The number of students applying to graduate programs has increased compared to those who are going straight into the “real world.”

I personally chose to go on to law school after graduation, but it is not a simple process. I had no clue what I was getting myself into as far as the application process.

First off, everything is done electronically these days. I had to register through a website that would send out all of my applications, letters of recommendations, transcripts and essays.

Doing the process online may seem more convenient, but I never knew if everything was getting where it was supposed to since it was all through a computer. I had no contact with anyone.

But the online system ended up being the least of my worries. For each school, I had to have a resume and a personal statement. However, most schools wanted a personal statement that was specifically geared to their program.

Then, most schools also wanted additional essays. Some essays were “optional,” but I am pretty sure they were necessary. Needless to say, I wrote about 25 essays between the 14 schools I applied to.

After meeting all of the requirements for the application, then there is the cost. Each application was roughly $50, or sometimes more. I could have paid for half of a semester of law school with the application money.

When every application was sent, I felt so relieved. I could finally relax. Well, at least I thought I was going to be able to relax.

The stress only increased once all of the applications were finalized. This meant my fate was now in the admissions councils’ hands. I had to sit and wait for more than a month, and I am still waiting on some, but that first acceptance letter was so worth it.

When I finally knew I was in somewhere, every bit of stress and worry was lifted off my shoulders. I could now focus on the rest of my semester knowing that if all else fails, at least one school has accepted me.

The admissions process to most schools is almost a semester’s worth of work. Between researching schools, applying, writing essays, and stressfully waiting to hear back, I felt like I had accomplished as much as I did in one semester of undergraduate work.

And luckily, it was not all for nothing. It was all very much worth it.

I still have not made a definite decision on where I will be heading in August, but at least I know I am in somewhere, and will have options.

Abby Allgire is a senior journalism major. She can be reached at 581-2812 or at [email protected].