Questions to Ask Graduate Schools

Do you have a _________ program? (Specify exactly what type of program you are interested in.)

ADMISSION

How do I apply?
Do I apply to the Graduate School and / or the individual department?
What information is needed in the application packet?
application, fee, test scores, transcript, recommendation letters, personal essay, interview
How many students applied for the program last year, and how many were accepted?
What per cent of students complete studies?
What is the range of GRE/LSAT/GMAT/MCAT/MAT scores considered for acceptance?
What is the range of GPA's considered for acceptance?
Would working in the field prior to entering graduate school enhance my chances of getting in?
What is the application deadline?
What is the notification process?

What are the tuition and fees?
How much is non-resident tuition?
How do I apply for Graduate Assistantships, Research Assistantships, Teaching Assistantships,
Fellowships, and Residence Life positions?
How many are available?
What are the requirements? GPA?
How many hours a week would I work?
What is the stipend?
Is work-study available?
Are loans available?
What is the application deadline for financial aid?

Are there any current graduate students that I can talk to?
Is the program well established or relatively new?
Do you have a description of the individual department?
What specializations are available?
What type of facilities do you have? (resources, computers, labs, libraries)
Is a thesis or a comprehensive exam required?
Is there some sort of practical experience or internship included?
How long is the program and how many credits are required?
Is the curriculum structured or flexible?
Does the program focus on theory and original research, or does it stress the practical application of knowledge and skills?
Is there a student organization?
Is there a commitment to innovative technology?

Do you have a list of faculty that teach in the department, their credentials, and their areas of interest? What awards, grants and special recognitions have they earned?
What is the faculty / student ratio?
Are faculty involved in teaching undergraduate as well as graduate students?
Do the top scholars teach or primarily do research?
Are there collaborative research opportunities with faculty?
How are advisors selected and assigned to graduate students? Do I need to be matched with a specific professor to be accepted into the program?
What opportunities are there for students to interact with faculty outside the classroom?

Read journals, etc in your field. See where the scholars teach, attended school.
Attend professional conferences: network with scholars.