One of the initial steps in applying to a graduate or professional school is to research schools and learn their 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. If you are taking a gap year(s) you can use this as a guide to plan backwards from your intended application year.
Junior year or earlier
- Begin researching schools
- Start exploring financial aid resources
- Sign up for required testing 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
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 graduate 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