Applying to graduate school is a big step – you’ll want to find a program that aligns with your academic and career goals and what is important to you about advanced study. This requires extensive research into different programs to determine the best fit for you. This part of the process can take some time, so it is best to give yourself plenty of time to research.

Here are some resources and tips that can help with the research process:

• Sample Tracking Spreadsheet – As you research programs, you’ll want to organize and make note of your findings. This sample spreadsheet template offers a system for tracking important information about each program, which will be useful to you as you search.

• Graduate School Timeline – This resource will give you an idea of how to map out your steps for searching for and applying to graduate programs. While this timeline may not exactly fit every student’s search timeline, it offers an outline of the steps you’ll need to take in order to research and apply.

• Graduate School Comparison Criteria – Use this list to consider what factors are important to consider when researching and applying to graduate programs.

• Peterson’s – Peterson’s is an online resource that offers information on over 4,000 colleges, online schools, and graduate programs. You can use this site to search programs and browse brief program snapshots. You can also search for college scholarships, practice tests & exam prep, and more! This is a great resource to utilize at any point during your search and application process.

• LinkedIn – Utilize LinkedIn to research programs and network with individuals who have gone through programs you are interested in pursuing. You can search for schools and view their profile, as well as click on the “alumni” tab to learn more about what their alumni are doing after graduation. (For more on networking, check out our Networking Guide).

• Faculty – Your faculty at RWU are great resources! Ask your professors about their experience with and knowledge of graduate school programs. As professionals in academics and in your desired field, they are a great resource to learn more about finding a graduate program that is right for you.

• Admissions Offices & Events– Take advantage of the events and learning opportunities that admissions offices have to offer. Take a tour of campus, attend open houses, email admissions representatives, and talk to prospective students to learn more about a school and their programs. Check out the school’s graduate admissions website to see how you can get engaged.

• Professional Associations – Professional associations are a great resource for learning more about pursuing a career path in a particular field. Oftentimes associations will have information about graduate programs relevant to that field. Use O*Net Online to search for your occupation, learn more about the field, and identify relevant professional associations. You can also use O*Net’s comprehensive list of professional associations.