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How to find a top graduate program that's right for you
The decision to attend graduate school is the first step in what may seem to be a long, and at times frustrating, journey. In fact, some would argue the truly difficult decisions are yet to come. With over 400 English programs and 300 chemistry programs, just to name a few, it can be rather difficult to narrow the field. So how do you identify the graduate program that is right for you?
Specialization
The area of specialization will ultimately depend on your own interests, but you may also want to take into account the job market. Some specialties will experience growth in the future, whereas those that are currently growing may be expected to become stagnant. For example, if you're interested in getting a PhD in Microbiology, the job market in academia is projected to be relatively stable, whereas the job market in biotechnology and the pharmaceutical industry tends to be brighter. You might be better prepared to choose an area of microbiology that is more marketable to the biotechnology industry.
A highly-ranked program may indeed have greater resources available, but may also have a higher cost.
Ranking
For some students, a graduate program's ranking is important. They feel that the rank of a program is an indication of the quality of education they will receive and the level of resources that will be available to them.In most cases, this is probably true. However, students should be aware of what qualities are used to establish a graduate program's ranking and how those qualities are evaluated. For example, a highly-ranked program may indeed have greater resources available, but may also have a higher cost. This can make it more difficult to attend, or there may be a higher student-to-faculty ratio which can actually detract from the educational experience.
Location
One criterion that may play an important role in the decision of which graduate program is right for you could be geography; is the program located in an area of the state or country in which you want to live. Be aware that you will be living in this area for an average of two to six years or more, depending on if you are seeking a masters degree or PhD. You should be comfortable with the location. Some students may, for personal reasons, want to be relatively near their family. Others have a spouse who is more likely to be employed in certain areas of the country. Some students may have allergies, asthma or other health issues which may become aggravated in some areas of the country. A good way to get an idea of what the location of a graduate school is like is to take a look at the website of the city or community in which the graduate school is located. The city website will often have links to local weather reports, employment opportunities, community businesses, and health care facilities.
The People
When you earn your graduate degree, you will be entering a professional community that is influenced by tradition and reputation. Your major professor will be your means of entry into this community, and his or her reputation will influence yours. Remember that, as with the location of the program, you will be working very closely with your major professor for an average of two to four years or more. It is important that your personalities and professional ideas are compatible. The best way to get an idea of the students and faculty you will be working with is to talk to people. Talk to faculty at your current college or university to find out the reputation of the professor who will be your advisor. If at all possible, contact some of his or her current graduate students and ask them what he or she is really like to work for. Most importantly, talk to your potential advisor to get an idea of their personality and professional ideas.
