Graduate School Time Table

Applying for a graduate program is a process. There are deadlines that need to be kept in mind each step of the way. Some of the information that will be required from you in order to apply will also have waiting time associated with you. Below is a general timeline to use as a guide when applying for graduate school.

Summer between Junior and Senior year

• Define your goals
• Take practice admissions exams
• Think about how to finance graduate school

Fall

• Create a short list of schools you would like to attend
• If you haven't yet, start documenting achievements and accomplishments in the classroom, internships, etc., that can be translated into transferable skills
• Talk to your professors
• Start taking admissions exams

Winter

• Start writing your statement of purpose
• Start putting together and sending out all your application materials. Most applications are due between January and March. The earlier you are accepted, the sooner you can apply for an assistantship.
• Fill out your FAFSA in order to qualify for any financial aid available

Spring

• Compare your offers of admission
• Look into financial alternatives if you don't receive enough financial aid and fail to get an assistantship.