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Lenora
Student
Ashland, Virginia
1
Question
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How should I know what the best graduate school is for me? #Spring25
I've been searching for graduate schools as I will be a senior in college next year, and there are so many recommended criteria to follow for choosing a program. I value the financial aid offered by the schools, but I also want a program that supports me and the research I want to do. What types of things should I look for when searching for a graduate school other than the financial aid offered and the location of the school?
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1 answer
Karin P.
Lecturer, Academic Advisor, Career Coach
658
Answers
Göttingen, Lower Saxony, Germany
Updated
Karin’s Answer
Hi Lenora,
Will this be a research-based degree? If it is, you want to choose your topic and your supervisor wisely. The name and ranking of a school can open doors for you. And financing your degree is of course important. But specialization and topic of your research sets you up for your career. And to have a supportive supervisor is invaluable. A supervisor who is well-respected in the field is also important.
At this stage in your studies, you will have identified some areas in your field that interest you, that you would like to specialize in. Browse some journals for papers that pique your interest. Look for people who have research in those areas. Check out if they are active, if they have a research group and if their students get to publish and go to conferences. Sometimes faculty advertise on their website that they are open for new students to join. But you can also just send a polite inquiry and express your interest.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
Will this be a research-based degree? If it is, you want to choose your topic and your supervisor wisely. The name and ranking of a school can open doors for you. And financing your degree is of course important. But specialization and topic of your research sets you up for your career. And to have a supportive supervisor is invaluable. A supervisor who is well-respected in the field is also important.
At this stage in your studies, you will have identified some areas in your field that interest you, that you would like to specialize in. Browse some journals for papers that pique your interest. Look for people who have research in those areas. Check out if they are active, if they have a research group and if their students get to publish and go to conferences. Sometimes faculty advertise on their website that they are open for new students to join. But you can also just send a polite inquiry and express your interest.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
Thank you!