 Is a graduate degree required for your chosen career?
 How is graduate education different from undergraduate study?
 Will a graduate degree improve your marketability?
 What careers are available for people with degrees in your area of study?
 What is the job market like in your field of study?

Step 2: Gather information to help you make your decisions-- narrowing the field.

 Should you attend graduate school at this time?
 Who is a trusted faculty member you can consult with?
 What areas of specialization are available within your chosen subject?
 Are there well-known professors with whom you'd like to study?
 What schools offer graduate degrees in your subject?
 Which of these fit your overall needs?
 What alternatives do you have if you're not admitted to any of your chosen schools?
 Which schools should you visit?

Step 3: Figure out how to pay for it!

 How much does graduate study cost at each of your chosen schools?
 Will the school financially support your education?
 Are assistantships, scholarships, or fellowships available? How many students receive them?
 Do assistantships and fellowships include fee remission, insurance, and other benefits?
 What are the duties and expectations of graduate assistants at each school?
 Will your employer help with the bill?
 What is the cost of living in that geographic area?
 What housing options are available on and off campus?
 Are jobs available in the community?

Step 4: Complete and submit application materials.

 What are the deadlines?
 What admission test is required and how do you register for it?
 What supporting materials will you need (e.g., personal statement, recommendation letters, essay)?
 What questions can you expect during the interview?
 Have you kept copies of everything?

Step 5: Choose among the offers for graduate school.

 How do the financial aid packages compare?
 How do the reputations and locations of the programs compare?
 How well do you feel you will fit into each program?
 Which offer most closely fits your needs and interests?
 What will you do if you don't receive any offers?

Step 6: Begin your graduate student adventure.

 Relocate.
 Make friends in the program.
 Select a mentor.
 Establish a research agenda.
 Make friends with the support staff in the department.
 Study! Study! Study!
 Quickly become familiar with the library and its Web site.
 Network – take advantage of all lectures and special events, and meet with the speakers.
 Join relevant professional associations as a student member.
 Read newsletters and journal articles of professional associations.
 Attend professional conferences.