First ask yourself, why?
- Why are you interested in *fill in the blank*
- Do research on different programs & career paths
- Understand types of degrees
- Network: Talk to mentors & graduates of the program you’re interested in
Narrow your search
- Location & what that means for you (urban or rural?)
- Institution type, size, diversity
- Area of focus
- Your budget, financial aid, & scholarships
- Opportunities for professional development & travel funding
- GRE requirements
Consider the program’s in’s & out’s
- Program requirements – credits to graduate and length of program?
- Study part-time or full-time
- Faculty-student ratio
- Faculty background & research interests
- Institutional and community fit
- Pay attention to application requirements (they are different per school)
The Interview
- Prepare by researching the institution
- Match your strengths to their needs
- First impressions count – it all starts with hello
- Understand who you are & why you are a good fit for their program
- When answering questions be complete & concise
The Wait
- This is the hardest part of the whole process
“All things come to him who waits – provided he knows what he is waiting for…”
– Woodrow T. Wilson
So now what?
- Be optimistic!
- Remember your recommenders – follow up throughout the entire process
- Look at the whole package – review everything before making a decision
- Don’t be afraid to say no if the program is no longer for you
- Know what position you want to obtain after graduate school
Source: NASPA Student Affairs Administration in Higher Education
