Research
- Talk to professors (Where did they train? What schools do they regard highly?)
- Meet with a Career Counselor to discuss graduate school options
- Network with practicing professionals, family, and peers
- Notice the authors’ school affiliations in professional journals
- Use search engines:
Areas to Consider
Admission Criteria
- Research average GPA and test scores of accepted students
- Determine reach schools (requirements slightly higher), target schools (likely to be accepted), and safety schools (most likely to be accepted)
Programs and Concentrations
- Review faculty, their research interests, and backgrounds
- Is the program accredited?
- Consider research/other facilities and library collections available to students.
- What is the program duration?
- Are experiential learning opportunities, internships, etc., available?
- What types of positions do graduates of the program take?
Size and Location
- What is the faculty-to-student ratio?
- What are housing options like?
- What do current students/alumni say about the program and campus?
Cost
- Consider the cost difference between private and public institutions; one program may be more expensive but may offer more aid.
- Finance graduate school by securing grants and fellowships
- Graduate students have access to financial aid as well as federal and private loan options
- Does this program offer assistantships (graduate/research/teaching)? How do you apply?