The Timeline: What to Do and When
You should begin the application process AT LEAST ONE YEAR BEFORE
you plan to start graduate school. All times indicated below are
approximate. You should study deadlines for specific programs carefully
since they may vary significantly depending on the program to which you
apply.
Summer
- Write a draft of your statement of purpose. This is the most
important part of your application and can be the deciding factor in
the admissions decision. It will be evaluated for quality of writing as
well as for clarity of professional goals.
- Browse through college bulletins and department brochures.
September
- Meet with faculty members to discuss your statement of purpose and ask for letters of recommendation.
- Sign up for standardized tests (paper/pencil test times vary; computerized testing is offered every month).
- Request fellowship information and applications from graduate schools and programs.
October
November
- Order transcripts. Ask if your records office can send a
transcript with your fall term grades in time to meet the deadlines of
the programs to which you are applying.
- Complete applications (do a draft on a copy of the form
first). Give your recommenders the forms to fill out or the addresses
to which they should send their letters. It is helpful to them if you
give them copies of your statement of purpose.
February
- Contact programs about the possibility of visiting. A personal
visit can often enhance your chance of being accepted. Departments will
sometimes help with travel expenses.
April
- If you are applying for need-based financial aid programs, you may have to file a copy of your federal income tax return.
- Prepared by Council of Graduate Schools.
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