Graduate School Checklist

Here are some things to consider when choosing a graduate school:

•  What is the reputation of the program?
•  Will you be able to work in areas that interest you?
•  How accessible is the faculty?
•  What are your chances of working with the professor you want?
•  If you are promised financial aid, for how long will you get it?  Can it be renewed?
•  What about tuition and fees?
•  Average number of years until degree?
•  What about jobs for graduates?
•  Do you feel comfortable with the faculty and students?
•  What about university facilities:
• the library?
• computers?
• offices, laboratory, or studio?
•  What do current graduate students say about:
•   the program?
•   the faculty?
•   jobs for recent graduates?
•   student morale?
•  Do you like the city and the setting of the university?
•  Cost of living?
•  Housing?
•  Proximity to your family?  (This can be a plus or a minus, depending on your family.)

Source:  “The Grad School Handbook,”  Jerrard and Jerrard, 1998.