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The Graduate/Professional School Timetable

Planning ahead is key in the graduate/professional school application process. Begin the summer before your senior year or at least a year before you plan to begin your advanced studies. No generalized timetable provides the specifics you will need to meet the deadlines of the programs to which you are applying, but the timetable below may be used as a guide.

The summer before your senior year:

• Start browsing through websites and program catalogs/guides to identify potential programs.

August/September:

• Meet with faculty members you know to discuss your ideas about advanced studies. Ask for advice on specific programs which might match your interests.
• Sign up for standardized tests.
• Develop your personal timeline for applying.
• Open a reference file. Begin thinking about which professors you will ask for letters of recommendations.

October:

• Take standardized tests.
• Use the Career Services website to determine the schools to which you plan to apply and request application materials.
• Draft your personal statements for each program and have them reviewed by a counselor in Career Services.
• Ask for letters of recommendation. Provide a list of programs to which you are applying and a draft copy of your personal statements. Ask that the letters be sent to your reference file.
• Investigate funding sources.
• Record deadlines for each program and possible funding sources.
• Order transcripts from all post-secondary institutions. If fall grades are expected, check with the Student Response Center to see if a transcript including fall grades can be sent in time to meet your deadlines.

November:

• Complete applications and continue working on your personal statements.
• Check your reference file to see that all your letters of recommendation have been received. Follow up as necessary.
• Complete and mail applications to funding sources.

December/January:

• Mail applications or submit online. Even if deadlines are later, it is good to submit applications early.

February:

• Contact programs about the possibility of on-site visits. It is very helpful to visit the campuses.
• Make sure all your applications and supporting materials have been received. Follow up as necessary.

April:

• If you are filing for need-based financial aid programs, you may have to file a copy of your tax return.

May/June:

• Make a decision about which program you will attend.
• Request registration materials and contact your program advisor to register for fall courses.

Deadlines and Admission Decisions

Apply as early as possible to be sure you get appropriate consideration for scholarships, assistantships, and fellowships. International applicants should remember that sufficient time is required to secure an I-20 or IAP-66, so early application is strongly recommended. Deadlines are program specific and can be determined by accessing the appropriate program's website.

Make certain that you contact each graduate program you intend to apply via telephone, internet or e-mail regarding the deadline dates. Keep a journal / accurate records of each program's deadline dates or use the Grad School Time Table for Preparation as a helpful guide. This will allow you to submit the application without errors, get your standardized test scores forwarded to the department, get multiple recommendation letters, obtain original transcripts and send all the application materials on time.

A graduate program's admission decisions will vary significantly by institution, degree program, and enrollment targets. The admission committee's decisions are made on an individual basis and based on numerous factors. Here are some of those factors:

• undergraduate GPA
• undergraduate institution and degree program
• standardized test scores (i.e. GRE, GMAT, LSAT, MCAT, PCAT).
• letters of recommendation
• personal statement
• interview
• portfolio
• work experience

Your GPA is generally considered with in the context of your undergraduate major and undergraduate institution. A 3.0 or better should be your target goal! Applicants can compensate for a lower GPA with a good standardized test score. Your junior and senior GPA and/or the GPA in your major are frequently reviewed in addition to your overall undergraduate GPA. Also, work experience in your field of study may compensate for a low GPA or standardized test score.