When considering which schools to apply to, it is important to understand that different institutions specialize in different fields of study. Understanding the academic direction you’d like to pursue is a key factor in selecting your future college, as some majors may be stronger than others in a particular school. Here are some pointers on how to determine the strength of a department at each college or university:

Courses: Look at how many undergraduate courses are offered through the department, as opposed to cross-listed courses from outside the department that still fulfill requirements. Are there courses dedicated to your department only as a way to ensure specialized time and attention is devoted to your major? Additionally, check if the department offers specializations and/or concentrations in the 3rd and 4th years. Research each concentration to see if it interests you. The availability of concentrations demonstrates the breadth and depth of the major.

Funding: Check to see if there are grants available for students to perform research within each department. If a department offers ample scholarship and grant opportunities, it not only reflects their budget, but also their commitment to allocating a portion of those funds to benefit students. Furthermore, research the sources of these funds (i.e. The National Endowment for the Arts or National Science Foundation). Certain foundations, due to their prestige, may generate more funding for department amenities and grants. You can compare grant and award availability by searching for your desired college or university on http://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator.

Faculty: Research the faculty members in your desired department to determine if their work and experience aligns with your interests. You can check the department’s size to see if it consists of just a handful of members or a substantial team. It is also helpful to connect directly with the departments at various schools and set meetings with faculty. This can give insight into the accessibility of faculty members and their willingness to make time for students.

Publications: Publishing work is difficult and takes a substantial amount of time and effort. Delving into this realm to see which faculty members within the department have research published may sound meticulous, but it may be worth your time to determine the reputation of the school’s major and its professors.

Each department and each college or university is unique and possesses its own distinctive characteristics. Some may have strengths where others have limitations. It’s important to weigh the pros and cons of each college and university’s department in order to determine which is the best fit for you academically.