How to Choose a Graduate School

Choosing to go to graduate school and to get an advanced degree in your chosen field of study can be a trying process. Not only is there the uncertainly inherent to anything you have never done before, going to graduate school entails becoming a part of the professional academic world in your chosen field. Often recent college graduates feel a sense of intimidation, uncertainty, and uneasiness when confronted with the process of choosing a graduate school. This intimidation can stem from a sense of one's entire future riding on an important decision, or even from a sense of inadequacy and doubts about one's abilities to successfully compete in a smaller and more advanced environment. As someone who endured the process of choosing a graduate school twice, I understand these fears and have some suggestions about how to choose a graduate school wisely and in such a way as to minimize the uneasiness associated with this trying process.

Suggestion #1: Ask Questions
The first suggestion I have is to ask as many questions about graduate school of anyone who knows more about it that you do. Your current or former professors have all gone through the process themselves and can be an invaluable source of information regarding the application process and the graduate school experience in general. In addition, you should not be afraid to contact people from the schools you are considering to ask questions about the department to which you are applying. You could try to contact professors there, the department office staff, or even current graduate students. The vast majority of people will be willing to answer your questions; and if they are not, then perhaps you would not be happy there anyways. You will never get answers to questions you do not ask, so don't be afraid to speak up if you need clarification on any concerns you have.