Graduate school rankings are important. The better the school you get into, the more successful you will be. Or is that entirely true?
The Reality Behind the Rankings
A school that ranks high in US News and World Report is undoubtedly more attractive than a school further down on the list, but graduate programs are so specialized that you can't get the whole story from a single chart. For years, schools have debated the merits of the rankings and questioned how universities shape their own statistics to move up the list.
Just because a school is low on the list or not even ranked does not mean you should count it out. With graduate programs, you need to focus on the school's strength in your specific discipline. The school you consider might not have an excellent reputation nationally, but, if the school is known as a leader in your specific field, then you should consider it.
You should narrow your focus even more when finding the best graduate school for you. Study up on the individual faculty members in each school's department. While professors move from place to place, the tenure system means they will be around for at least a few years, and you may be able to work with them. Knowing what you want to study and being as specific as possible can help you find the top experts in your field. These are the people you want to work with as you study for your degree. Just ask if they are available and willing to work with graduate students. Individual professors matter, even if they aren't at the best graduate school according to the US News rankings.
How to Use the Rankings
The worst thing you can do is apply to a school on the basis of its name-brand recognition or ranking in US News and World Report. A high ranking in US News and World Report should mean only one thing-that the school is worthy of some more research. With a little more investigation, you may decide that a lower-ranked school can do the most for your career.
The smartest move of all is to use the rankings to your advantage. Apply to several schools high on the list if you meet their requirements. Then apply to a middle tier and a lower tier. If you do not get into one of the higher-ranking schools, you should not worry because you have already done the research to find which schools, no matter their rankings, best fit your needs.
 | As you consider graduate schools, you need to weigh several factors. Grad program rankings are important, but equally important is whether or not graduate school will help you meet your career goals. |
 | Most graduate school scholarships come straight from the schools themselves, which means the hardest part is just getting into the program. By developing a strategy for standing out, you will improve your chances for acceptance and funding. |
 | Is grad school a waste of time? Good question. It all depends on the program you choose, how that program can help your career and whether or not you make the most of the opportunity. |
Online graduate schools offer the benefits of flexible schedules, so you will have an easier time working while studying. Their programs are best suited for those who want to keep working while earning their degrees. |
A doctorate degree should not be taken lightly. It requires years of hard work to achieve, and you will spend several years out of the workforce in order to get it. |
