Graduate School Timeline
The following is a list of suggested activities to help keep you on track during the graduate school admissions process:
JUNIOR YEAR
January-Summer:
- Start researching schools
- Write or call potential grad schools to request applications and catalogs (or download)
- Consider preparing for and taking required admissions tests (GRE, LSAT, GMAT, etc.)
- Meet with faculty members and counselors to discuss programs and options
- Create and maintain contacts with potential reference writers (professors, supervisors, etc.)
SENIOR YEAR
August-September:
- Select schools to apply to (both reach and safety schools)
- Register and continue preparing for admissions tests
- Request financial aid information from schools
- Talk to faculty advisors and professors for advice
- Make several photocopies of applications and begin to fill them out
October-November:
- Take required admissions tests
- Identify at least three people to write reference letters
- Visit institutions of interest, if possible
- Budget for application fees ($25.00-$75.00 per school) and transcript fees
- Complete applications and submit applications
December:
- Retake graduate school admissions tests, if necessary
- Continue to complete applications for admission, assistantships, and fellowships
- Confirm that letters have been sent by deadlines
- Send thank-you notes to reference writers
January-April:
- Finish and send in remaining applications
- Fill out the Federal Student Aid Application (FAFSA)
- Prepare for on-campus interviews, if required
- Send thank-you notes to interviewers
- Let your reference writers, professors, and Alumni Office know where you got in and where you're going!
May-Summer
- Continue to apply for assistantships if you don't already have one
- Make housing arrangements
and finally . . . ENJOY THE REST OF YOUR SUMMER!!
*Adapted from Hartwick College Trustee Center
