The contrast between the two institutions can create doubts for new graduate students about fitting in and being able to compete. The adjustment is not so difficult when students have had experience competing with other bright students and are familiar with defending their arguments in seminar settings, notes Walter Licht, Associate Dean for Graduate Education, University of Pennsylvania's School of Arts and Sciences. Realizing the differences that might exist between your former academic atmosphere and future graduate department will lessen the shock. Students would be amazed at the cultural differences between graduate departments at different institutions offering the same degree. If an environment is unfamiliar from what they've previously experienced, the assimilation process may take longer.
Some departments are small, tight communities.
Others are impersonal and comprised of mostly commuter students. Licht suggests that undergraduate students should visit graduate programs to determine if they are compatible not only with their learning styles but also with their social needs. You may be there five, six, seven years in an intense and sometimes insular environment. If the vibes are not good, you won't be happy. Bryan Hannegan did just that.