Narrowing List of schools

[jpiccolo]

Any suggestions for ways to narrow down the list of schools to apply to? I have a solid number of schools I'm pretty sure I want to apply to but I'd like to increase my odds of getting in as much as possible. I've already taken off a bunch in locations I don't want to be, but what else can I do besides researching a hundred programs? How many are you applying to? I did 5 last year but they were "reach" schools so I didn't have the best shot. Now I have higher GRE scores and more experience. 

Edited November 25, 2014 by jpiccolo

[twinguy7]

Best advice I would give is that if you are able to relocate for grad school than apply to a few schools that are in the midwest or less competitive, but if your set on certain areas or schools than not much else you can do besides getting your name out there at the schools you are applying to by emailing/visitiing them, etc.

[lookwhoslp]

I'd say 5-8 schools is a good amount. Don't do all reach schools. Think about if you have a certain population you're interested in. If you like the medical side of things.. make sure there are placements in hospitals or VAs close by (their website SHOULD list some placements students can have). Likewise, if you're interested in Autism or Voice, see if the school offers a certificate in that or has a clinic for that. See what things the professors teach. Somewhere on the website it might list classes (if not try to find their student handbook, they should be listed there) and compare what classes they each have.  

[lisa19]

I agree with the posts above. Maybe pick around 15 or so that you would be happy attending and then visit as many of them as you can. There are a few programs that looked great online but as soon as I visited I knew the program was not right for me.