Find the best fit. Tip: Create a spreadsheet and keep track of your programs based on the following considerations:

Program

• What are the admission requirements?
• What standardized tests are required and what are the typical scores of incoming students?
• What academic prerequisites are there?
• What practical/clinical/research experience is required/ desirable for admission?
• Is a writing sample required?
• How many letters of recommendation are requested?
• When are applications reviewed?
• When are candidates notified about their status?
• Does the school allow deferment and under what conditions?
• What are the academic requirements for completing the degree?
• How much coursework is required?
• Are there qualifying exams? When are they generally taken?
• Is there a thesis or dissertation, and does it have a formal defense?
• Is there a foreign language competency requirement?
• To what extent does a student plan her own program?
• Are there electives?
• Is there a teaching or other practical requirement to complete the degree?
• If not, are there opportunities to acquire practical experience?
• Are there opportunities to publish/present your work?
• If a PhD program, what is the typical length of completion?

Funding

• Are fellowships or financial aid available?
• Are they based on need or on merit?
• Are they for incoming students? Enrolled students?
• Is there funding for conference travel or special projects?
• What is the likelihood of you being a recipient?
• Are there teaching or research assistantships? Rotations? Clerkships?

Faculty

• How and when do students acquire advisors?
• Are they assigned or selected?
• What is the faculty/student ratio?
• Do faculty members in the department represent a variety of points of view toward the discipline?
• Are the research interests of the faculty similar to your own?
• Is there a particular faculty member whose work you know and with whom you would like to collaborate? Is he/she in a position to take you on as an advisee?

Facilities

• Does the institution have the resources you will need for your studies and/or professional training?
• How extensive and available are the labs and other training facilities?
• Are there specialized research facilities available?
• Do the library resources fit your needs and/or is there a good inter-library loan system?
• Are there cooperative programs with other educational, cultural and research institutions?

 Students

• Who will your fellow students be?
• What is the attrition rate? (How frequently do students in the department fail to complete their degree requirements or pass licensure exams?)
• What is the general morale among students?
• Are there opportunities for collaboration with other students?
• What career services exist for graduate students?
• How many of the recent graduates are employed and where?

Community

• Can you make this place your home?
• On a lifestyle level, is the department, university, town a good fit for you?
• Are there issues of race, sexuality, religion, age, family that may determine how happy you will be?