Then, using these criteria and the available description of programs chose between 3-10 schools. Make sure to select a few schools that do not fall within the top twenty even if you think you have a stellar record and a virtually foolproof chance for admissions. Picking a second tier program provides you with a greater chance of being admitted and enables you to practice crafting an actual application for a program that you do not care as much about. Often the applications to these second tier schools involve significantly less work. The Princeton Review's Web Site offers descriptions of some of the nations leading graduate schools and undergraduate programs.
Most candidates obtain application forms by calling each respective school.
The schools will send you an information packet and application for free. These schools will either have you send a fax or leave a voice mail message with your name, address, and telephone number. If you do not receive your application within a month, you should call back to verify that the school did not lose your information. Several other means exist for obtaining information and application forms. They will also print out the various mailing labels that you must supply to recommenders and schools for your transcripts.