Congratulations on being accepted to graduate school!

To move forward with which program offer you accept will require additional thought and consideration, including revisiting the early stages of your discernment process and reviewing the research you have already conducted.

With many programs requiring a decision in the Spring, you’ll want to be confident with your decision by assessing each program side-by-side regarding costs and funding opportunities, location, and program culture/fit.

If you have additional questions, don’t hesitate to tap into the network you have developed and reach out to the current students, alumni, and faculty you have previously connected with. Good luck!!

Which program excites you the most?

Where do you feel you’ll be supported not just academically, but personally and professionally?

Can you picture yourself thriving there?

Does the program offer the specific courses, concentrations, or research areas you want?

Are there faculty members whose work excites you and who could mentor you?

What’s the program size? Will you get enough personal attention and advising?

What type of funding (fellowships, TA/RA, tuition waivers) is guaranteed, and for how long?

What are the out-of-pocket costs (living expenses, fees, insurance)?

Are there extra opportunities for grants, travel, or research support?

What do graduates typically do (academia, industry, nonprofits, government)?

How strong is the career services support (internships, job placements)?

What is the reputation of the program among employers/PhD programs in your field?

Do you see yourself living in this city/region for 2–6 years?

What’s the cost of living compared to your stipend?

Do you have (or want) a support network there (friends, family, community)?

How approachable are faculty and staff?

Do current students seem supported and satisfied?

How competitive vs. collaborative is the environment?

Does the program have rigid requirements or room to tailor electives/research?

What’s the expected time to completion?