Now that you have a few acceptance letters, how do you decide where to attend? There are several factors to consider and it’s an extremely personal decision. However, here are a few things to think about.

Fit. What are your research interests? Have you contacted professors about the possibility of working with them? Even though it’s a hotly debated topic whether or not to contact professors before being admitted, it makes perfect sense to contact potential advisors after you have been admitted into a graduate program. In some fields, and I’m thinking STEM fields, it may be expected; because you may need to be accepted into a research group to work in someone’s lab. Nevertheless, it is important to know your research interests and if the focus at your potential program is a good fit for you. Keep in mind you’ll be giving up anywhere from four to ten years of your life to these folks; it might be a good idea to make sure that you’re on the same page. To be sure, you should have done this research before applying, but if you haven’t it is imperative that you do it before committing to a graduate program.

Another important factor to consider is the overall climate or feel of the program. Make contact with current and former graduate students to get a feel for what it’s really like to go to school there. Keep in mind that graduate programs are tough and competitive, and they are supposed to be. But some are more competitive than others and if you thrive in a super-competitive environment, then great. However, some programs tend to be more nurturing and supportive, and it is important to know what kind of program you’ll be spending most of your waking moments in. Are students forced to do their advisor’s work other than their own? Do they have to compete with their classmates for assistantships every semester or year? Do your potential advisors actually like working with graduate students or view them with contempt? Be honest with yourself and make sure you know what kind of academic environment works best for you.

Something else to consider is program reputation. Are the professors in your program consistently publishing scholarship that is well regarded in their field? Is it a ranked program? As arbitrary as rankings are, and they are extremely arbitrary, name recognition may be what gets you in the door when it is time for you to go on the job market. Keep in mind that most of us go to graduate school because we want a job in academia. With that in mind, you want to give yourself the best chance possible at landing that first tenure track position when you finally graduate. Ranking is important, even if only because people perceive it to be.

Last but not least, make sure you consider funding. Some graduate programs only accept as many students as they can fund. However, this is not the case in all graduate programs. If you do receive funding, carefully consider the offer you receive from your prospective program. Does it include a stipend that will cover basic living costs? Graduate students are notoriously poor, so keep your expectations realistic. However, consider the cost of living in the area in relation to the stipend amount. Will it cover rent, groceries, and utilities? Does your funding package include tuition remission, health insurance, or cover university fees? Is there an opportunity for summer funding? And in the unlikely event that you do not receive funding at all, ask yourself if your budget can withstand several thousands of dollars of student loan debt. I would never advise a student to go to a graduate program without funding, especially in certain fields. However, it is a personal decision, but be sure to weigh the costs of attendance against future earning potential. All graduate degrees are not created equal, and some fields, for example accounting, have starting salaries that are exponentially higher than say, English.

So congratulations on being admitted into graduate school! Carefully consider fit, program reputation and funding before choosing a graduate program. Making the right choice now will definitely impact your professional prospects later.