Attention Graduate Students

I recently received the following question from a reader:

Do you have an opinion one way or the other about the value of getting a graduate degree in writing for film and tv? It seems like there's quite a few good quality programs at schools in the LA area, but I've gotten mixed feelings from working writers, some saying it's not necessary and a waste of money, while others think the education and connections you make are valuable. I'm trying to decide if it's worth it to apply or if I should devote my energies to pounding the pavement and working.

I'm currently writing a post in response to this question, but I'd like the opinions of other readers who attended grad school.  You can leave a comment on this post or, to comment anonymously, email me directly and I will repost your reply.