Finding the perfect graduate program in Science starts with
information gathering—the more, the better. Make sure you leave
yourself enough time to study catalogs, talk to students, alumni,
and professors, and visit schools if possible. After completing
these initial steps, you may have a handful of options that all
seem like a good fit. A few more clues will help you tell the
difference between a school with a great program and a school
with a great program for you.
Classes
If the program that interests you is nearby, take a
course—preferably with one of the professors you hope to study
with. This will not only give you a chance to experience the
professor and the academic environment, but will also help you
meet students in the program and get a look at how the school
itself operates. When you apply, you can point out that you have
already attended classes. This shows your interest in the
program, and allows you and your interviewer to dispense with
some of the more basic questions and discuss the program and the
school in greater depth.
Professors
If you're still in undergraduate school, or still have contacts
at your undergraduate school, ask your professors for their take
on the various graduate programs. You'll often find that they
have a great deal of inside information on academic and research
trends, impending retirements, intellectual rivalries, and rising
stars. If the professor knows you and your interests well enough,
he or she may even be able to suggest some programs that might be
a good fit for you.
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The Department
Is the department stable or changing? Find out whether the
faculty is nearing retirement age. Impending retirements may not
affect you in a two-year master's program, but this is a serious
consideration in doctoral programs, which can stretch on for over
five years. If you have hopes of working with a distinguished
professor, will he or she even be available for that time? Will
the department be large and stable enough to allow you to put
together a good thesis or dissertation committee?
A younger department offers more stability over the course of
your program and may be an exciting environment to work in, but
be sure to find out whether younger members of the department are
established.
Special Opportunities
In field or clinical work, what are the options? Especially in
biology, this early field and clinical work may be your first
step toward getting a job when you graduate. The contacts you
make during your practical work, especially if your program is in
the city or area in which you intend to work, can be a valuable
resource after graduation.
Budget
How well are research programs funded? Do the professors have
good records at rounding up grants? Check how many tutoring or
assistant positions your department normally supports. A small
number may indicate that the department is small and/or not very
well funded. It may be hard for you to get a teaching job later
in your doctorate if you need one.
