Home > Students > Learn about Graduate & Professional School > Application Process and Timeline

The Graduate School Application Process and Timeline

Applying to graduate school takes time and careful consideration. The earlier you begin your graduate school search, the smoother the application process will be. It is helpful to begin your search and application process at least one year before you would start the graduate program. This timeline includes approximate dates to complete each step. Be sure to check with each graduate school for appropriate application deadlines, because they will vary from program to program.

The Summer Before Your Senior Year

• Most graduate programs require that you write a personal statement. Starting your personal statement early will give you time to revise and clarify your reasons for wanting to attend graduate school.
• Begin browsing through graduate school guides, such as Peterson’s Guide to Graduate and Professional Programs, which is available in the Career Center Library. E-mail graduate schools for catalogues, application forms, financial aid information, and assistantship information, including support programs for underrepresented populations as appropriate. Determine if there are any special admissions requirements.
• Begin saving for application fees.

September of Your Senior Year

• Meet with faculty members and/or career counselors to discuss possible programs.
• Ask professors for letters of recommendation. Provide them with the appropriate forms, addressed and stamped envelopes, and a resume. Discuss your goals and motivations for going to graduate school, so that the professors may obtain a better idea of your intentions.
• Sign up for the required standardized tests. Prepare for tests by familiarizing yourself with the instructions and types of questions. Use sample practice books, such as Barron’s Guide to Taking the GRE. Also, take advantage of free sample tests and test preparation tips offered on-line by the organizations sponsoring the tests.

October

• Take the appropriate standardized test(s). Ideal times for taking tests may vary so don’t wait until the last minute.
• Request applications from programs if you haven’t done so already.

November

• Request copies of your official transcript. Ensure that the Registrar’s Office is able to send your transcripts and fall semester grades to designated graduate schools in time for the appropriate admissions deadline.
• Put finishing touches on your personal statement and have it reviewed by friends, faculty, and career counselors.

December

• Fill out your application forms. It is helpful to photocopy the original form, just in case you make a mistake. Applications should be typed if you can’t fill them out online.
• Take or retake the appropriate test(s). Different test scores are reported in different ways, so check on score reporting before you retake an admissions test.
• Contact professors to ensure that they have mailed your recommendations.

December/January

• Mail completed applications. You are encouraged to send your applications at this time even if your deadlines are later. Some graduate schools accept applicants on a rolling basis, which means that they start accepting students as applications are received. You have a better chance of someone taking time to review your application carefully if they receive it early as opposed to the day before the deadline when most applications will arrive.
• This is a good time to send in financial aid information, if necessary.

February

• Contact graduate programs about the possibility of visiting. Accepting an offer to graduate school without ever stepping foot on campus is like buying a car without taking it for a test drive. Talk with faculty members and current graduate students.
• Set up appointments for graduate admission interviews as well as assistantship interviews. If interviews are required, be sure to follow up with thank you notes to all who interview you.
• Call graduate schools before the application deadlines to make sure that your application file is complete.