<p>So, if I end up going to Graduate School like seventy percent of my school's graduating class, I'll be the first in the family. Because of this, I really don't know what it is or what exactly a graduate degree would be used in. </p>
<p>As of yet, I'm still a senior in HS and I have no clue what I want to do... or even what I want to major in. On my "intended major" thing I put literature-theatre just because those are my biggest strengths/interests right now. However, I'm also equally interested in physics, political science/law, biology, and basically everything else. So, yeah. </p>
<p>Could anyone give me some information on Graduate School and what it's used for?</p>
<p>Don't run before you walk!<br>
The important thing for you is to discover what you want to do. Your first year in college will, I hope, introduce you to a variety of courses that will make you want to take more. That will help clarify your interests.<br>
There are many flavors of graduate degrees. Generally, Ph.D.s are for those who want to go into college teaching or do research. For many others, a Master's is fine; more might make you overqualified. For example, for library science or for k-12 teaching, a Master's is fine. </p>
<p>Many people talk of grad school when they mean professional schools such as law, business, medical school, etc..</p>
<p>There are different reasons to go, depending on your field. Some people get PhDs and become professors/researchers. Some get MBAs in order to advance their career in business. </p>
<p>I think a lot of people just go because it feels like the logical next step. This is not, IMO, a good idea. WHen entering grad school, you should have a clear goal in mind of what this degree will do for you. Take your 4 years of college to explore you interests and figure out what you want. Take classes in areas you've never studied. Go to random lectures-- there will be lots on campus. Once you've gotten a clearer idea of what you would like to do with your life, then find out what degrees/qualifications you will need to get there. The career development office, or whatever they call it at Reed, will be able to help you with this. They might even have a separate office for graduate admissions.</p>
<p>Do NOT feel like you "should" go to grad school, or that you "should" go to grad school directly out of college. If you don't know what you want when you graduate, then take some time to explore before you waste your time in a degree program that might not be what you really want.</p>