Selecting a Program

DECIDING WHERE TO APPLY

When you make the decision to pursue an advanced degree, how do you choose a program that best fits your needs?  With so many schools to consider, how do you narrow down the list of those to which you will ultimately apply?

Getting your list of schools together requires some research.  Start in your junior year, or, if you have been out of school for a while, give yourself about a year of time before you actually would like to start your program.  The following is a list of resources that are available to you in searching for the best graduate programs to fit your needs:

Faculty members
Your professors are usually a wealth of knowledge in this area.  Most likely, they pursued a graduate degree themselves, and will have some definite opinions about programs in your field of interest.  They will also have a good instinct for which programs have the best reputations, are on the rise, or are in a decline.  Don’t be afraid to ask their opinions of programs in which you are interested.  If you are interested in a specific school, you can use the Saint Michael’s College catalog online to find faculty members who may have attended your school of choice. This is an invaluable resource to get firsthand information about a particular school or program. http://catalog.smcvt.edu/content.php?catoid=10&navoid=146

Career Library Resources
The Office of Career Development Career Library has a section of hardcopy resources to assist in finding graduate programs. Meet with a career counselor to establish your needs and for referral to our office or online resources.  Utilizing the following Web sites will also assist you in developing a list of programs:
 Search for schools:
  Peterson’s Guides  http://www.petersons.com
  Graduate Schools  http://www.gradschools.com
  Graduate School Profiles http://www.gradprofiles.com

 General Graduate School Information:
  Grad Source   http://www.gradsource.com
  Graduate School Guide  http://www.graduateguide.com

 Rankings of programs:
  US News and World Report http://www.usnews.com

People working in your field of interest
People who are currently employed in your field of study are excellent resources for finding out about career opportunities, salaries and “hot jobs” for the future.  Start exploring with people you know, or make an appointment with a career counselor to obtain a list of Saint Michael’s alumni/ae who are pursuing graduate work or careers in that area.

Professional Associations
These groups of working professionals act as resources for all types of information related to particular careers and industries.  A list of these associations can be found in the National Trade and Professional Associations book, a copy of which is in the Career Library.

Graduate Schools
Directly contact the graduate schools in which you are interested.  The schools are usually more than happy to send you a catalog and application materials or refer you to their Web sites.  Graduate school fairs are also an excellent source of information about a variety of programs – there is one in September on campus each year.  Be aware that when you contact the schools, either by phone or in person, they are creating a file for you as a potential student.  The person you initially contact about a program may be in a decision-making position about the graduate students accepted – keep all your contact professional.

HOW DO I CHOOSE WHICH SCHOOLS ARE RIGHT FOR ME?
Once you have made a decision about pursuing graduate studies, how do you narrow your choices to programs that are the best for you?  And how many schools should you apply to?  The following is a comprehensive list of variables to consider as you plan your graduate career:

  1. Application process
    a) Required entrance exams - DAT, GMAT, GRE, LSAT, MCAT, etc. 
    b) Cost of application
    c) Essays required
    d) Interview process
    e) Undergraduate record
    f) Experience in the field of study

  2. Type and quality of institution and program
    a) Department size - full and part-time faculty
    b) Student/faculty ratio
    c) Instructional style (classroom, self study, labs)
    d) Class size
    e) Entrance requirements
    f) Degree completion requirements
    g) How many years to complete program  (Program catalog may say "average of 2 years to completion”.  You will want to check with students actually in the program to find out how long it REALLY takes.)
    h) Foreign language requirement
    i) Dissertation/thesis required
    j) Number of credits/classes to be completed
    k) Qualifying exams to pass before continuing in program
    l) Required GPA for passing (usually a 3.0)
    m) Master’s degree required "on the way" to Ph.D. or as a prerequisite for entering a doctoral program

  3. Location and resources available
    a)Suburban vs. urban vs. rural campus
    b)Library size, # volumes, services available
    c)IT facilities, networks, support systems
    d)Student services - health, counseling

  4. Degrees offered
    a) Full-time and/or part-time programs
    b) Master’s, Ph.D., J.D., M.D., Others
    c) Specialization in chosen field

  5. Accreditation
    a) Regional or National

  6. Placement services and statistics
    a) Career services available
    b) Campus recruitment - # of employers, percentage hired, interviews
    c) Company literature available
    d) Career library resources
    e) Percentage of graduates employed - where, positions, salary

  7. Personal criteria
    a) Student population characteristics - age, gender mix, diversity of population, # of graduate students
    b) Campus life - social and cultural opportunities
    c) Extracurricular activities and facilities

  8. Financial aid
    a) Financial aid services available at the school
    b) Fellowships, teaching and research assistantships
    c) Residence Life positions including on-campus housing, meals, etc.
    d) Long-term educational loans (institution or government)
    e) Work study, or other paid work programs
    f) Connections with federal/national programs of assistance or awards (NIH, NSF, etc.)
    Savings

  9. Total costs
    a) Tuition
    b) Room, board, other living expenses, additional fees, books, other materials

Remember that these are only suggestions to help you choose the best program for you.  The career staff at the Office of Career Development is available to help you sort through the information and assist with questions, so make an appointment to meet with us.  Graduate school can be the most exciting time of your career - and careful planning will smooth the transition.