college graduation vs. grad school graduation

[Havoc]

My mom and I were discussing this tonight (I know it's still a year away, but I cant help it! I'm a teeny tiny bit excited!) and I'd like your input.

I'm graduating with my MFA next may (2005). My mom says that because it's a grad school graduation the party should be more formal. I'm not sure what I think.

What do you guys think?

 

[nativetxn]

My son has an MFA but he didn't want a party. I don't know if they should be more formal or not.

Congratulations!

 

[Aimeedyan]

I think it's awesome you're even having a party! I've never heard of anyone having a party to celebrate. Its not that masters degrees are not important, but few people attend the ceremony and such... you know? Just with my friends/family/classmates... unlike undergrad in which we had a party and more people came. Of course, high school takes the cake for having a big blowout =)

When I graduate with my masters, we'll just go out to dinner or lunch to celebrate, and I would only expect close family to attend. If I was having a party, I would do it more formal just becuase I like that =) I dont think people will be expecting anything in particular, just because you dont attend grad school graduation celebrations that often... like a wedding, people have expectations. For that, they wouldnt, so I'd do whatever you wanted! I think hosting a more formal event would be awesome to plan, but thats my personality and I rarely get to do formal things =) Go with what fits your personality the best! And have fun!!!!!

You've inspired me to maybe hosting a party anyways and hoping people will drive and come. I worked alot harder for this degree than my first, dadgumit!!!!!! =)

 

[IloveDMB]

I'm graduating from college in May and we are having a backyard BBQ.

I'm hoping to go to Medical school in a year, and my mother has also mentioned that she wants to have a more formal party for that graduation.

I think I would probably want it to be in a restaurant or something like that. Graduating with a Masters or Doctorate or MD is such an great achievement (not that a Bachelor's isn't!), that perhaps it should be celebrated in a more formal matter.

 

[IloveDMB]

Sorry, forgot to say congratulations!!!

 

[DocRafiki]

I was really disappointed that my doctorate class didn't have a class party. After all, we spent all day with the same 80 people for four years -- a LITTLE more special than high school or college. My family and a few non-graduating friends went out for dinner. Everybody from school had family in town & had to entertain them, so we all went our separate ways. Our whole ceremony was lame; there was a little "reception" afterwards, but it was a failure. I bet we won't even have reunions.