Graduate School Application Timeline
Source: The Princeton Review
May:
June:
July:
August:
September:
October:
May:
- Begin researching grad schools.
- Take a GRE practice test. Your score will help you determine how much preparation you'll need for the real deal.
- Online practice test – cost: USD $4.99
June:
- Begin studying for the GRE.
- Go ahead and register for the GRE general test if you’re on a tight schedule
July:
- Request information from schools that interest you.
- Consider contacting a few former professors. They can recommend good programs and may even help you make some connections.
August:
- Take the GRE general test. If you're not happy with your scores, sign up to take it again.
- Begin drafting your statement of purpose.
September:
- Finalize your list of prospective schools, and familiarize yourself with the professors who share your research interests at each school.
- Contact your recommenders.
- Keep polishing your statement of purpose.
October:
- Request official transcripts from your undergraduate institution.
- Send your recommenders supplemental materials (like your resume, personal statement, etc.) that they can use as a reference.
- Make contact with students and professors at your prospective schools.
- Have someone in the field and a few friends read over your personal statement.
- Complete and submit all applications, keeping copies of every section for your records.
- Verify that your recommendations have been sent.