When I decided to return to school for my master’s, I had no idea what I was getting myself into. There were so many schools and programs, and I didn’t know where to start.
I hated school growing up, but that didn’t mean I wasn’t good at it. How did I end up back here? Whew, that took a lot of self-convincing!
But with a bachelor’s degree no longer enough, I knew I had to get it right. Choosing the right school felt like a huge mountain I wasn’t sure I could climb.
I reached out to people for advice, hoping for guidance on picking the right program, but it felt like everyone was just… gatekeeping. No one would tell me what school or program they attended.
It felt like I was on my own, trying to figure it out. After a lot of stress and uncertainty, I devised a system that helped me narrow things down and make a decision that felt right for me.
I’m sharing this because I know how overwhelming it can be when you’re trying to choose the right school. Here’s how I did it:
1. Write It All Down – Declutter Your Mind
Whenever I feel overwhelmed, I make a list. Putting everything in my head down on paper gives me clarity. I highly recommend this approach when you’re deciding between schools. I made a simple chart to organize my thoughts. Here’s an example of the chart I used:
| School name | Online/in-person | Credit cost | Deadline |
I kept it basic; there is no need to overcomplicate it. I knew I wanted an online program and to start as soon as possible.
You can change the headings based on your priorities; maybe you care more about location, faculty, or the program’s reputation. The idea is to create a way to keep track of all the info in one place.
2. Research & Call the Schools
Once you’ve chosen a few schools to look into, it’s time to get some accurate info. You could spend hours scrolling through their websites, but sometimes that doesn’t give you the necessary details. So, I grabbed my phone and looked up the school’s contact number.
I’ll be honest, calling was nerve-wracking for me. I’m an introvert, and talking to strangers on the phone always made me anxious. But here’s the thing: you have to do it. It’s the best way to get answers and gauge the school’s responsiveness.
Call each school and ask the questions you need to complete your chart. For example, find out if the program is online or in-person, how much each credit costs, and the application deadlines.
3. Evaluate the Interaction
While talking to the admissions office, please consider how they treat you.
Are they friendly and helpful? Do they seem to want to assist you genuinely, or do you feel brushed off? Trust your gut here.
If you’re uncomfortable with the conversation or don’t feel the school is a good fit, cross it off your list. This step is key; choosing a school is more than just numbers and deadlines. You want a place that makes you feel welcome and heard.
4. Eliminate Schools Until You Have Your Top 3
After you’ve gathered all the information and had those conversations, start eliminating schools that don’t align with what you’re looking for.
I kept trimming down my list until I had my top three choices. This process gave me a sense of control and direction.
It felt much less overwhelming when I could look at the three remaining options and make an informed decision.
5. Apply to Your Top 3 (And Do the Least Favorite First)
By now, you should have your final three schools. The next step is to apply to each one, but here’s my tip: Apply to your least favorite first.
Why? Most graduate applications require an entrance essay, and writing that first one will give you practice for the other similar essays.
Also, pay close attention to the deadlines. If they’re all around the same time, applying to your least favorite first lets you get your feet wet before submitting your top-choice application.
If you mess up or feel like your first essay didn’t hit the mark, you’ll have another chance to refine your approach for the next one.
6. Trust the Process (Even If You End Up Applying to Just Two Schools)
In the end, I only applied to two schools. And that was perfectly fine. I chose a program that felt right for me, and the application process gave me the confidence to move forward.
So don’t stress about applying to a ton of schools. Trust your gut; remember, this is a personal decision, and you’ll know when it feels right or you won’t lol, but that’s life!
I hope this helps you in your journey to further your education. The process can feel overwhelming, but by writing things down, calling schools directly, and trusting your gut, you can make the best decision for you.
Best of luck with your applications, and remember: you’ve got this!
