Below is a sample timeline to help you plan your application process. While deadlines for programs and financial aid packages vary, in general you want to start the process one and a half to two years prior to enrollment.
Junior Year, Fall and Winter Semester
- Research schools and programs of interest, using on-line and library resources; pay special attention to early deadlines
- Talk with faculty and other mentors about your goals and interests
- Meet with a University Career Center counselor or advisor to discuss your plans
- Open a reference letter file at the University Career Center
- Identify recommenders and request letters of reference
- Register and prepare for appropriate graduate admissions tests
- Attend graduate and professional school events on campus sponsored by the University Career Center to speak directly with recruiters
- Research financial aid options, including deadlines
Junior Year, Summer Semester
- Take required admissions tests
- Request application materials, school catalogues and financial aid information from selected schools
- Continue making contact with potential reference letter writers
- Visit institutions of interest, if possible
- Begin drafting application essays Senior Year, Fall
- Take required admissions tests (if not already taken)
- Monitor progress of reference letter writers; ensure that your Reference Letter File is complete
- Begin drafting application, including further drafts of application essays
- Continue to apply for financial aid
- Attend graduate and professional school events on campus to help finalize your applications
- Request transcripts and letters of reference to be mailed
- Complete and mail applications
- Check to ensure that institutions have received all application materials, including transcripts and letters
- Make plans to visit select institutions
Senior Year, Winter Semester
- Visit prospective campuses if possible; interview if necessary
- Be prepared to consider multiple acceptances, and to evaluate your options based on personal and professional goals
- Once committed to program of your choice, notify other schools of your decision
- Send thank you notes to reference letter writers and others who helped you in your search, notifying them of your decision.