Networking Guide

Use this guide to help you prepare to meet representatives from graduate and professional schools.  As you network, gather as much relevant information about the programs as possible.

Prepare questions that will help you decide which programs are best suited to your interests, talents and budget. Some questions might include:

Size: How large are the classes?  How many students are enrolled in the program and the university?

Cost: What is the cost of tuition? What type of financial aid is available (loans, fellowships, grants)? Are teaching and research assistantships available?

Career Assistance: Do graduates get assistance with job search training and employment leads?  What occupations do your graduates typically enter?)

Extracurricular: What types of student organizations are active?

Location: What is the political, social, and cultural climate like? What is the weather like? Size of the city? What major businesses are in the area?

Program: Does the program focus on original research or does it stress a practical application of knowledge?   What type of research is undertaken by faculty and students? Does the program encourage or require internships and practica?

Faculty: What are the credentials of the department faculty? How diverse is the faculty? Do top faculty scholars teach or are they mainly involved in research?

Reputation: Is the program established or new? What makes this program unique?

Prepare responses to such questions as: "Why do you want to go to graduate school,?" and "What are your career plans?," and "When do you plan to start?"