If you are planning to apply to graduate school, please carefully review the below information prior to completing your applications.

Questions to Ask Yourself:

• What are both my short and long-term goals?
• Are my goals personally realistic?
• Is an advanced degree required to obtain my career goals?
• Do I really love the field enough to narrow my studies and obtain an advanced degree?
• Do I have the necessary academic ability and interest to be successful in graduate school?
• Am I choosing graduate school to delay the process of finding a job?
• Am I choosing graduate school because I feel there are no other options at this time?
• Am I willing to invest the time, effort and expense to complete an advanced degree?

You May Choose Graduate School If You Have A:

• Clear intent of what career you want to pursue and an advanced degree is required for entrance.
• Desire to immerse yourself in the study of a specific academic discipline.
• Desire to practice in a specialized career.
• Desire for a complete career change.
• Desire for career/salary advancement that requires a graduate degree.
• Desire to switch from practitioner to administrator.
• Need for professional licensing in your career.

Evaluate Graduate Schools:

• www.gradschools.com
• www.petersons.com
• www.schoolguides.com/resource.html
• University's Faculty/Staff recommendations
• Graduate department of interest
• Graduate school guide books

These resources briefly outline the academic programs, financial aid resources, cost of study, application requirements, exams required for entry and other information.

Evaluate Graduate Programs:

• Prestige of the institution/accreditation
• Faculty reputation and interests
• Size of departments
• Specialization(s)
• Special strengths and weaknesses
• Student/Faculty ratio
• Curriculum and services
• Placement opportunities
• Library and technology resources
• Geographic location
• Selectivity of admissions
• Housing and facilities
• Enrollment
• Amount of financial support