Entries by David Petersam

Which PhD Program Graduates Are Most Likely to Get Tenured Faculty Positions?

Landing a tenure‑track faculty job is one of the most competitive outcomes in academia. For PhD applicants, understanding which fields—and which programs—produce the highest percentage of tenured professors can dramatically shape your long‑term career strategy. While no PhD guarantees a tenure‑track position, research consistently shows that a small number of elite programs produce a disproportionately […]

What Students Wish Were Covered in Every Law School’s Curriculum — And Where It’s Already Happening

Law school teaches students how to think like lawyers—but many graduates say it doesn’t always teach them how to work like lawyers. From financial literacy to courtroom skills to mental health support, students consistently point to real‑world topics they wish were part of every law school curriculum. The good news: some law schools are already […]

Starting MBA Salaries at the Top Business Schools: What Applicants Should Know

For MBA applicants—and the parents supporting them—starting salary is one of the most important factors when evaluating business schools. Elite MBA programs consistently deliver some of the highest compensation packages in graduate education, thanks to strong employer pipelines, powerful alumni networks, and global brand recognition. If you’re aiming for a top‑tier business school, here’s a […]

What Students Wish Were Covered in Every Medical School’s Curriculum — And Where It’s Already Happening

Medical school prepares future physicians in anatomy, physiology, and clinical care—but students consistently say there are real‑world skills they wish every curriculum included. The good news is that some medical schools are already integrating these topics, offering models that others may follow. For applicants evaluating programs, knowing which schools teach these often‑overlooked skills can help […]

How Grade Inflation and A‑Caps Will Impact Business School Admissions

For MBA applicants, academic performance has always been a key part of the admissions process. But with grade inflation rising across many universities—and some colleges now introducing policies that cap the number of A grades—business schools are rethinking how they evaluate transcripts. These shifts are creating new challenges and opportunities for business school applicants. Here’s […]

How Pentagon–University Tensions Could Affect Graduate School Applicants

Recent headlines about the Pentagon ending or reevaluating certain contracts with Harvard have sparked national attention. Critics framed the decision as a response to ideological concerns on campus, while others pointed to broader issues such as governance, compliance, or shifting federal priorities. Regardless of the interpretation, the situation raises important questions for graduate school applicants […]

How to Gauge Medical School Culture: A Guide for Applicants

Medical school culture is one of the most important—and most overlooked—factors in choosing where to apply and ultimately enroll. While curriculum structure and match lists matter, the day‑to‑day environment you’ll learn in can shape your well‑being, performance, and long‑term success. A supportive culture can help you thrive; a poor fit can make an already demanding […]

The Most In‑Demand College Majors for Today’s Applicants

Choosing a college major is one of the biggest decisions students make—and with the job market evolving quickly, certain majors are becoming especially popular among applicants. Whether driven by strong career prospects, high earning potential, or long‑term stability, these majors consistently attract students who want degrees that align with future workforce needs. This blog explains […]