Medical school applications have spiked 18% in 2020, MBA programs 20%, and law schools 30%. Applications from graduate programs as a whole for students under the age of 25 has increased by over 28%. 

As the pandemic still rages across the United States, more and more people are struggling to find employment in one of the worst job markets to date. Recent college graduates and young professionals believe that getting a graduate degree may improve their employment options. 

The job market is quickly changing due to COVID-19. There are fewer job opportunities with almost 16 million people unemployed in the U.S. Graduate school may be a way for undergraduates to delay entering an unpromising job market. Additionally, remote learning makes graduate school more appealing to adults in the middle of their careers or with families. Higher education is more accessible than ever as people are working from home. 

For a variety of reasons, 2020 seems to be the year of furthering education. If graduate school is something you have been thinking about recently, don’t let the widening pool of applicants scare you off. Though there may be increased competition in terms of numbers, graduate schools are looking at students more comprehensively and personally than ever. This admissions season is less about ranking applicants based on GRE scores and more about a prospective student’s personal experience, job history, and personal statements.