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Factors in Selecting a Graduate School

1. How competitive is admission to the program?
2. Do you meet the requirements (G.P.A., test scores, course background)?

1. Does the school have the program you want to pursue?
2. How many courses/credits are required?
3. Is a foreign language required? (Check this out early enough to be able to do something if there is a requirement.)
4. What is the length of the program?
5. Does the program include practical experience?

1. What is the quality of the school, department, faculty and alumni?
2. Is the program accredited? By whom?
3. What type of reputation does the program have within the field you wish to enter?

1. How many students complete the program?
2. What percentage of graduates finds employment? Where? Does the department help with placement?

1. How many faculty members are there? Does the department's reputation depend on one or two people?
2. What is the faculty/student ratio?
3. Is there a variety of points of view in the department?
4. Are faculty committed to teaching? Research? Service?
5. What have the faculty published lately?
6. How available to students are faculty?

1. Do you want to attend a large or small school?
2. In what geographic area do you want to attend school?
3. Do you prefer a city suburban or rural area?
4. Is graduate housing available? How difficult is it to get off-campus housing?
5. Is there public transportation to the school from the community?

1. What is the cost of the program? Is it expected to rise?
2. How much financial assistance is awarded in the form of fellowships, assistantships and loans? Do these extend beyond the first year?
3. How much of a stipend, if any, will you receive?
4. Are there opportunities for part-time work off-campus?