In my three decades as a graduate admissions dean and counselor, I found many students struggling to succeed and often distraught over their graduate school choices. In almost every case, the cause of their dissatisfaction began before they even applied. Based on interactions with those students, I realized that if they had only asked themselves a few simple questions before applying, they would have never lamented their decision。

　　在担任研究生招生办主任和顾问的三十年里，我发现许多学生在研究生院选择问题上很下功夫，但还常常是焦头烂额。在几乎所有案例中， 他们不满意的原因甚至都可以追溯到申请学校之前。通过与这些学生交流，我意识到如果在申请之前自问几个简单问题，他们就不会后悔自己当初的选择了。

　　To help make a decision, ask yourself these questions, write down your answers, and be as honest as possible:

　　为了帮助你做出决定，问自己这样一些问题，并写下答案，要尽量做到忠于事实：

　　1. Why do I want to go to grad school?

　　为什么我想读研?

　　The reason you want to earn a graduate or professional degree is as important as the school and program you choose. Consider these factors and put them in order of importance。

　　你想取得硕士或专业学位的原因和你所选择的学校及项目同样重要。认真思考一下这些因素，并依其重要性排序。

　　To learn more

　　为掌握更多知识

　　To add a credential to my résumé

　　为简历增加一个证书砝码

　　To have a better chance of being promoted

　　为增加升职机会

　　To have more credibility in my chosen field

　　为提高自己在专业领域内的信誉度

　　To change careers

　　为改变职业

　　To increase my earning potential

　　为加薪创造机会

　　Because of pressure from my family

　　迫于家庭压力

　　Because I need to feel better about myself

　　为获得更加良好的自我感觉

　　Because I don't know what else to do

　　不知道除此之外还能做些什么

　　2. Why do I want to do this now?

　　为什么我现在想读研?

　　Like your reasons to go to grad school, timing is very important. Before you invest in your time—and the application fees—be sure you are ready to go. Consider these statements and, again, put them in order of relevance。

　　如同读研的其他理由一样，时间选择也不可小视。在投入时间和申请费之前，搞清楚你是否已做好准备。慎重思考这些原因，并适当排序。

　　Because I am mentally and emotionally ready for a new challenge

　　因为无论在心理上还是在感情上我都已为新一轮挑战做好准备

　　Because my employer is encouraging me to do so, and might assist with the cost

　　因为老板鼓励我这样做，或许还提供资金支持

　　Because I am not getting any younger

　　因为时间不等人

　　Because it is a logical next step for me professionally

　　因为这是我专业道路上合理的下一步

　　Because I am ready financially

　　因为资金已经到位

　　Because I have the time now to commit and it may be a limited window

　　因为现在我有时间来深造，或许时不再来