catalogs logo
catalogs.com logo

Choosing the best grad school

By Catalogs Editorial Staff

Find the right grad school for your career

Find the right grad school for your career

Not too long ago, you were worried about choosing the best college,  Can it really be time to pick a grad school?

Choosing the best grad school isn’t the same as choosing your undergraduate college. So here are some tips to help you take the next step in your academic career.

Grad school is about specializing

When you applied to college, you may have had an idea of the major you wanted to pursue.  But if you’re like most college students, you changed your major at least once.  Switching majors typically isn’t a problem as an undergrad. 

Before you continue reading about the Choosing the best grad school there is a special announcement we would like to share with you. Catalogs.com has negotiated special medicare rates for our vibrant community of seniors. If you are over the age of 60, you can head over to our Seniors Health Section which is full of information about medicare. All you need is your zip code and a few minutes of your time to potentially save 100s of dollars on your medicare bills.

Get Free Catalogs When You Sign Up

Don't wait, sign up and get Free Shipping Offers, Discount Codes and lots of Savings Now!

But when you’re talking about grad school, it’s time to get serious about a specialty. Different graduate schools have different admission requirements.  They may require different prerequisite classes, different tests or even different kinds of real-world experiences.

To choose the best grad school, start by making a commitment to your field of study.

Listen to the buzz

When it comes to choosing a grad school, you need to get a clear picture of each school’s reputation.

Check out each school’s image in the eyes of major employers in your field.  Look at accreditation.  Listen to the conversation online. 

~Get in touch with the people who have been there, done that

One of the best ways to find the right grad school is to talk to people who are working in your field.  Find out about their experiences in grad school. 

Ask them what they liked and did not like.  Ask them what they think about other grad schools, too.  You may get some surprising insights from graduates of rival schools.

See with your own two eyes

Graduate school is far too important to make decisions sight unseen. Once you’ve narrowed down your search to two or three schools, make a trip to each.  Spend a couple of days walking around, talking to students and faculty.  Sit in on classes, if possible. 

And of course, get the tour. Official tours might seem corny, but they can provide a lot of information you’ll never get any other way.

Make sure your choices are realistic

If the very best grad schools for your major require an undergrad GPA of 3.9, and you have a 3.4, you need to consider the likelihood that you’ll make the cut. 

By all means, stretch and go for the gold.  But also apply to one or two schools with good programs and an admission standard closer to your actual GPA.

Follow the money

If it comes down to two schools with roughly equal credentials, consider the financial aspects. Does one offer better grants and fellowships?  Is one much less for tuition? 

If you can find a great grad school without going into debt with student loans, by all means make that choice.

When in doubt, ask for help

If you get stuck in the process of choosing a grad school, head for your undergraduate counselor’s office.  Let them know where you’re having a problem.  You just might find that answers are a lot simpler than you thought. 

 

Popular Savings Offers

 

cc

Top Deals

See All

Recent Posts

Get Free Catalogs When You Sign Up

Don't wait, sign up and get Free Shipping Offers, Discount Codes and lots of Savings Now!

Categories

Saving Tools

Follow Us

Logo

Since 1996, Catalogs.com has been considered the web's catalog shopping authority. Our trends experts have carefully reviewed thousands of catalogs and online stores and have featured only the most respected, distinctive, and trusted ones. From popular favorites to new discoveries, you'll shop and save with exclusive coupon codes!

Invitations for applications for insurance on Catalogs.com are made through QuoteLab, LLC and transparent.ly. Submission of your information constitutes permission for an agent to contact you with additional information about the cost and coverage details of health and auto insurance plans. Descriptions are for informational purposes only and subject to change. Insurance plans may not be available in all states. For a complete description, please call to determine eligibility and to request a copy of the applicable policy. Catalogs.com is not affiliated with or endorsed by the United States government or the federal Medicare program. By using this site, you acknowledge that you have read and agree to the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.