Distance to Sprints wrote:
Here is another perspective.. Are you going for a masters degree because you need that degree for your career, or just so you can use your eligibility? If you don't NEED that degree for your career, then you may want to consider moving on.
As I got my bachelor degree, I had a full year of eligibility remaining, was just hitting my stride, and wasn't ready to give up the dream. I was graduating with a BBA from the top undergraduate business program in the country and had some pretty good job prospects (although I wasn't seriously looking). I convinced myself to go for a masters degree and took out loans to pay for it (I was a walking at a major D1 program).
Long story short, I ended up spending two years getting a masters degree that didn't increase my financial prospects. I learned a lot and enjoyed my time in grad school, but looking back, it definitely wasn't worth it just to use up my eligibility. I ended up getting hurt and not being able to run anyway.
If you want to continue running competitively, it may be better for you to get a job and find a club team. This way, you have more control over your training and racing schedule.
If you really need that degree and you can find a good program for study, then being able to run should be seen as a bonus, not the main goal. While not as convenient, you can still run outside of the college system.
Best of luck to you whatever you decide.
Masters degrees aren't worth it unless they advance your career/potential career. I felt I didn't reach my potential in undergrad despite having no eligibility left. I figured I'd train better in grad school than while working a career. But grad school can be like 40 hours a week of at home work or more. I did pr in grad school, but I think I could have done that working at 23 as well.
I talked myself into it because my BA was from a rinky dink no name school and my grad school at least was known nationally. The masters didn't help land a career though. After a difficult search during the last recession, I ended up starting my career at a place that would have taken me with just the BA. In fact they only cared about the math and science courses I took during undergrad - I only met their qualification because I had those credits before switching majors.
What you study may be even more important than where you go to school (unless its an ivy, southern ivy, near ivy). If you are going to grad school to study something way more in demand than what you got an undergrad degree in, it could be worth it.
