You've decided to go to graduate school, but are having trouble deciding where to apply. There are several questions you might consider when applying to graduate school. In order to make the most informed decision about what program will fit your goals and personality best it is important to research the schools you are thinking about attending. You may contact the school and talk with faculty and staff, request the names of current and former students to ask them questions, and/or use the internet to learn more about the school and the region of the country where it is located. You may also use your local library and the internet as a tool to research journals and articles in order to gain more knowledge about your professional area of study. One great website is the Peterson's Guide to Graduate Schools (see Other Resources for further information). Another excellent source is the professors in your department of study. Get to know your professors early, let them get to know you and ask for their help in gathering resources. If you choose to pursue a career path that is different than your undergraduate degree, you may want to go talk to professors in that department on campus. Professionals working in the field are also an excellent resource. You can also contact Career Services for additional insight and resources.

     To get the right information when doing the research, you need to ask the right questions. This process may be long and involved, so it is advisable for you to begin your research 12 - 18 months ahead of time or at the beginning of your junior year (see graduate application timeline). It may also be helpful to visit some campuses once you get further along in the selection process.