Application Checklist and Timeline

Graduate/Professional School Application Checklist

• Develop a list of schools that offer programs in areas that interest you.
• Gather information about the programs and rate them.
• Obtain information about the research professors are conducting there.
• Score competitively on the GRE or other required professional tests and maintain a high GPA.
• Acquire high quality letters of recommendation.
• Gain experience in the field you want to pursue in graduate school.
• Ensure that you have met all undergraduate prerequisites for the graduate school program(s) you apply for.
• Develop a plan for how you will pay for graduate school.
• Determine which degree will be most beneficial to you in your career growth, i.e. M.S., Ph.D., M.D., or D.V.M..
• Meet with career counselors and academic advisors to discuss your plans for graduate school.
• Visit the various graduate schools you are considering.

General Application Timeline

The application process for graduate school can be time-consuming, so make sure you start yours as early as possible to ensure success. Below is a general timeline to follow for applying for graduate school, but it might vary depending on the specific programs you are applying for. Be sure to keep track of these different deadlines.

Immediately:

• Maintain highest GPA possible.
• Gain relevant field and research experience.
• Get to know your faculty members.

Junior Year:

Spring/Summer

• Start researching graduate programs and potential faculty advisors.
• Send out requests for information from schools.
• Determine application procedures, exam requirements, and application deadlines.
• Study for and possibly take required entrance exams.
• Think about additional classes you may need for senior year.

Senior Year:

September/October

• Request letters of recommendation from faculty.
• Take required entrance exams if you haven't done so already.
• Contact prospective faculty advisors.
• Start preparing your application materials.
• Inquire about assistantships/funding and research other financial aid possibilities.

November/December

• Order transcripts.
• Mail applications (possibly earlier, depending on the program).
• Apply for assistantships, fellowships, and grants.

January/February/March

• Arrange school visits and schedule an interview (if applicable).

April

• Make a decision.

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