When you are selecting a graduate and/or doctoral program, the criteria you use will differ from that you used to select your undergraduate program. For your undergraduate program, you may have felt visiting the campus was important, for example. When you select a graduate program, you need to consider additional aspects, such as

•	Program accreditation status	•	Graduate Programs
•	Detailed program information—including expectations for students
•	Faculty/student ratios
•	Potential advisors

Most graduate students use different criteria for choosing the programs to which they apply and choosing the program offers to accept. Walfish et al. (1989) found that program prestige, emphasis on supervision and mentoring, and emotional climate ranked as students’ top criteria when making final decisions on a graduate school program. Use the following guidelines to help plan your first steps in finding a graduate program that is a good fit for you:

•	Consider your educational and professional goals.
•	If the graduate program will lead to a different type of position, consider shadowing someone in that role or serving as a volunteer to increase your understanding of the skills required.
•	Thoroughly research each program, and if possible, speak with past students who graduated from each one.
•	Network with other successful professionals who are graduates from the programs you are considering and ask for their advice and feedback.
•	Avoid limiting yourself to a specific geographical region, if possible. In some cases, doctoral students can receive an assistantship or other financial support that may increase your range of options.
•	PhD programs tend to be more specialized so it is important to find faculty who share your interest.
•	Find out about the program’s financial support, program completion rates, and availability of advisors.
•	Ask about the timetable for the particular degree you are exploring and request a sample course sequence.

When applying to graduate programs, be sure to include the information you have learned about the program in your letter of intent and explain how that program is a good match for your goals. Include your professional experiences and show how those will add value to the program while allowing you to grow. If you have identified specific faculty who share your area of interest, mention that you would enjoy working with them. One good source of information to consult as you research graduate schools is the annual US News and World Report issue on the top graduate schools in education. http://grad-schools.usnews.rankingsandreviews. Selecting the right graduate program isn’t just about getting accepted. You also need to be happy in the program and feel that the program will help you reach your goals. Remember that your KDP Chapter Counselor and fellow Kadelpians are excellent resources for questions about graduate and doctoral programs. Also, you can connect with the vast KDP network of members in graduate and doctoral programs across the country by posting questions or comments on the online KDP Discussion Board. References Walfish, S., D. E. Stenmark, J. S. Shealy, and S. E. Shealy. 1989. Reasons why applicants select clinical psychology graduate programs. Professional Psychology: Research and Practice 20(5): 350–54.