Graduate school applications are expected to surge higher than usual in the next year.

Some people, like President William Perry, believe the current economy and unemployment of the state could be partially to blame for the rush of applications.

“People take the opportunity to enhance their resume, and one way to do that is through graduate study,” Perry said.

Barry Hudek , an English instructor is one person who is working on his graduate school application to get a doctorate degree in American literature and concentrate on modernism.

Hudek’s specific interest in literature and modernism is focused around the era of 1900-1930. He would like to focus a lot of his work on the writer William Faulkner and his novels.

Hudek said his attraction to this era is based on the cultural, economical, and title changes of the era. He also said he likes the literary approaches and experimental nature of the people in that time period.

“Faulkner is also all about history and still speaks to the degree that I still have, and I think that’s part of my interest in that era as well,” Hudek said.

Most graduate programs require future students to take an exam called the GRE.

In 2009, the ETS, administrator of the GRE, said the number of people taking the GRE increased by over 9 percent to 675,000 people, according to Russell Schaffer, senior communication manager of Kaplan, Inc.

Kaplan, Inc. is a center used for test preparations and admissions for graduate programs. They offer services such as a GRE practice test, information on specialized graduate tests, and advice about whether graduate school is right for a student. Kaplan also has consultants available to help students through the application and admission process.

Hudek said he began working on applying for graduate school two years ago when he took what he considered a helpful Kaplan course online.

“I was using some of their methods and (vocabulary) building, mostly index cards and trying to learn vocabulary,” Hudek said. “Then about two months before the test came, I really began to ramp up my studying- taking practice tests, doing online software, and really cramming for words.”

Hudek said he did not meet with any Kaplan consultants about his decision to attend graduate school.

“I know the issues, and I know the numbers,” Hudek said. “But it’s what I’m passionate about. It’s what I want to do despite prospects or whatnot.”

Perry thinks the current influx of applications could also be from students who are just finishing their undergraduate degrees and are realizing that jobs are not as widely available.

“A lot of MBA programs do want you to have a couple of years of experience before you step into their MBA program,” Perry said. “But a lot of graduate study you can step right into as an undergrad.”

Perry’s advice to students is keep going to school. He said if people start settling down, they get used to a different lifestyle, and if they are out of practice in their schooling, they have a rougher path once they decide to go back to graduate school.

Hudek warns undergraduate students who are considering a graduate program to take hold of their education from the beginning.

“You don’t have to have it all figured out on day one, but be a conscious professional and always be developing yourself,” Hudek said. “Take seriously the idea that you’re going to go further and doing everything that you can to advance that study.”

Perry said the key is to distinguish among the candidates and admit students who have true potential of success.

“If you’re good at your graduate program and other things in your life don’t get in the way, you’ll be able to get along,” Perry said.

Hudek decided to get his doctorate degree for two different reasons. He said he has always loved literature and reading, and he wants to further his study academically. He also wants to teach different literature courses and create better readers in the classroom.

Hudek wants to continue teaching and look for a tenured position in a liberal arts college, where humanities are the main focus.

Hudek has been out of graduate school for five years. In that time, he said he took a couple of courses to maintain his focus in wanting to continue his education.

“Teaching takes up the majority of my focus, but I have been thinking about what I want to do and working toward presentations and continuing my research,” Hudek said. “So I haven’t completely neglected my graduate studies.”

Hudek said he would be prepared to begin any graduate program now.

Hudek has three degrees so far. He has a bachelor of art in history, a master of art in history, and a master of art in English. He is now going to get his doctorate in English/literature.

Kacie Berry can be reached at 581-2812 or klschreve@eiu.edu