In 15 Seconds
- Advanced university study after earning a bachelor's degree.
- Commonly shortened to 'grad school' in everyday conversation.
- Leads to specialized degrees like a Master's or PhD.
Meaning
This refers to the extra schooling you do after you finish your first university degree. It is where you go to get a Master's or a PhD to become an expert in a specific subject.
Key Examples
3 of 6Catching up with an old friend
I haven't seen you in ages! Are you still in grad school?
I haven't seen you in ages! Are you still in postgraduate education?
A formal job interview
I developed these research skills during my time in graduate school.
I developed these research skills during my time in postgraduate education.
Texting a sibling about stress
Grad school is killing me, I need a vacation ASAP.
Postgraduate education is very difficult, I need a holiday immediately.
Cultural Background
Graduate school is often extremely expensive, leading to the 'starving grad student' stereotype where students live on ramen noodles and coffee. People rarely say 'graduate school.' They say 'I'm doing a postgrad' or 'I'm a postgraduate student.' There is a very high level of respect for those in graduate school, especially PhD candidates, who are often seen as colleagues rather than just students. The 'Kaoyan' (graduate school entrance exam) is a massive national event, and students study for years just to get in.
Drop the 'The'
Always remember: 'I'm in graduate school' (no 'the') sounds much more natural to native speakers.
Don't say 'Graduation School'
This is a very common mistake. 'Graduation' is only for the ceremony.
In 15 Seconds
- Advanced university study after earning a bachelor's degree.
- Commonly shortened to 'grad school' in everyday conversation.
- Leads to specialized degrees like a Master's or PhD.
What It Means
Graduate school is the next level of education after university. In many countries, you finish high school and then go to college. After college, you get a bachelor's degree. If you want to keep studying, you head to graduate school. It is often called grad school for short. It is where people go to become doctors, lawyers, or specialized researchers. Think of it as the 'boss level' of education.
How To Use It
You use this phrase as a noun. You can say you are 'in' graduate school. You can also say you are 'applying to' graduate school. It works as a destination or a state of being. Most people use the shortened version grad school in conversation. It sounds more natural and less like a brochure. You might say, "I'm buried in books for grad school."
When To Use It
Use it when talking about your career path. It is great for networking events or family dinners. Use it when explaining why you have no free time. It is a perfect excuse for being broke or tired. You will hear it often in professional settings. It is common when discussing qualifications for a high-level job.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it for primary or secondary school. It is never used for high school. Do not use it for short certificate courses. If the program doesn't lead to a Master's or PhD, it's usually not graduate school. Also, avoid using the full term in a casual text. Grad school is much better for a quick WhatsApp message. Using the full name might sound a bit stiff with close friends.
Cultural Background
In the US and Canada, graduate school is a huge milestone. It is often seen as the path to the 'American Dream.' However, it is also famous for being very expensive. Many people joke about the 'grad school diet' of instant noodles. There is a whole culture of 'grad school memes' about lack of sleep. It represents a transition from being a student to being a professional expert.
Common Variations
As mentioned, grad school is the most common variation. You might also hear post-grad in the UK or Australia. People also specify the type of school. For example, med school for medicine or law school. If someone says they are a grad student, they are currently enrolled. Alumni are those who have already finished. It is a small world with its own specific vocabulary.
Usage Notes
The phrase is very flexible across North America. While 'graduate school' is the standard noun, 'grad school' is the dominant conversational form. Be careful not to use it for vocational training or high school.
Drop the 'The'
Always remember: 'I'm in graduate school' (no 'the') sounds much more natural to native speakers.
Don't say 'Graduation School'
This is a very common mistake. 'Graduation' is only for the ceremony.
Use 'Grad School' for friends
In casual conversation, 'graduate school' sounds a bit stiff. Use 'grad school' instead.
Examples
6I haven't seen you in ages! Are you still in grad school?
I haven't seen you in ages! Are you still in postgraduate education?
Uses the casual 'grad school' for a friendly catch-up.
I developed these research skills during my time in graduate school.
I developed these research skills during my time in postgraduate education.
Uses the full term to sound professional and qualified.
Grad school is killing me, I need a vacation ASAP.
Postgraduate education is very difficult, I need a holiday immediately.
Hyperbolic and informal for a family member.
I'm thinking about applying to graduate school next fall.
I am considering applying for postgraduate education next autumn.
Serious but conversational tone for career planning.
I'll be paying off my graduate school loans until I'm eighty.
I will be paying my postgraduate education debts for a very long time.
A common humorous complaint about the cost of education.
After four long years, I'm finally finished with graduate school!
After four long years, I have finally completed my postgraduate education!
Expresses relief and pride at finishing a difficult journey.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the phrase.
After finishing her Bachelor's in Biology, Sarah decided to apply to _______ to get her PhD.
We use 'graduate school' without 'the' when talking about the general path of study.
Which sentence is correct?
Choose the most natural sentence.
'Grad school' is the common informal version, and 'in' is the correct preposition without an article.
Match the person to the most likely statement.
Who would say: 'I'm currently writing my dissertation for my PhD'?
Dissertations and PhDs are specific to graduate school.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercisesAfter finishing her Bachelor's in Biology, Sarah decided to apply to _______ to get her PhD.
We use 'graduate school' without 'the' when talking about the general path of study.
Choose the most natural sentence.
'Grad school' is the common informal version, and 'in' is the correct preposition without an article.
Who would say: 'I'm currently writing my dissertation for my PhD'?
Dissertations and PhDs are specific to graduate school.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questionsGraduate school is the *place* or the *level*, while a Master's is the specific *degree* you earn there.
It depends! A Master's usually takes 1-2 years, while a PhD can take 4-7 years.
Not at all! It depends on your career. Doctors and lawyers must go, but many successful business people do not.
Many students do, but it is very difficult because the workload is much higher than in college.
They mean the same thing! 'Graduate' is more common in the US, and 'postgraduate' is more common in the UK.
Related Phrases
undergraduate
contrastA student who has not yet earned a bachelor's degree.
Master's degree
specialized formA degree typically awarded after 1-2 years of graduate school.
PhD
specialized formThe highest degree awarded by a graduate school.
alumni
builds onPeople who have graduated from a school.
