Speaking from experience, make sure the director of the program isn't going
into semi-retirement immediately after you get there. If s/he is, get all
paperwork done early (program plans etc.). If they already have a new
director in mind, meet the person to make sure you "click" (this may sound
silly, but personality conflicts can ruin your time at grad school, and the
beginnings of your career). Also, make absolutely sure the program can
support your specific field of interest. Don't take the catalog's word for
it...find out from the department secretary what classes are going to be
taught in the next year or so and who is teaching them. Make sure that when
the university says you can have necessary coursework done in a certain
amount of time that's true. Find out what each faculty memeber's area of
expertise is. Talk to them if you can about their interests. Just because the
catalog says they have someone who is interested in the same thing you are,
doesn't mean that person is actually going to be teaching classes while you
are there.

Above all, remember that it's your life, your career, your decision and your
money. I can assure you that there isn't a question out there professors,
directors and secretarys haven't heard before. Don't be afraid to ask...a lot
is riding on you choosing the right program.

Good luck!!

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