Where should I go?
Choosing the graduate school and program that best fits your needs is
an important process. With so many options, this decision may seem
overwhelming. Graduate programs vary greatly and it will be worth your
time to thoroughly research your options. The following are general
guidelines to help you identify your needs, narrow your choices for
final applications, and set a timeline to assist you in planning.
1. What is important to you in a graduate program/institution? Make a list of your top criteria. Some common criteria to consider include:
- field of study
- school size
- geographic location
- financial assistance
- faculty (current research and publications)
- and degrees offered.
2. Which schools and programs meet your criteria? Research different programs, investigate these questions, and compare them to your top criteria.
Helpful Resources
3. Now make a list of schools that match your list of criteria. This list may include approximately 10-20 graduate programs. If you would like more information about these programs:
- write to the graduate schools and request their graduate bulletin
and other information of interest to you. This can oftentimes be done
online.
- contact the department chairpersons of graduate programs you
would like to learn more about and investigate areas of current
research by professors in that program.
When you have the information needed, you may want to shorten your
list of programs to six, depending on the program for which you are
applying.
4. Write it down! After you have finalized your list, write
down each school's admissions address and the date your application is
due. You may want to set a false date 2-4 weeks in advance of the
official deadline to ensure that your application is in their hands and
completed on time.
5. Now figure out your timeline for each step of the
application process (i.e., testing, application, personal statements,
letters of recommendation) and begin the application process!
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