6 Points to Consider When Choosing Which Grad School to Attend

Whether you’re applying for a Master’s or a PhD, entering April with multiple offers in hand is a terrific position to be in. Now you need to evaluate which program is the very best one for your needs. Here are some important things to think about as you make your choice:

1. Location

Can you see yourself living in the city/region where the university is located—either for 1-2 years for a master’s, or up to 6 (or more) for a PhD? Do you have family or friends in the area where the school is located? Do you have a spouse who will need to find work in the area? Consider the practical and emotional aspects of choosing a place to live.

2. Reputation

Is one of the departments a better match in terms of its reputation in your field of interest? (Note: this doesn’t necessarily correspond with rankings!)

3. Fit

Go back to the notes you made when you were selecting schools to apply to. (If you didn’t make careful notes then, now’s the time.) Which program has the best opportunities for you, in terms of curriculum, research opportunities, etc? Which program most closely matches your interests?

4. Research

This applies mainly to PhD students. Who will be your research supervisor? Have you had the chance to meet or correspond with potential supervisors at the programs you’re choosing from (or their current students)? Your undergraduate adviser is also a helpful resource, if s/he knows the field well. You want to do your best to choose a program where you will have great mentoring and research supervision.

5. Funding

This is of more significance for PhD students, since PhD programs are often fully funded, while fewer MA/MS programs offer funding. Which program offered you the best/most attractive funding package? How do the packages compare in terms of their composition (fellowships vs assistantships)? How many years is funding guaranteed for, and is summer funding available?

6. Cost of living

Related to both funding and location is the cost of living. In some parts of the country, a graduate stipend might be plenty to live on, while in very expensive markets, you may need to consider loans (or additional employment) to cover living expenses.

Are you lucky enough to need consultation on this matter? Contact Accepted to be connected with a skilled admissions coach.

By Dr. Rebecca Blustein, former Accepted admissions consultant. Dr. Blustein has a BA and PhD from UCLA in English and Comparative Literature. She formerly worked as a Student Affairs Officer at UCLA’s Scholarship Resource Center where she gained experience guiding applicants in areas of admissions and funding. Dr. Blustein’s clients have been accepted to top Master’s and PhD programs in dozens of fields across all disciplines. Want an admissions expert help you get accepted? Click here to get in touch!

Related Resources:

• Non-Academic Careers for PhDs: A Talk with Dr. Paula Chambers
• Plotting Your Way to a PhD
• 4 To-Do’s for Accepted Grad School Applicants, a short video