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Decide if Graduate School is Right for You

Deciding to apply to graduate or professional school is one of the most important career decisions you can make. There are many factors to consider, and it is critical that you research your options carefully and be organized and well-prepared through the application process.

Compared to undergraduate education, advanced education is a more focused experience, and you should be able to articulate how earning a graduate degree will further your academic or career goals.

  • Why do you wish to pursue this specific degree?
  • Is this degree a requirement within your chosen field?
  • In what ways will this degree further your academic growth and development?
  • How will this degree help you achieve your career aspirations or occupational goals?

Understand your objectives in order to choose the program that’s right for you. Be clear on how the program will help you achieve those goals.

To choose the right program for you, identify which schools offer programs in your course of study.

  • Talk with your faculty advisor if you are still in touch with them.
  • Ask UVA faculty, or professors at institutions where you live, for their thoughts on academic programs that focus on your areas of academic interest.
  • Research professional associations in your prospective academic area for information on graduate programs, identify experts you might contact for advice, and read professional articles that interest you.
  • Use LinkedIn’s alumni dashboard to research backward from your desired job to see what degrees or programs others have chosen.

The reasons for choosing one program over another differ greatly depending on your circumstances and priorities, whether you are returning to school after a hiatus or seeking an advanced degree soon after graduation. What are your criteria for selecting prospective programs?

  • Accreditation: Be sure that the Schools you consider are Regionally Accredited, the same accreditation that the University of Virginia holds. Regionally accredited Schools meet the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) eligibility standard for degree-granting institutions or programs. If you aren’t sure, talk with the School, check the Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs by the location of their main campus, or contact us at alumnicareers@virginia.edu.
  • Academics: How long has the degree been offered at the school? What reputation does the school have in your industry? What are the rankings?
  • Faculty: Are there academic or industry experts with whom you want to work? How accessible are they? What are their research interests?
  • Cost
  • Location
    • Do you need classes to be near home or work?
    • Are classes available at satellite locations, or only on the school’s main campus?
    • Are classes available online? What percentage can be taken online?
  • Other Factors
    • International experience
    • Spouse and family concerns

Now that you have developed a list of schools to consider, you can begin to prioritize the list according to your academic and financial criteria.

Admission requirements

Every School is different and so are their admissions criteria. There are, however, commonalities among their requirements. Review the school’s admissions data and evaluate how you compare.

  • Strong academic record (GPA)
  • Graduate admission test scores
  • Preparation for field of study (prerequisites)
  • Expressed motivation & clarity of goals (personal statement)
  • Academic, research, work or co-curricular experience
  • Strong recommendations

Program Timeline

  • Every school has different timelines. Make sure you know the deadlines for each submission, and how that might affect your application. Include deadlines for financial aid essays and any other date-specific parts of your application. Create a system that works for you to keep track of everything.

Cost/Financial Aid

Reputation & Accreditation

  • Be sure that the Schools you consider are Regionally Accredited, the same accreditation that the University of Virginia holds. Regionally accredited Schools meet the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) eligibility standard for degree-granting institutions or programs. If you aren’t sure, talk with the School, check the Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs or contact us at alumnicareers@virginia.edu. Research whether professional, licensing or credentialing bodies in your field have additional criteria.

Faculty

  • Research the faculty: what are their research interests? Reputations? If you visit campus, can you arrange to sit in on a course?

Location

  • Do you need classes near home or near work?
  • Are classes available at satellite locations, or only on the school’s main campus?
  • Are classes available online? What percentage can be taken online?

Other Factors to Consider:

  • Coursework and Electives
  • Access to facilities
  • Student Demographics: Consider factors such as age of students, diversity, academic background of students.
  • Career Services Support: The career services office. Which employers recruit on campus or have strong relationships? What is the strength of the alumni network?
  • Student-to-faculty Ratio

You have identified schools in your chosen field and prioritized according to your academic and financial criteria. Now you need to explore the programs in more depth to determine which will be the best fit for you.

Admissions officers will meet you at information sessions and exchange information via email and phone calls. It helps them develop a file on your candidacy. Be aware they are doing so, and use these exchanges productively. These interactions are good opportunities to learn more about a school’s culture and values, what the admissions officers are looking for in successful candidates, and how they prioritize their admissions criteria.

  • Attend fairs and info sessions
  • Visit your top choices
  • Review graduate directories
  • Talk to advisors, students, and alumni that attended your prospective schools
  • Discuss interests, goals and options with Alumni Career Engagement

See our separate page of Financial Aid Information & Resources.