Timeline

Begin the application process at least one year before you plan to start graduate school.  All times indicated below are approximate.  Deadlines for specific programs may vary significantly depending on the program to which you apply.

Summer

• Research schools and their application requirements

September

• Meet with your program faculty members to ask for letters of recommendation

• Begin writing your personal statements

• Sign up for standardized tests

• Request fellowship information and applications from graduate programs

October

• Take standardized tests

• Have drafts of your personal statement reviewed by faculty members and the career center

• Complete application forms

• Give your recommenders the forms to fill out or the addresses to which they should send their letters.  It is helpful to give them an outline of your personal statement and a resume

December

• Finalize and send applications

• Confirm letters of recommendation have been sent

February

• Contact programs about a personal visit and visit

March/May

• Responses typically received from programs

• Notify schools of your decision to accept or decline

April

• If you are applying for need based financial aid program, you may have to file a copy of your federal income tax return