Having a hard time picking a set of graduate schools to apply for... (PhDs, degree)
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What did those of you who applied to grad. programs use to factor your decision?
Finances, I'm hoping won't be an option.
Quality of the school is important, but so is the research areas of the faculty/department...
Location, location, location...
I'm going nuts! I'm between several clusters of schools... From Big Ten "Public Ivies" to little regional universities, even considering some in Canada.
I just need any kind of tips as I venture into the world of academia.
Geography and urban planning. I'm applying to both programs with a strong urban geography link and M.U.P. programs which I could possibly apply to a Ph.D at a later date.
Your criteria should be something like this:
1 - cheapest (or will give you the most money)
balanced against:
2 - the graduates actually get jobs in the field
3 - there are professors who are respected in the field
4 - there are professors who are interested in helping you succeed (mentors)
If you plan to get a phd, then try to get the MA at the same place - you can save considerable money that way and there are other advantages as well. And before you do any of that, thoroughly research the job market and make sure urban planning phds are absolutely in demand.
Here is the basic criteria I used. Helped me narrow it down to 9-10 programs.
1. Only applied to fully funded programs
2. Schools I had a realistic shot of getting into (looked at avg. GPAs, and test scores)
3. Research interests with faculty
4. Prestige of the program
5. Would I want to live their for the next 5-6 years.
Quote:
Originally Posted by dude1984
You really might want to research this a little more...
In every field, there are subspecialities. Schools tend to specialize in one or another, usually based on their faculty's areas of expertise. And then there's culture. Every school is different. Some are steeped in traditional methods. Others are very cutting edge. Some are more lateral, others are very hierarchical. All of the funding in the world will not make up for a program that focuses on subjects you aren't interested in, or teaches in an environment that does not support your learning style or personality. You need to include these factors in your decision-making. Once you do it will probably be very easy to narrow down your options to a select few.
Geography and urban planning. I'm applying to both programs with a strong urban geography link and M.U.P. programs which I could possibly apply to a Ph.D at a later date.
Go to the best program you can get into for the least amount of money.
There are rankings out there especially for science grad programs.
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