Where Should I Study?
Researching graduate schools
- Talk to folks with the degree you are interested in to give you insight into which programs and schools might be good for you to explore.
- Find alumni and professionals to connect with using LinkedIn search strategies.
- Look at similar programs at UW-Madison so you have a general comparison with programs elsewhere.
- Check out professional associations and organizations relevant to your interests as they often provide professional and academic information and inspiration. Some even advertise or rank graduate programs related to the field.
- Explore specific schools/programs websites for information.
- Connect with the program contact to ask clarifying questions about the program and admissions/application. Again, different grad programs operate differently, so going directly to the program with questions is a good strategy.
- Ask the program contact to connect you with a current student who can share more of their experience in the program.
- Use a Graduate School Tracker to note important information about programs of interest.
- For more general searching of graduate school options, check out:
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Petersons.com | |
GradSchools.com | |
GraduateGuide.com |
Questions to consider (depending on your needs/wants/goals)
| A: Program | B: Logistics | C: “Fit” |
| 1. Who are the faculty? What research is being done? Who teaches the courses? | 1. Is it possible to take classes part-time or defer admission or “stop-out” for a period? | 1. Where is it located? Do I imagine myself living there? Does it mesh with post-grad plans? |
| 2. What is the reputation/ranking of the program/ school? | 2. What support services are available? | 2. What do graduates go on to do (and what is the placement rate)? |
| 3. What is the size of the program? Who advises/mentors students? | 3. What funding is available? (e.g., assistantships/ scholarships) | 3. How diverse and inclusive is the student population/faculty/ community? |
| 4. How long does it typically take to complete the program? | 4. What are the costs? | 4. How competitive are the students? |
| 5. What are course and program curriculum/requirements (e.g., thesis, practicum)? | 5. How extensive are the library holdings and other research facilities? | 5. Are there opportunities to get involved on campus/in the community? |
| 6. Are Master’s and Ph.D. programs separate or not? | 6. What are the admissions requirements and application process/timeline? | 6. When are courses offered? What can be done at virtually? |
- If applicable, how does the program connect with and support licensing?
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Ultimately the most important question is: Can I see myself as a student here?
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Thinking About Grad School Admissions Requirements While Still in Undergrad
Experience: If you are planning to go to grad school right away, are you getting enough experience outside of the classroom? Internships, part-time/summer jobs, volunteer opportunities, etc. can bolster your application and help you long-term so that you aren’t coming out of graduate school over-educated and under experienced.
Even if you plan to wait to go to graduate school, there are things you might want to consider while still working on your undergraduate degree:
- GPA and coursework: Many graduate programs have GPA requirements and want to see challenging coursework within your major. Some have required or recommended prerequisite coursework that you could make space to complete in undergrad.
- Check out this GPA calculator.
- Save your course syllabi (including a list of course modules/assignments) to your own records, especially for prerequisite-type courses. A program may wish to confirm what your coursework covered.
- *TIP: If you are going to be seeking licensure coming out of a graduate program, also make sure to save syllabi from your graduate coursework as you may need to provide it in the licensing process.
- Standardized Exams: If you have to take a standardized exam for entrance, are there prep resources on campus you have access to now that you won’t have access to in the future.
- Academic Reference/Recommendation(s): Many graduate programs will want at least one academic reference who can speak to your academic ability. Foster and maintain relationships so potential recommenders will remember you.