Questions to Ask Graduate Schools
- Do you have a _________ program? (Specify exactly what type of program you are interested in.)
ADMISSION
- How do I apply?
- Do I apply to the Graduate School and / or the individual department?
- What information is needed in the application packet?
- application, fee, test scores, transcript, recommendation letters, personal essay, interview
- How many students applied for the program last year, and how many were accepted?
- What per cent of students complete studies?
- What is the range of GRE/LSAT/GMAT/MCAT/MAT scores considered for acceptance?
- What is the range of GPA's considered for acceptance?
- Would working in the field prior to entering graduate school enhance my chances of getting in?
- What is the application deadline?
- What is the notification process?
COST
- What are the tuition and fees?
- How much is non-resident tuition?
- How do I apply for Graduate Assistantships, Research Assistantships, Teaching Assistantships,
- Fellowships, and Residence Life positions?
- How many are available?
- What are the requirements? GPA?
- How many hours a week would I work?
- What is the stipend?
- Is work-study available?
- Are loans available?
- What is the application deadline for financial aid?
PROGRAM
- Are there any current graduate students that I can talk to?
- Is the program well established or relatively new?
- Do you have a description of the individual department?
- What specializations are available?
- What type of facilities do you have? (resources, computers, labs, libraries)
- Is a thesis or a comprehensive exam required?
- Is there some sort of practical experience or internship included?
- How long is the program and how many credits are required?
- Is the curriculum structured or flexible?
- Does the program focus on theory and original research, or does it stress the practical application of knowledge and skills?
- Is there a student organization?
- Is there a commitment to innovative technology?
FACULTY
- Do you have a list of faculty that teach in the department, their credentials, and their areas of interest? What awards, grants and special recognitions have they earned?
- What is the faculty / student ratio?
- Are faculty involved in teaching undergraduate as well as graduate students?
- Do the top scholars teach or primarily do research?
- Are there collaborative research opportunities with faculty?
- How are advisors selected and assigned to graduate students? Do I need to be matched with a specific professor to be accepted into the program?
- What opportunities are there for students to interact with faculty outside the classroom?
TO DO
- Read journals, etc in your field. See where the scholars teach, attended school.
- Attend professional conferences: network with scholars.