Graduate School Application Timeline

If you decide to attend graduate school, here is a timeline of some steps to consider:

Junior Year - First Semester

• Research programs in the area you are pursuing
• Review graduate school guides/directories
• Peruse the Web sites of the schools you are considering
• Visit the schools you are considering
• Meet with an admission representative
• Meet with a department representative from the appropriate graduate program
• Speak with students who currently are, or recently have been, students in the program
• Obtain application materials from the schools
• Make yourself aware of deadlines

Junior Year - Second Semester

• Review application materials of the standardized testyou are required to take
  • GRE
  • GMAT
  • LSAT
  • MCAT
• Obtain test preparation materials for the appropriate standardized exam
• Review study guides and computer software
• Complete practice exams
• Register and sit for the standardized test

Senior Year - First Semester

• Complete a resume that highlights your relevant academic, research, internship and work skills and experience
  • Schedule an appointment to have it reviewed at Career Services
• Identify professionals to write recommendation letters for you
  • Supply them with a copy of your resume to use as a reference piece
• Stop by the Center for Student Development, Career Services, to obtain materials about writing graduation admission essays
• Compose your application essay(s)
• Ask your instructors to review your essay(s)
• Request to have your transcripts sent to the appropriate institutions
• Complete and submit your application materials
  • Keep copies of all your application materials
• Schedule an admission interview, if required
  • Obtain interview preparation materials from Career Services

Senior Year - Second Semester

• Apply for standard financial aid
  • File the FAFSA
• Review graduate assistantships, fellowships and scholarships
• If accepted to a school of choice, follow up with any necessary correspondence
  • Contact other schools to withdraw your name from consideration
• Write thank you notes to everybody who assisted you in the application process