It is very easy to get swept up in prestige fever — that is, making a list of grad schools simply based on how fancy and recognizable the name might be. But "prestige" (which is actually a lot slipperier than you might think!) does not guarantee that that program is the best one for you.  Maybe it is, but that's worth exploring rather than assuming.

• • Is there a scholar you really want to work with? An academic whose work was really important to you, or whose work you always seem to cite in your research/writing? Where are they-- are they affiliated with a university?

  • Are there facilities you would like or need to be near to pursue your grad work? 

  • Is there something you really want to do or something you really don't want to do-- like teach? (Some programs, both Master's and PhDs, offer the opportunity or in some cases require graduate students to take on a teaching load.)

  • Where might you like to live for the duration of your program? (This matters: depending on the type of program you pursue, you could be in that place for multiple years. If, for instance, you really want to be near your family or you never want to see snow again as long as you live, those are factors to take into consideration!)

Your professors have a very important intersection of knowledge: they know their field, and they know your academic work.* You can start a conversation with them (through office hours, email, or other meetings) with something as simple as, "I'm planning to apply to graduate school. Do you have any thoughts or advice on specific programs I should consider?"

* Feel like your professors don't actually know you or your work that well? You can change that! Office hours are a great way to make that connection (and attending them does not mean you are failing or in trouble!). You can talk to them about your interests, what you found compelling about their class(es), and remind them of the work you did or are doing.

Experts galore! Career Education's Industry Advisors can also help you explore what programs what might be right for you, based on your goals and priorities.  

Is your area of interest interdisciplinary? No problem: advisors assemble! You're more than welcome to meet with more than one Industry Advisor:

• Arts, Media, & Technology

• Business, Consulting, Finance & Marketing

• Communication, Education, Government, & International Affairs

• Health Professions

• Pre-Law

• Science, Behavioral Health, & Public Health

The application materials for graduate programs vary by discipline and by program, so be sure to check the specific program requirements.  Often, though, applications require some or all of the following:

• Essays or written elements, like personal statements or statements of interest

• Research proposal

• A resume or CV (curriculum vitae)

• Transcript(s)

• Standardized tests (for example, GRE or the MCAT)*

• Letters of recommendation/references

When applying to grad school, it's important to plan ahead to make sure you have enough time to get your materials in order and avoid last minute panics.  You might consider:

• How many applications you're planning to submit (see below for more on this)

• Your own process: do you like to go through several drafts? Do you mind-map first? Do you need to let things percolate before you can really start writing? There's no wrong way to develop your ideas; you just want your timeline to reflect your process, rather than the other way around.

• If you need standardized tests to apply, when are those exams offered? How much time do you need to prepare?

• What else you have going on: are you working? Studying abroad? Taking classes? Odds are applying to grad school isn't the only thing you have going on, so don't forget to factor in other events and responsibilities too (including some well-deserved breaks!).

• What others might have going on, like your recommenders or advisors: will your faculty recommenders be on leave or traveling? (This is when advanced planning comes in really handy!)

• When are fellowship and scholarship applications due?  Remember: those applications are often due around the same time or even before your grad school apps (you often won't have any acceptance in hand when you apply for funding, and that's totally normal!).

Twelve.

(Just kidding.)

The truth is, there's no perfect number of programs to apply for: it all depends on finding the programs that are the best fit for you, managing both the workload of applying and all the other stuff you have going on, and potentially the cost of applications. Nobody can do that math but you, but a good rule of thumb is that if you spread yourself too thinly, nothing gets your best effort.  

Put another way: more lines in the water means you're more likely to catch a fish, but if you have too many lines in the water, you might end up tangled. (Isn't it weird when fishing metaphors are actually useful — who knew?🐟)

How your application components fit together so you can feel good about hitting apply!