Selecting a School
Not all schools will offer program in the discipline you want to study, which automatically shortens the list of possible schools. Before making your decision, consider:
Your personal background
Where would you be comfortable living? Consider climate, distance from family and loved ones, your partner’s career goals/employment.
Cost and financial assistance
What is the cost of living? What are the hidden costs? What are the financial aid opportunities at the institution?
Satisfaction of current students
Get the perspective of currently-enrolled students in the program about faculty, securing assistantships/financial assistance.
Location and size
How near is the school to your family and friends? How big is the department? What is the faculty-student ratio? How big are classes?
Type of program
Because requirements vary significantly from institution to institution, consider what will be expected of you in each program.
What degrees are granted?
How long does it take to complete your degree? Are their program prerequisites? Are there internship or thesis requirements? Will faculty sponsor research interests?
Quality of program
Think about: (1) commitment to research and scholarship by faculty; (2) reputation of the school, faculty, and alumni/ae; (3) admissions standards and care taken in selection of graduate students; (4) by whom is the program accredited. Base your decision on what the program has to offer YOU. The top graduates of “second tier” schools may find better employment opportunities than “average” graduates of the most selective programs.