Graduate School Timeline
One of the initial steps in applying to a graduate or professional school is to research application deadlines so that you can develop a timeline of when to submit test scores, letters of recommendation, personal essays, etc. Below is a timeline to help you in planning your application process.
Junior year or earlier
- Begin researching available programs
- Review grad school guides/directories
- Request promotional materials
- Visit schools' websites
- Talk to faculty/alumni/current students in the program
- Start exploring financial aid resources
- Sign up for required standardized test and take a practice test (many graduate schools are waiving test requirements due to COVID-19; double check the testing requirements for each graduate school)
- Identify potential recommenders to write you letters of recommendation
- Order an unofficial transcript and correct any discrepancies
- Take the required standardized test if needed
Senior year
Fall Semester
- Write the first draft of your statement of purpose
- Request your letters of recommendation
- Order official transcripts
- Write the final draft of your statement of purpose
- Complete and submit your applications
- Apply for the financial aid available through the gradute program: assistantships, fellowships, scholarships, etc.
Spring Semester
- Complete and submit federal and state financial aid applications
- Visit prospective campuses if possible and talk to faculty and students to help you make your final decision
- Follow-up with schools to make sure your file is complete
- After receiving acceptance from the school of your choice, send in the required deposit and contact other schools to decline acceptances
- Write thank you notes to people who helped you