As you have started your research on graduate schools, you have hopefully come up with quite a large list of initial options. This is exactly what you want. In doing so, you have the foundation for gathering a lot of information about these options and eventually narrowing the list down to those you believe are best for you.

There are different types of institutions in the United States. Let me give you some examples, each of which recruit, admit and enroll both undergraduate and graduate students:

• Private institutions. This means that the college or university is not provided with funding from the state in which they are located. They are independent, and as such, have complete control over the allocation of the financial resources they receive.
• Public institutions. This means that there is funding being provided from the state and local government that enables this institution to operate.
• Research institutions. At research institutions primary emphasis is placed on the development of new knowledge and on the communication of that knowledge to the world.
• Teaching institutions. At teaching institutions primary emphasis is placed on the relationship between professor and student. Major research is most certainly conducted, but the focus is more on the learning experience for the student.

 

There are outstanding institutions in each of these categories. However, keep in mind that the private research institutions tend to be given more attention in the rankings. This is why it is so very important to go beyond the rankings when you are trying to find the institution/program that is the best match for you. There are so many excellent options out there if you do not limit yourself to a ranking or word of mouth about how well known this college or that university is. Just because an institution is overlooked in a ranking, or is not as well known, has nothing whatsoever to do with the quality of its academic offerings and the accomplishments of its graduates.

One final word – Visit the campuses of those institutions you are considering. In many instances this will not be physically possible. If that is your situation, here are some other ways to “visit” the campus:

• Oftentimes colleges and universities will conduct international travel, perhaps hosting an admissions reception or information session near where you live. By all means try and attend. This gives you a great sense of what the institution is like. Often information will be provided about the location of the institution and how the campus is laid out.
• Many institutions are now offering a “virtual campus tour” on their websites. This is an excellent way for you to familiarize yourself with the campus and the general surroundings of the institution. Marketing and admissions personnel spend quite a bit of time and money preparing these virtual tours. They are usually quite good.
• If you know of anyone who is currently attending or who recently graduated from the institution, ask him/her about the campus, location, and facilities. Do not hold back on your questions. This is your time, money, and investment. You want to know all you can before making decisions on where to apply and enroll.

 

Coming up next: The Mind of the American Admissions Director/ Committee/Faculty Evaluator

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