Creating Your List
Don’t know which programs to apply to? Here are pieces of advice to consider, along with an organizational template to help you keep track of your applications!
Finding a list of 10-15 schools to apply to isn’t the
easiest thing in the world...
I definitely did not pick schools as methodically as this list describes the process, as a bit of panic was involved... A timeline would have been nice as well. Possibly it would have been eased by a list like this:
Organization
If you are not organized during this process, you are bound to mess something up, and this is not the place to have dates switched around while you're focusing on both applications and assignments. Create a simple excel file, or download a template below!
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You can add checkboxes that refer to your specific letter writers, so you can easily see and remember who submitted a letter for you, and who still hasn't. Send a version to your professors that are writing your letters that just include the universities and deadlines, so they can stay organized as well!
Research
This rings especially true for PhD programs (and research-based Masters programs), but if you are being hired to do research, and don’t like the research, how motivated do you think you’re going to be to actually finish the marathon that is a graduate program? Probably not very motivated. I’m not saying that your interests won’t change at all (so the schools you pick should have a variety of research interests within the faculty), but your current research interests should be available.
Location
How far away from home do you want to be? Which places might have better opportunities for what you want to do? For example, if you want to use telescopes for the next 5 years, are you going to pick a program in New York City with all of its light pollution? Probably not. Do you want to be in a city in general? Do you want to study abroad?
Cost
PhD programs should generally be fully funded, whether through TA positions or research grants you would get through your research advisor. This should be enough for you to live comfortably (afford rent/food/utilities/etc). Note that stipend values vary between universities and between programs. Compare this to the cost of living in the general area. If the PhD program you’re applying to isn’t funded, consider looking elsewhere... Masters programs are usually not funded (some may be), so it would be an out-of-pocket cost. Some companies may be able to send you to get your masters, but that is very much on a company-to-company basis.
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There is also an application cost, so be aware of how quickly 10 applications add up! Fee waivers can be requested, but it may school/program-specific.
Safety
As a proud woman in STEM, this is something I’m concerned about, and probably would be anywhere I applied. However, it should be taken into consideration when you’re making your initial list of schools. I’m pretty sure everyone would want to feel comfortable walking around at night if you’re working late in your lab…
Your Stats...
This is something you should not consider when making your list. If you have a “low” GPA (still above a 3.0), this doesn’t necessarily put you out of the Ivy League or the Top 10 programs in your field. It might mean that in your application you have to compensate a bit for your GPA, but don’t say “no” for the admissions council. Let them say “no” to you. And you never know until you try! If I said “no” for the admissions committee, I wouldn’t be going to graduate school!