Schools Grad School Applications and Choosing the Right Program: Help Needed!

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around the complexities of graduate school applications and the criteria that matter most in the process. Key points include the conflicting opinions on the importance of grades, research experience, publication status, and recommendation letters, with participants expressing uncertainty about what truly impacts admissions. Additionally, the topic of selecting the right graduate school is highlighted, emphasizing that rankings like those of MIT, Princeton, or CalTech do not always align with an individual's best fit for their specific program. The conversation seeks guidance on navigating these challenges and includes a reference to a relevant thread for further information.
rhombusjr
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I'm pretty sure there was a grad school FAQ sticky, but I can't find it (am I just blind?). Search didn't bring it up.

I've heard a lot of different things about grad school applications. Grades are everything, all that matters is if you've done research; being published is a huge boost, being published means nothing; recommendation letters are important, they're not important; etc., etc.

Also, how do you choose a grad school? MIT/Princton/CalTech/etc. is highly ranked, but that doesn't necessarily mean its the best school for you to go to. Likewise, xxxxxx is not highly ranked, but it doesn't mean it isn't a good program. How do you decide?

Anyone care to help point me in the right direction? (including pointing me to a thread where this is currently being discussed)
 
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Ah, yes, that is the thread I was looking for. Thank you
 

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