Decision Time!

 

Making the Decision: Factors to Consider

Deciding where to go for graduate study is one of the most important decisions that you will make in your life. You will be committing at least five years of your life to this graduate program, which includes the department, the university, the faculty, your faculty mentor, and the fellow graduate students. It is important that you make the right choice, and that you are completely satisfied with your decision. One way to know what school is right for you is to arrange graduate school visits to each university.

 

Graduate School Visits

Visiting your potential graduate school is an excellent way to get a feel for the program and the surrounding area. A visit will allow you to decide whether or not you will be happy in the department, as well as the geographical location. You have the chance to meet the faculty members and graduate students and speak with them on a one-on-one basis. More importantly, you have time to personally interact with your potential faculty mentor and decide if you can establish a professional relationship with this individual. Typically, the university will cover the expenses for you to visit their campus, especially if they are determined to recruit you for their program.

 

When making a decision, here is a list of factors to consider, in no particular order:

•  Relationship with faculty mentor, including his or her availability

•  Program requirements

•  Type of methodologies used

•  Available funding

•  Average number of yearly publications from graduate students

•  Social life of graduate students

•  Other potential faculty in the department

•  Transportation needs

•  Living expenses and availability

•  Geographical location

•  Distance from family and old friends

 

Graduate Program Notifications

Graduate programs usually set a deadline to notify them of your acceptance or rejection. Most programs require that an official acceptance/rejection letter be submitted.