Choosing a graduate school is an exciting yet daunting process. Not all grad schools are created equal, and learning how to evaluate graduate degree programs is a big part of the process.
To weed out the schools and programs that aren’t for you, consider these 10 tips for how to choose a grad school when conducting your search and check out our flowchart for more insight into your decision process.
1. Start researching grad school options at least nine months in advance.
Don’t wait until the last minute to submit applications. Most grad school deadlines are in December or January. Allow yourself at least nine to 12 months to start your search. Beginning your grad school search this early will reduce stress and give you breathing room to coordinate on-campus visits. As you start the research process, keep your options open. Begin by researching grad school options, at least 15 to 20, and apply to four to eight programs.
2. Clarify your career goals.
Before choosing a graduate school, solidify your career goals. Research which graduate degrees will give you the qualifications you need for your desired role.
For example, if you are a nurse who wants to pursue an executive leadership position, research whether a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) would be most appropriate. If you want to become a speech-language pathologist or physical therapist, explore programs like a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (MS-SLP) or Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT).
3. Research potential programs.
When choosing a graduate school, browse through online course catalogs to review the curriculum, learning methodologies (on-campus or online), duration, start dates and more. While thinking about what to consider when choosing a graduate school, all of these factors should align with your overall vision.
4. Consider the school’s resources.
In choosing a graduate school, not all programs provide the same resources to students. For example, if you’re in the healthcare field, make sure the school has labs with updated equipment. Does the program offer opportunities for hands-on practice and interprofessional collaboration? Does it provide networking and career support? When thinking about how to choose a grad school, it’s key to find one that will set you up for success not only during your studies but also in your future career.
5. Visit campuses.
Once you’ve narrowed your search, visit the campuses of your top contenders. Scheduling an on-campus tour will give you a general idea of the school. Use this opportunity while choosing a graduate school to network with faculty and current grad students to get a feel for the department’s dynamics and an idea of life on campus. Can you picture yourself walking to class or meeting a friend for coffee before heading to the library? If not, this may not be the school for you.
6. Research the school’s reputation.
When choosing a graduate school, investigate and take notes on its reputation. Is it accredited? How many students graduate and get their degree? Do faculty members have a good reputation? These questions are good to consider when choosing a graduate school. You don’t want to apply somewhere with a low retention rate or inexperienced faculty.
7. Consider your reasons for choosing a graduate school.
Are you interested in a school because all your friends are going there? Are you considering it because it’s where your parents went, and they want you to continue their legacy? Many students don’t know how to choose a grad school and will pick one solely because they know someone who went there. You should be choosing a graduate school because you want to go there. Don’t let outside factors and opinions sway you from doing what’s best for you.
8. Keep a spreadsheet.
When doing preliminary research for choosing a graduate school, keep a spreadsheet to stay organized and compare and contrast your options. Create columns for each school, detailing factors like location, programs offered, the time it takes to graduate and overall investment. In the long run, this step will help you during decision time.
9. Be patient.
Don’t get frustrated during the research process of choosing a graduate school. Not every school is going to be the right fit. Stay positive when conducting your search. The process of how to choose a grad school involves making a huge decision, and in the end, you may find everything you’re looking for—or you may decide to delay.
10. Go with your gut.
Ultimately, how to choose a grad school comes down to your decision and what’s best for you. Go with a school that feels right and checks most of your boxes. If you haven’t found one yet, keep searching—and don’t give up hope on choosing a graduate school. You’ll know when you find the perfect school.
Is grad school right for you?
Following these tips on what to consider when choosing a graduate school will help you make a confident decision. If you’re unsure how to choose a grad school, check out our flowchart below to guide you through the process.
