Do This Before You Apply to Any Graduate Program

Before you start working on applications, there is one step most students skip: researching the programs they are applying to. Not just the rankings or the name on the diploma, but the curriculum, the faculty, the alumni outcomes, and whether the program is genuinely the right fit for you. Here is where to start.

The Curriculum and Requirements

Start with the basics: what will you actually be studying? Look carefully at the required courses, electives, and any thesis or capstone requirements. Does the curriculum align with what you want to learn and where you want to go? Some programs are heavily research-focused; others are more applied and career-oriented. Neither is better, but one is probably a better fit for you.

Also check whether the program offers a thesis and a non-thesis track. If you are headed toward a PhD or an academic career, the thesis track is almost always the right choice. If you are looking to move into industry, the non-thesis route may serve you better.

The Faculty

This one is worth spending real time on. Look up the faculty in your area of interest and read about their current research and recent publications. Ask yourself whether their work genuinely excites you because in many graduate programs, especially research-based ones, your relationship with your advisor will shape your entire experience.

If you can, reach out to a faculty member whose work resonates with you before you apply. A brief, thoughtful email introducing yourself and expressing interest in their research can go a long way. It also signals to the admissions committee that you have done your homework and know why you are applying to this program specifically.

The Alumni

Where do graduates actually end up? This is one of the most telling pieces of information about any graduate program, and it is often overlooked. Look for placement data on the program's website.

Search for alumni on LinkedIn and look at the kinds of roles and organizations they have moved into after graduation. Do those outcomes align with your own goals? If you are hoping to go into academia, are graduates landing faculty positions? If you are headed into industry, are alumni working at organizations you admire? The alumni network also matters for networking and mentorship, so pay attention to how active and engaged it appears to be.

Current Students

Admissions staff will tell you what the program wants you to hear. Current students will tell you what it is actually like. Reach out to a student or two in the program and ask honest questions: What do they wish they had known before they enrolled? How accessible are the faculty? What does the funding situation really look like? What is the culture of the program?

Many programs offer formal opportunities to connect with current students during information sessions or open houses. Take advantage of those, and do not be shy about reaching out directly on LinkedIn as well.

Funding and Financial Aid

Before you fall in love with a program, understand what it will cost and what support is available. Look into whether the program offers teaching assistantships, research assistantships, fellowships, or stipends. For PhD programs especially, full funding is common and worth prioritizing. For master's programs, funding is less guaranteed but still worth pursuing.

Factor in cost of living for the program's location as well. A stipend that goes far in one city may not stretch nearly as far in another.

Practical Details

A few more things worth checking before you commit time to an application:

Format and flexibility. Is the program in person, online, or hybrid? Full time or part time? Make sure the structure works with your life.

Program size. Smaller cohorts often mean more access to faculty and a tighter community. Larger programs may offer more resources and a broader network. Neither is inherently better, but it matters.

Application requirements. Does the program require the GRE, a writing sample, a portfolio, or other materials? Build enough time into your timeline to prepare these properly.

Time to completion. How long do most students actually take to finish? This can differ significantly from the program's stated length, especially for doctoral programs.

The Gut Check

After all the research, step back and ask yourself one more question: does this program actually excite you? Not just on paper, but genuinely. Graduate school is a significant investment of time, money, and energy. The programs worth applying to are the ones where you can picture yourself doing the work and looking forward to it.

If you want help evaluating programs or building a graduate school list that actually fits your goals, I would love to help. Let's chat about your plans..