Preparing For Grad School

How to apply for grad school

Junior year

Spring

• research your areas of interest and graduate programs in your field
• discuss the application process and your prospects with advisors

Summer

• take the GRE general test
• obtain university application forms for admission, fellowships and financial aid
• register for GRE subject test, if necessary
• draft and edit the writing sample you will submit with your applications

Senior year

September

• discuss grad schools and letters of recommendation with your advisors
• check application deadlines for admission and fellowships

October

• take GRE subject test, if necessary
• revise your writing sample and personal statement and ask advisors for reactions
• apply for major fellowships, if appropriate (Fulbright, Javits, Mellon, etc.)

November

• polish your writing sample/personal statement in consultation with advisor
• request letters of recommendation and provide addressed envelopes and forms

December

• finish and mail applications; double-check your letters of recommendation

February–April

• make campus visits to schools where you have been admitted

April

• make your decision after consultations with advisors, friends and grad school contacts