer Science this Spring, and plan to pursue an MS in Library Science afterwards. I intend to go to Rutgers University because I am an in-state student and don’t think I need a big-name school like University of Illinois or the like due to my intended career path. I have excellent GRE’s (88%ile, 91%ile, and 94%ile for Writing, Verbal, and Quant respectively) and think I am safe to get into Rutgers. I also have good grades.</p>

<p>However, my high school always drilled into me that it is never safe to apply to only one school. Is the same true of Grad school? I can’t really imagine going to another school at almost twice the cost, but-- you know. Other schools I am considering include U of Washington, Drexel U, U of Illinois, and Syracuse U.</p>

<p>Also, I have good grades and 5 years of prior work experience in a library.</p>

<p>What do you think? Thanks!</p>

2

<p>Not intending to offend you, but why library science? At least do information science with your background. I was going to say that applying to one school was NOT safe, but in your case I think it might be.</p>

3

<p>I did consider IS instead of LS, but I actually really dislike computer science and I don’t want my future career to relegate me to an IT or technology position. I am really interested in library management.</p>

<p>Also, I was thinking that since most of these programs tell you whether you were accepted so quickly, I would probably have time to apply to another program if I didn’t get accepted to Rutgers. Is that true? I have seen a lot of admissions sites that claim rolling admission or applications accepted up until 6 weeks before the semester starts, especially if I am willing to do an online program.</p>

4

<p>It’s okay to not have backup schools, but it’s not safe not to have backup options. When you were in high school, you don’t really have a backup other than attending college, so you’d want to apply for several schools. With a college degree, you have more choices, such as a job, research, or service. Will you be happy doing any of those in case Rutgers doesn’t work out? Will you have the option to apply for those after Rutgers informs you of their decision? It’s fine if you only apply to one school, but don’t put all your eggs in one basket.</p>

5

<p>Library science is one of the most unemployed majors out there…just sayin</p>

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<p>Here’s a thought: some people in this world actually do what they love and love what they do in life…just sayin</p>

7

<p>Technically you’re not doing what you love if you’re unemployed…just sayin</p>

<p>Sent from my DROIDX using CC App</p>

8

<p>Technically you are never going to be employed until you try for employment first…just sayin</p>

9

<p><<
Library science is one of the most unemployed majors out there…just sayin</p>

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<p>People who say this don’t understand the point of that WSJ report. They were reporting only on Undergrad majors. Solely. The entry-level degree for library science is a Graduate degree, therefore of course people who only have an undergrad degree in library science will be unemployed.</p>

10

<p>@None: Good point. Thanks for the advice.</p>

11

<p>Library science is a rough field right now, but I don’t think that should deter the OP from getting an MLS/MLIS nor do I think that the OP should go for a graduate degree that they DON’T want. That’s a waste of money.</p>

<p>Here’s the question, OP - in the case that you don’t get into Rutgers, are you willing to get work with your BS for another couple of years or is it absolutely necessary that you go to graduate school next year? That’s going to help you decide whether or not you should apply to other schools.</p>

12

<p>Librarians Rock!</p>

<p>[Why</a> you should fall to your knees and worship a librarian – Librarian Avengers](<a href=“http://librarianavengers.org/worship-2/]Why”>http://librarianavengers.org/worship-2/)</p>

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<p>Great link happymom!</p>

<p>Off all the people in my community - including private and public workers, I’d have the say the librarians are my favorite bunch!</p>

14

<p>With 5 years of library experience, good undergrad grades, and your test scores, I would think you’d be a shoe-in for Rutgers. If you’re really worried, apply to one of the online programs as a back-up. I think you’re right to stick with a local, convenient school as a first choice though. As I think you already know, library science doesn’t really have a “Harvard,” so going to a “better” school isn’t really going to do anything for your job prospects long-term since that has way more to do with your experience than what school you went to. </p>

<p>Speaking of jobs, the library science field has gone from “a good opportunity” to “completely over-saturated” in the last 5 years. The American Librarian Association has been marketing the whole “graying of the profession” angle, but the problem with that is:
A. No one is retiring right now, due to the economy
B. Many of the jobs that are opening up either aren’t being re-staffed or are being restructured. </p>

<p>Not to say that there are no jobs though. Like I said above, you’ve just got to have some library experience to get them. If you’re one of those people with prior library experience (like the OP) or someone who works in a library now, you’re going to find something eventually. But, if you’re going in to a program with little or no experience, I would highly recommend finding a way to get something on your resume prior to graduating. Volunteering, part-time, whatever, but it has to be more than your practicum or internship, because everyone will have that.</p>