Getting Started

Find the Right Program for You

1. Interview faculty or professionals in your area of interest.

• Where did they go? What did they like/dislike about the program?
• Gather information and possibly gain a letter of reference from an alum!

2. Web Search

• Many websites will help sort graduate schools by program or field of study.
• Sign up to receive course catalogs, tuition information, etc.
• Read through college materials carefully.

Narrow the Field

1. Make a list of your top three requirements for a grad school. Consider:

• Location
• Length of program
• Access to faculty
• Student to faculty ratio
• Graduate Assistantship or Fellowship programs
• Research opportunities
• Success of their alumni
• Mission of the institution

2. As you sort through graduate school information, filter their qualities through your "requirements."

3. If a school doesn't match your needs, eliminate them immediately.

4. Keep eliminating options until you have 3-4 schools.