Application Timeline

Whether you're working, still in school, or both, applying to graduate schools is a long, time-consuming process. The timeline below can help you stay on track and make sure you don't forget any important steps.

Spring and summer (a year in advance)

• Begin reviewing graduate school brochures and websites to get an idea of where you might want to apply.
• Take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), Miller Analogies Test (MAT), or whatever tests are required by the schools to which you want to apply.
• Begin thinking of faculty members and other people you want to ask to write you a letter of recommendation.
• Visit the schools to which you want to apply.

September/October

• Begin researching fellowships, assistantships, scholarships, and other sources of financial aid.
• Review the application for each program to which you are applying, noting especially the essay questions, deadline dates, and anything unusual.
• Write a draft of your essay. Have a faculty member review it and suggest improvements.
• Ask for letters of recommendation.

November/December

• Arrange for your transcript to be sent to each program to which you apply once your fall semester grades are reported.
• Finish your essays. Have them proofread by someone else who can catch errors you missed.
• Begin to apply for fellowships and other sources of financial aid.
• Remind your recommenders about the letters.

December/January

• Complete the application form for each program.
• Prepare your applications, double-checking to make sure you include all the required information and papers.
• Mail your applications.
• If you don't receive a notice within a couple of weeks that a school has received your application, call that school to verify that your application arrived.

February

• Complete your tax forms and fill out the Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) application.
• Develop a list of questions to ask during admissions interviews and prepare answers for questions the interviewer might ask you.

March/April

• Visit the schools to which you've been accepted.
• Review and compare the financial aid offers from each school.
• Notify each program as to whether you are accepting or declining its offer.