Your Go-To Grad School Application Timeline

You’ve already mastered the undergraduate application process. But how does applying to grad school work? There are many elements that are similar to undergrad apps, with some new obstacles and challenges thrown in the mix. Let’s talk through your application timeline and help you stay on top of important deadlines.

Post-Grad-Student-Applying to Grad School

June/July

Start doing some research. What do you want to study? What kind of programs are you looking at? The summer before you apply is a great time to:

  • Reconnect with old professors and get some advice. Professors can also write you recommendations, or put you in contact with graduate faculty in their network.

  • Request information from schools you are thinking about to demonstrate interest.

  • Figure out if the programs you are interested in require any standardized testing (Namely, the GRE or GMAT). Want a tutor? We can help you with that!

Get the lay of the land so you can start creating a list of schools and planning your application approach.

August

Before the application craze kicks in, register and take your GRE or GMAT:

Otherwise, August is also a good time to start thing about your Statement of Purpose and who you want to ask for recommendations.

September

Now it’s time to draft that Statement of Purpose. Different from the Personal Statement, this essay is how you will outline what you have to offer and what you plan to do with your graduate degree. This statement must be school-specific, articulate a clear path you plan to take, and argue why you are uniquely equipped to pursue your goals.

Overwhelmed by writing? We offer a la carte essay help as well as comprehensive packages.

Now is the time to contact the people who will be writing your recommendation letters. Make sure you are asking people who really know you and can speak to the goals you are communicating through your Statement of Purpose!

October

The earliest graduate applications tend to be due on October 31. This means October is the month to:

  • Finalize your Statement of Purpose

  • Confirm that your recommendations are squared away

  • Complete any other necessary element of each application.

This might include requesting college transcripts, formatting a resume, or completing applicant portals. Not satisfied with your GRE or GMAT score? October might also be a good time to take another crack at testing.

November/December

Finalize and submit, finalize and submit! These months are sure to be hectic, but if you lay enough groundwork over the summer and early fall, you should be in great shape.

Spring

You should start to hear back from grad schools anytime from March through June. This will give you enough time to consider your options and plan your next steps to begin school the following fall!

How do I balance grad applications with “adulting?”

It’s a lot of work! That’s why it’s so important to get started way ahead of time. At Revolution, we love working with graduate applicants and are happy to help you every step of the way (or just for a last minute edit on that Statement of Purpose!).
Chat with us about your application journey today.

Nicole Albanese