There are so many schools offering graduate programs, how is it possible to choose just one? There are many things that should be considered and several ways that you can go about choosing a graduate school. Here are 10 steps that you can use to help get you through the process. It may not be necessary for you personally to take each and every step. You can, however, use the steps as a guideline to help you make a final decision.

1. Think about the type of program that you are interested in studying. Whether you are looking for a structured or flexible curriculum, a practical or theoretical emphasis on study, or how much of an emphasis you would like based on research can help you to narrow down your choices.

2. Based on your preferences, what geographical areas or locations are you willing to consider? This factor alone can narrow down your graduate school options enormously. The size and type of school choices go along with the actual location of the school. Small schools, large schools, big cities, or small towns?

3. Whether you are currently enrolled as an undergraduate or have already graduated, visit your undergraduates college or university career center or career placement office. They keep a library of guidebooks and information on different graduate schools that offer various programs. This is a great source of information for you to get a feel for the various graduate programs offered at various schools.

4. Once you have narrowed down or chosen your area of study, talk with your professors that teach and work in that area. They will be able to recommend graduate programs to you that they think will be beneficial to your growth and development.

5. Research the faculty in the field of study you have chosen at the schools that you are considering. As a graduate student you will be working very closely with the faculty, especially if you are conducting research.

6. Find out about the reputation of the school. Talk to students that currently attend it. Research the alumni that have graduated from the same program you are interested in attending. Where are they currently working? What accomplishments have they been able to make?

7. Find out the cost for the graduate program. Just like any major investment that you make, cost is always a factor. While it shouldnt be the only item that you consider, it is definitely one of the things that you must consider. Can you afford to pay for your graduate education at this school? How will you pay for your education? Check out the schools financial aid services.

8. Narrow down your options for possible schools to 6 to 12 options. Then request an information and admission packet from each of these schools. Review and read this information carefully.

9. Visit the campuses of each school. How do you feel interacting with the students and walking around the campus? Do you feel comfortable there? Do you feel like you could spend the next few years of your life there?

10. Apply to a range of schools from the ones that you have narrowed down. Once you get your acceptance and/or denial letters from each school, eliminate your acceptance offers using all of the factors that you have decided are the most important to you. Eliminate your options until you have made your final decision.