Psychology Graduate School California

Psychology Graduate School California

Psychology Graduate School California

So you've decided to go to graduate school. You want to pursue a Master's degree or Ph.D. in English, Psychology, Biology, Chemistry, Law, Business or even perhaps in Linguistics. But where do you begin the momentous journey? How do you know which school is the best fit? Where do you begin? Picking a graduate school is overwhelming. There are many factors to consider before, during, and after the process.

DO YOUR RESEARCH

The most important factor that seems to be overlooked until later in the game is who do you want to work with? Faculty is crucial. It doesn't matter what degree you intend to obtain, you need to research professors you want to work with. While overall the courses might be similar, different professors are doing individual, innovative work. You want to be sure you pick a school where there is a professor or faculty doing research you also want to contribute to. Of course, there is always the possibility that you can't work with a professor you admire or dislike their pedagogy. Therefore, make sure there are other aspects you like about the program and school.

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION

Deciding how far you are willing to travel is a decision you need to make early. If you don't want to leave the east coast, and you are steadfast in that decision, then do not look at schools on the other side of the country. And graduate school is not like undergraduate. For most schools you will have to find your own housing, sharing an apartment with three, four, or five other graduate students. Or you may need to find an apartment all on your own. Some programs do offer graduate housing, but it's limited. So deciding where to live is something you need to factor into the location question, as are any personal matters: relationships, jobs, family, friends, spouse, or children. But once you've decided how far (or close) you are willing to travel for your degree, scanning and examining the programs begins.