Narrowing Your List of Graduate Programs

After compiling a general list of possible graduate school programs, it is a good idea to narrow that list to realistic schools that you will attend. There is no sense in applying to schools that you cannot envision yourself attending. This will only cost you time and money. In general, you should apply to at least six graduate programs – two safe schools, two reach schools, and two schools where you think you can "probably" get admitted. In some competitive areas, it may be in your best interest to apply to more schools. Speak with a faculty mentor in your program to compose your final list of graduate programs. Mentors may have great suggestions and more knowledge about other programs.

 

Making Contact

An easy way to narrow your list is to contact the potential mentor and inquire whether or not they will be accepting students for the upcoming year. This way, you can eliminate programs that are not accepting students and save yourself the effort of applying. There are several things to keep in mind when emailing a potential mentor. Remember to keep the email short and informative. Faculty members are often too busy to read a long email. Use the following templates as guides when composing your email.

 

Dear Dr. (Professor's Name),

I realize how busy you must be, but I was wondering if you are currently accepting graduate students for advising? I am looking to apply to the Ph.D. Program in (name of program) for Fall 2007 (fill in with current year). I have conducted research on (brief summary of your research experience) and I am interested in your research regarding (briefly summarize the research that interests you). I was wondering what research projects you are currently working on and if there is a graduate student that I could contact for further information?

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

Your Name

 

Researching Each Program

When you have completed a final list of programs to which you will apply, you should then research and review each program and their respective requirements very carefully. There are several things to take into account when researching each program, such as the faculty profiles, required materials, and program deadlines. Keep a list of all of the information that you find. Use the following template as a way of organizing the information.

 

Faculty Profiles and Research Interests

Take some time to read the profile of your potential mentor so that you become very familiar with their line of research. This will not only allow you to understand how your research interests parallels with the faculty member's research interests, but it will also expose you to terminology and concepts that you will encounter when discussing research ideas. If it helps, create a Word document that lists all pertinent information about your potential advisors and their research. This will help you to organize your information for the application process.

 

Include the following information :

 

1. Name of Desired School: Name of Desired Program

2. Name of Potential Advisor, Name of Program in which they received their degree, Name of university where they received their degree, Year they received their degree

3. Research Interests: Write a brief paragraph about their research.

 

For example:

 

The University of Arizona : Family Studies and Human Development

 

Dr. Wilbur, Human Development, ASU, 1978

•  Research Interests: The application of developmental science across the life span; developmental systems theory; personality and social development in adolescence; developmental methodology; programs and policies for children, youth, and families; university-community collaboration and outreach scholarship.

 

Dr. Wilma, Human Development, UCSD, 2001

•  Research Interests: Academic achievement interventions for at-risk youth.

 

 

Required Materials

Make a list of the materials that each program requires for admission. In general, graduate programs request an application form, a personal statement, letters of recommendation, official transcripts from your current and previous institutions, and GRE scores. Some programs also request your curriculum vitae and a writing sample.

 

Deadlines

As soon as possible, compile a list of application deadlines. This is so you will be aware of early deadlines and avoid missing the opportunity to apply. The sooner you submit your application, the less stressed you will feel!

 

Once again, use the template as a way of organizing the information regarding your graduate programs. Customize the template to suit your taste!