Grad schools are becoming more popular during these economic struggles. Biola has been recruiting and counseling potential grad-school students as application deadlines approach. | Photo by Katie Juranek/THE CHIMES, Illustration by Ashley Jones/THE CHIMES

Grad school is an increasingly hot topic among undergraduate students as the economy faces hard times and jobs are becoming more competitive.

Helping with the grad school process

Here on Biola’s campus, the Graduate Admissions department is dedicated to helping students apply for and continue their journey in higher education, specifically in Biola’s graduate schools: School of Arts & Sciences, School of Education, Cook School of Intercultural Studies, Crowell School of Business, Rosemead School of Psychology and Talbot School of Theology. The Career Development center also offers counseling and personality tests for those seeking direction.

For more than 20 years, the Admissions office has helped many students continue their education beyond an initial four or five years and has seen them go on to hold prominent positions in a variety of countries. Many stories featuring alumni can be found on each school’s website. Last year, 137 applicants accepted to Biola’s graduate schools previously attended Biola at some point, according to the Graduate Admissions records.

A rewarding experience

James Hampson is the assistant director of Graduate Admissions. He works with thousands of applicants each year. This process can be a hard and stressful time for students, but can also be a very rewarding process.

“Involve the body of Christ in your decision process,” Hampson said. “Use your friends, family and church as a sounding board.”

In making the decision about a school to attend, Hampson recommends getting to know the professors beforehand by looking at their research.

“At the grad level, it is more about the professors than the institution,” Hampson said. “You will be working very closely with the professors, so be sure to familiarize yourself with them and their work.”

As deadlines approach quickly, the Graduate Admissions office wants to help students. The office staff is ready to enable and equip students and is divided into three parts: counselors, recruiters and marketing.

Look for Biola in Relevant Magazine’s college guide in the spring. Graduate Admissions marketing writer, Cambria Aviles, a senior English major, will have an article published about Biola’s graduate schools.