Most IMPORTANT Considerations for Graduate School | How To Pick the BEST Grad Program For You

Summary

In this video, Brisa Marie offers a comprehensive guide on how to choose the perfect graduate program. She emphasizes the importance of self-reflection, helping viewers identify their research interests, career goals, and preferred study methods. Brisa advises creating a list of priorities, researching programs based on personal keywords, and categorizing potential programs into a database for easy comparison. She also stresses the significance of finding faculty and students with similar research interests. Ultimately, the goal is to narrow down options to five top programs and apply strategically for the best fit.

Takeaways

• 😀 Start by brainstorming your academic and career interests to create a list of what matters most to you when choosing a grad program.
• 😀 Don't limit your search to familiar disciplines or departments—grad school allows you to study almost anything across various fields.
• 😀 Consider how you like to study (e.g., through reading, visual art, film, or data analysis) and choose a program that aligns with your preferred research methods.
• 😀 Use specific keywords to search for graduate programs that match your interests, and be open to programs outside your initial focus (e.g., American Studies).
• 😀 Create a pros and cons spreadsheet to compare programs based on key factors such as department, location, faculty, funding, and career prospects.
• 😀 Pay attention to faculty and graduate student research to ensure the program aligns with your specific research interests and goals.
• 😀 Look for funding opportunities like scholarships, assistantships, and fellowships to assess whether you can afford the program.
• 😀 Track important program details (e.g., language requirements, special initiatives, application deadlines) to ensure you're prepared for the application process.
• 😀 Narrow down your options to the top 5 graduate programs by considering factors like location, research fit, cost, and faculty availability.
• 😀 Once you’ve identified your top programs, apply by tailoring your personal statements and ensuring all materials are ready before the deadlines.
• 😀 Graduate school is a big commitment, so take the time to find a program that fits your research goals, personal preferences, and career aspirations.

Q & A

What is the first step in selecting the right graduate program?

The first step is to create a list where you brainstorm your interests, career goals, preferred locations, and other personal preferences. This helps you identify your priorities for a graduate program.

Why is it important to avoid overthinking when making the list?

It’s important to avoid overthinking because the goal is to allow your initial thoughts and passions to flow freely. This helps you get a clear picture of what truly matters to you, which can guide your program search.

How should you categorize the things you’ve written in your list?

Once you have your list, you should categorize related items by clustering them into themes, such as cultural studies, regional interests, career goals, etc. This helps you focus on your top priorities.

What role does self-awareness play in selecting a graduate program?

Self-awareness is crucial because it helps you choose a program that fits your preferred research methods and study style. Understanding how you like to learn—whether through reading, visual analysis, or hands-on research—will guide you in selecting a program that aligns with your approach.

How do you find programs that align with your interests?

To find programs that align with your interests, you can perform Google searches using keywords related to your passions. For example, if you’re interested in race and art, search for graduate programs that focus on these topics. This will help you identify relevant fields and specific programs.

What should you consider when evaluating a graduate program’s faculty?

When evaluating a program’s faculty, look for professors whose research aligns with your own interests. Check their bios for relevant keywords or topics to determine if they can provide the mentorship needed for your research.

Why is it important to look at the graduate students in the program?

Examining the graduate students is important because it helps you gauge the research culture of the program. If there are students working on similar topics to yours, it indicates that the program has the necessary resources and focus for your research goals.

How can you keep track of the graduate programs you are considering?

You can keep track of the programs by creating a spreadsheet where you list key details such as the program name, department, location, faculty, pros and cons, and other relevant information. This makes it easier to compare options later on.

What should be included in the spreadsheet to help with decision-making?

Your spreadsheet should include details like the program name, university, department, location, funding options, faculty research areas, student outcomes, and a pros and cons section. These elements will help you assess which program is the best fit.

How do you narrow down your options after researching multiple programs?

After researching multiple programs, you can narrow your options by reviewing your spreadsheet and ranking the programs based on factors like research fit, location, cost, and faculty interests. This will help you identify your top five choices.

What is the final step after narrowing down your top five programs?

The final step is to apply to the programs that made it to your top five list. Make sure to gather all necessary materials and follow each program's application process. Also, check out resources or videos that can help you make your application more competitive.