Steps in the graduate school application process
Here is a sample timeline for you to consider as you contemplate applying for graduate or professional school.
1. First Year and Sophomore Year
- Assess interests, abilities, and career goals
- Begin informational interviews with current graduate students
- Discuss with your career consultant
2. Junior Year
- Gather information on graduate programs (https://www.petersons.com/)
- Visit school websites for graduate bulletins and application materials
- Learn entrance examination requirements and dates
- Investigate application deadlines
3. Pre-Senior Summer
- Narrow list of schools to top choices
- Gather financial information
- Register for entrance exams
- Write first draft of graduate essay/statement of purpose
- Contact recommendation sources
- Prepare financial statements for financial aid
4. Fall Semester Senior Year
- Select schools where you want to apply
- Review draft of graduate essay/statement of purpose with faculty member
- Take entrance exams
- Request letters of recommendation
- Make arrangements with the Registrar’s Office for your transcripts to be sent
- Make arrangements for entrance exam scores to be sent
- Prepare final versions of your graduate essay/statement of purpose
- Submit completed applications with required fees at least two weeks prior to the deadline
- Follow-up with the schools to be sure that your application has been received and is complete
5. Spring Semester Senior Year
- If required, schedule and attend a meeting with the Admissions Committee
- Schedule a “mock interview” with your career consultant prior to the Admissions Committee interview.
- Follow-up with the Registrar’s Office to have final transcripts sent
- Accept/decline graduate school admissions by school’s deadline