What should you look for when choosing a graduate program? Remember that while reputation is important, a program is more than just a brand name. The school's mission and approach to learning make a huge difference in your experience.

There are certain aspects of every program you should begin to familiarize yourself with before you apply:

• Library & campus infrastructure supporting research & creative endeavors
• Faculty expertise
  • Areas of research & creative activity
  • Publications & creative scholarship
  • Support available to graduate students
  • Faculty diversity
• Current & former students
  • Ongoing student research/creative scholarship
  • Recent thesis and dissertation topics
  • Where are they now?

The size of the program and the current state of the department are also important. Would you prefer a large program with many resources, or a smaller department with ample opportunities to interact with professors and colleagues?

Once you start to narrow down your list, discuss the contenders with faculty members or advisors. Who is retiring and getting tenure at the schools that interest you? Is the program regarded as an "up-and-comer" or an institution that rests on its laurels?

Financial Aid

For most people, the types of financial assistance available will likely play a major role in your final decision. Full financial support is the norm in some fields but not in others. Doctoral programs in the sciences and many social sciences tend to offer substantial financial support, and this applies to the humanities to a lesser degree. On the other hand, school-sponsored financial support is rare or hard to come by in many professional programs, and virtually unheard of for law, medical, and business programs.

Some types of financial aid to investigate:

• Assistantships
• Scholarships
• Loans, grants, etc.
• Other
  • Health Insurance
  • Housing
  • Childcare

The Application

Make sure you have all these things in order well in advance of any deadlines:

• Application Form
• Application Fee
• Official Transcripts of all institutions attended
• Official Test Scores (if applicable)
• Written Statement
• References
• Supplemental Information
• Permanent Contact Address & Information
  • Street Address
  • Phone number
  • Email address

Some portions of the application may need to be sent to an admissions office or graduate division, while others go directly to the department. Once you've sent the application off, the review process begins. Here's what is happening while you anxiously wait.

Evaluation & Recommendation for Admission

• The Admissions Office assembles and verifies information
  • Checks for completeness of application
• The Graduate School asks:
  • Does the applicant meet minimum requirements for admission?

The program faculty's tasks are more specific.

• Review applications
• Conduct interviews
• Rank applications
• Recommend admission

The only way to make it from applicant to accepted is to prepare the most competitive application that you can.

Do:

• Start Early
• Know what you are applying to and be aware of admission requirements
• Pay attention to application details
  • Your application is a reflection of you.
• Track your application progress
  • Submitted materials
  • References
  • Test Scores

Don't:

• Wait until the last minute
• Submit incomplete or inaccurate information
• Submit photocopies of official documents
• Expect the graduate program to waive admission requirements

Test Scores

If the test score is a required element of the application, take the test and take it early! Some programs may take into consideration only your best score, while others consider the average of all attempts or only the score from your first test date. Even if re-taking the test isn't an option, the remainder of the application process will take a lot of time and energy so you will be glad to have the test out of the way. Make sure you are adequately prepared, using practice books or preparation courses if necessary.

• Official test scores are required by most Graduate Schools.
• Do not send photocopies
• Do not attempt to use outdated test scores
• Prepare for the test before you take it

The Written Statement

Of course, the quality of your written statement plays a major role in how your application is viewed on the whole. It is your best chance to demonstrate yourself as an outstanding applicant, so make sure you communicate as effectively as possible.


Do:

• Tell your story
  • Why are you applying to their graduate school?
  • Why should they consider you?
  • What sets you apart from others who may be applying?
• Write clearly & concisely
• Use CORRECT Spelling, Grammar and Word Choice
• Have someone read your statement before you submit it

Don't:

• Tell the generic story
• Say things like:
  • "Education is important to me."
  • "A Ph.D. or master's will help me succeed."
  • "I'm a people person."
• Submit a written statement with spelling or grammatical errors.


Letters of Recommendation

Members of the admissions committee look to letters of recommendation to learn about your experience and potential from their peers. You can think of letters of recommendation as corroborating evidence for the glowing record you've assembled in your application.

Here's how to choose the recommenders who can write you the best letters:

• Make sure that they know you
• Provide accurate and verifiable contact information
• Decide in advance if you plan to waive your right to view the recommendation
• Let the recommender know that you are applying to Graduate School
• Follow up to make sure that the recommendations have been sent


The Interview

Not all programs require an interview, but if you are invited to schedule one you should take the time to think about what may be your first face-to-face encounter with future colleagues.

• Be Prepared
  • Read up about the institution before you arrive
    • Know the faculty and their interests
    • Find out about what students might be doing and verify this when you interview
  • Dress professionally
  • Be consistent with your written statement
  • Think about how you would present yourself in a phone interview
    • Turn off TVs, Radios, Cell Phones, Children & Pets
    • Don't shuffle papers
• Relax
  • Don't try to be something that you are not

You can show that you are a serious candidate and a good fit for the program by asking the interviewer questions.

• Prepare some questions in advance that you may wish to ask
• Ask institution/program specific questions if possible
  • Curriculum
  • Research opportunities
  • Library resources
  • Living in the community
• Try to stay away from generic questions


The End (of the Beginning)

Before turning your attention back to the rest of your life, take a few moments to write a thank you note to your interviewer or interviewers. Try your best to send out a note within one week of the interview. Handwritten notes are best, and you can personalize it even more by including a reference to something in the interview. Not only will you be showing a command of basic etiquette, you will also sneak in one last opportunity to remind the graduate admissions committee how perfect you are for the program.

Finally, you've done all you can do; the rest is up to the admissions committee. Try and relax while you wait for the decisions (easier said than done, but worth trying). Good luck!