How did *you* choose your grad school?

Question

I'm a recent undergraduate, and I knew for a long time grad school was right for me, but I had trouble deciding what exactly to major in. I've figured that out finally, but now it's the problem of picking one of the dozen schools that has my program! What really complicates the problem is I'm Canadian, yet looking to head south (to the US). So while I'm quite familiar with Canadian schools, I can't say the same about US schools.

I don't need to know how *I* should choose a grad school; that's my decision, and I've heard enough competing advice. I'd just like to hear how YOU chose your grad school, and for you to share your experience. Those that went from Canada to the US - I'd particularly like to hear about you!

Thanks!

Answer 1

I wanted a program in historic preservation that wasn't through the architecture or design school. When I started talking to the (few) schools that offered historic preservation through the history department, I found one that felt really supportive from the first phone call. I was right - it was a really supportive environment and a good program academically- and I'm glad I went there. I was able to find a job in my field within a few months of finishing my coursework, before I'd even officially graduated.

Answer 2

Well the first consideration were the Professors in the program I intended on entering.What are their particular backgrounds?Did they receive PhDs from first rate schools?What were their GPA?Next I would take a look at the hopusing facilities.What types of neighborhoods are they located in.A good clue is the economy of the city the school is located in.If the economy is good then the chances are the neighborhoods will be more suitable.Another consideration is the times cllasses you will need are offered.Let's say the more variety the better.If you were to latch onto a part-time job you want to be sure your school curriculm will go uninterrupted.Another thing does the school offer four terms per year or only three.I doubt that there many three semester schools today,but check anyway.Oh yes,make sure all of the basic facilities are within easy reach.I mean a laundromat,a grocery store,and things like that.Also you might wish to quiz some of the graduate students that are alresdy attending if they are having any particular problems.Make sure they have excellent research facilities and up-to-date. I am the world's worst keyboarder.I see three mistakes I made up above.One is I meant housing facilities,not hopusing.Second I meant classes, not cllasses.Thurd I meant already, not alresdy.One more thing comes to mind.How large is the population?If you prefer smaller classes for more individual instruction pick a smaller school.Such statistics can be limited to the Graduate School only.

Answer 3

I actually went through the process three times.

The first time was in the mid 1970s. I graduated from college in 1974. I didn't really know what I was doing -- so applied to one school that I knew I would get into (University of Delaware). One that had been suggested to me by a professor (Duke) and the University of Minnesota -- because I had lived there as a kid & had family there. I got into all three. Minnesota was the highest ranked of the three (Duke didn't have the same reputation back then & Minnesota still has a better math department). It didn't work out. Minnesota's ranking was because they were great in all the areas of Math that I didn't like. They weren't so good in other areas.

In 1994, the company I worked for imploded. I decided to take two years off and get an MBA. I did a lot of research on which schools were best for me. I ended up applying to five top universities. Three were ranked in the top ten, one was the best non-US MBA program and the other was in the top 15. I didn't get into my first choice (Wharton) but got into several others -- including my second choice. Ironically, it was Duke.

Once at Duke, I realized that I wanted to get into a PhD program in finance. I applied to nine programs that are all considered to be in the top 15 programs. Most of these programs accept somewhere between four and ten applicants a year -- from a pool of 250-350 applicants. I was fortunate enough to get accepted at two of the nine schools (Berkeley and Duke). I went to Berkeley for two reasons. One is that it was ranked a little higher. Two is because I had already taken the PhD classes at Duke -- and wanted to see another point of view.

Most of the better graduate schools in the US do not accept master's students -- except for terminal masters programs. If you are applying to PhD programs -- don't worry about funding. PhD students at the top schools get fellowships, research assistantships or teaching assistantships -- which include free tuition and a stipend.

Answer 4

My reasons for choosing my graduate school were kind of shallow compared to things other folks are talknig about.

I applied to public health programs. The degree itself doesn't mean that much to me and it's not one of my life-long ambitions. I don't want to be in my job forever. I only studied it to buy me some time before med school.

I got into two schools (I applied to 3): George Washington U, and USC (Trojans, not Gamecocks).

GWU wanted $33k per year, and it's located in Foggy Bottom (in DC) where rents were easily $1500 per month. Moreover, it's on the east coast, on the opposite end of the country from where my family is.

USC was expensive, but $25k per year is still cheaper htan GWU. The medical campus is on the east side of LA. Rents were much cheaper. It wasn't hard to find an apartment for under $1000 per month. And Los Angeles is just a 90 minute drive away from my family. After being away at Berkeley for 5 years, my parents were really bugging me to come home. LA was a closer compromise.

So why'd I choose my program? Between two comparably qualified schools, I picked the school with a lower tuition and the shorter move.

In terms of reputation, I'd bet more people are familiar with the University of Southern California than George Washington University, anyway.

Answer 5

Other than the major subject area of specialty, funding was a key consideration. Non-resident fees are higher than resident fees, but the fees / costs vary from state to state.

Most US grad students seek funding support. As a non-US citizen, some of these sources of funds are not available...but you need to check with the various schools.

The deciding factor for me was the program match to my individual goals. I managed to get into a program that was exactly in line with my previous studies and specialized interest (applied remote sensing) which, at the time, was so new and limited that few schools were really doing much in that field (though many were trying to start programs but were so rudimentary without much substance).

And, as luck seemed to be on my side, funding was available for full support (tuition waiver and a stipend for 3 years)! So it was much of a "no brainer" for me.

Hope this helps. Best wishes.

Answer 6

I plan on starting grad school spring 09 and since i need to go to grad school in order to keep my teaching certificate in NYS I am not being too particluar about it. Most high schools can help pay for you classes if you take the locally and if they help you to gain a master's in something teacher appropriate. aka special ed, literacy, your content area.

I was more concerned about picking the right undergraduate school as I had to live here for 4 years, and grad work is just extra to cement my position as a teacher and get an increase in pay.

Answer 7

all depends what your major is. I chose one US school and one Canadian school to apply for.. and actually chose McGill becuase it offered a bit more than Berkely did in terms of Urban and Regional Planning. This is really up to you. Research what each school offers and ask questions.

It is notable to say that even though I'm from Alberta and outside of Quebec, I still pay much less at McGill than I would in any American institution.

Answer 8

It would depend on what area in business you plan on specializing in. Do a search on "The top US Business Schools" and start there.