It is important to assess your interests, skills, and values and clarify specific career goals before you begin the process of choosing a program to apply for admission.

Identifying Potential Schools

• Use GradSchools.com and Peterson's.com.
• Grad School Options for Communication Sciences and Disorders
• Talk with faculty and alumni for recommendations of programs to consider.
• Read professional journals and posters in academic departments.

Researching Schools

• Download application materials directly from the graduate programs.
• Check ratings in various publications (U.S. News and World Reports) and also professional associations regarding the reputation for academic preparation.
• Visit campuses: talk to students, faculty, attend a couple of classes.

Comparing Graduate Schools/Programs

There are many important factors to consider when comparing programs and schools. These factors include:

• Personal interests, goals, needs
• Costs, financial aid offered
• Reputation of program and faculty
• Locations, size, facilities of school
• Requirements, departmental courses and offerings, and design of program (thesis vs. non-thesis, comprehensive exams, practical experience)
• Entrance requirements (GPA, tests, course prerequisites)
• Housing options
• Assistance from mentors and success of graduates in finding employment upon completion of the degree
• Application requirements and ratio of applications to acceptances (acceptance rate)
• The research and teaching interests and biographical backgrounds of the faculty members.

Making Your Decision

• Apply as early as possible.
• Narrow your list of schools to 4-6. Application fees can get expensive!
• Apply to reach schools, probable admits, and also have a least one safety school.
• Think about your match with the schools – what kind of graduate experience would you like to have? (i.e. location, size, similar to/different from Wooster, relationships with faculty, emphasis on theory vs. application)