# Compare graduate programs and plan my application

A side-by-side comparison of MBA or master's programs against your goals, plus a realistic application timeline and checklist.

- Topic: Career & Job Search
- Framework: RTF
- Level: Standard
- Tags: Career, Finance, Productivity, Analyze, Plan, Fill-in Template
- Source: https://www.thinkwithprompt.com/prompts/compare-graduate-programs-and-plan-my-application

## Prompt

```text
Help me compare graduate programs and plan my applications.

**Degree and focus:** [e.g. MBA with a finance focus, master's in data science]
**Programs I'm considering:** [LIST]
**My background:** [degree, grades, work experience in years and type, test scores if taken]
**Career goal after the program:** [target roles, industries, locations]
**Constraints:** [budget, full-time vs. part-time vs. online, location, start date, visa needs]

Give me:
1. **Comparison table** - for each program: format and length, admission requirements (tests such as GMAT/GRE, work experience, prerequisites), core and elective courses for my focus, experiential options (labs, treks, internships), career outcomes for my target roles, total cost estimate, scholarships, and location. Mark every figure I should check on the official website as [CONFIRM] - do not state scores, fees, or employment stats as fact.
2. **Fit assessment** - how my profile compares with each program's typical admit, my strengths, and gaps to address.
3. **Return on investment** - a simple framework: total cost (including lost salary) vs. expected career outcomes, using figures I provide.
4. **Application plan** - a month-by-month timeline back from the deadlines: test prep, essays, recommendations, interviews, financing.
5. **Essay angles** - 2-3 themes from my background that answer "why this degree, why now, why this school".
6. **Questions to ask** current students, alumni, and admissions.

Be honest if a program is a long shot or a poor fit for my goal.
```

## What to fill in

- e.g. MBA with a finance focus, master's in data science
- LIST
- target roles, industries, locations
- CONFIRM

Free to copy and use. From ThinkWithPrompt (https://www.thinkwithprompt.com/), a library of 2,663 curated AI prompts.