🎓 Researching Graduate & Professional School Programs

This activity is part of the Viking Score. You can work on it with you Career Coach or share it with them after you have made some progress in a Career Coaching appointment.

Thinking about graduate or professional school? Choosing the right program starts with knowing what you want and need. Before diving into rankings and applications, reflect on your academic, professional, and lifestyle goals. What kind of environment will help you thrive?

👉 Start with the Identifying Your Criteria to clarify what matters most to you in a grad program, just like you would reflect on your values when exploring careers.

âś… To Earn Viking Score Points:

  1. Research at least three programs and gather the details below
  2. Meet with a Career Coach to share what you’ve learned and plan your next steps
  3. Earn 4 Viking Score points

Graduate School Comparison Tracker

Use this tool to compare programs you’re considering for graduate or professional school.
This will help you evaluate your options side-by-side and make informed decisions based on the criteria that matter most to you.

âś… How to Use This Sheet:

  1. Access Graduate School Comparison Tracker
  2. Make a copy of this sheet for yourself:
    Go to File → Make a copy so you can edit your own version.
  3. Use the sample row as a guide, then delete or overwrite it.
  4. For each program you’re considering, fill out one row using the columns provided.
  5. Bring your completed sheet to your Career Coach meeting to discuss what you’ve found and plan next steps.
  6. Use filters (top row) to sort or organize by deadlines, cost, program length, etc.

Need help figuring out what matters to you?
Start with the Identifying Your Criteria Worksheet to reflect on your academic, career, and lifestyle goals.

đź“‹ What to Gather for Each Program:

  • School Name & Program Title
  • Location
  • Degree Type
    (Examples: M.A., M.S., MBA, Ph.D., Ed.D., J.D., M.D., D.D.S., D.O., D.V.M., D.C., D.P.T.)
  • Institution Type
    Public | Private | Non-Profit | For-Profit ⚠️ Be cautious with for-profit institutions—ask your coach or faculty for guidance.
  • Tuition & Total Cost of Attendance
  • Financial Support Options
    (Scholarships, grants, % of students with aid, etc.)
  • Assistantships
    Opportunities to teach, research, or work on campus in exchange for a stipend or reduced tuition.
  • Accreditation Accreditation ensures the program meets quality standards and is recognized by licensing bodies. Not sure what matters in your field? Ask your faculty!
  • Certifications or Licenses Earned Upon Graduation
  • Total Credits & Time to Completion
    Full-Time: ___ years | Part-Time: ___ years
  • Admissions Requirements
    (GPA, standardized tests, application deadlines, required experience, etc.)
  • Program Highlights
    Notable faculty, research focus, rankings, student outcomes, alumni career paths

🔎 Where to Find Information:

đź’¬ Pro Tip:

Bring your findings to your Career Coach meeting—they’ll help you compare options and create a timeline for applying.