Most graduate programs accept only students from the top half or 75th percentile of graduating seniors. Details that can make the difference in acceptance and rejection include research project performance, leadership ability, work experience, internships, honors received, society memberships, writing skills, personality, maturity, and statistics and computer experience. After your complete application packet has been received, it may be processed on a continuing basis or as part of a batch. The length of time for universities to make a decision on your application is highly variable. Contact the graduate school or the department if you do not hear anything within three months.
Universities offer assistantships and fellowships to support graduate study.
Assistantships usually require you to work about 20 hours per week. Teaching assistantships may focus on delivering lectures, grading papers, and supervising laboratory groups with some research also being conducted. Research assistantships usually require that you assist in the research activities of a faculty member. Fellowships are more competitive and generally do not require work apart from that associated with your degree requirements. College work-study, Stafford student loans, and supplemental loans are available to support your graduate education.