Nurturing the Next Generation of Scholars

Matthew Wesley Williams

Associate Director for Fellowships

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September 07, 2009

A Timeline for Applying to Graduate School (Ph.D/Th.D)

While this is an approximate outline, it offers the key steps in applying to a graduate program. You should start planning the summer before your final year in college/master's programs or at least a year before you wish to start graduate school.

June/July

Explore the websites (and catalogs) of graduate programs that interest you
Become familiar with the teaching and research interests of the faculty at the schools to which you will apply
Begin drafting an academic statement of purpose (personal statement)

August/September

Meet with faculty mentors you know and talk about your plans
Have a faculty mentor read your purpose statement
Ask faculty for letters of reference who know your academic work
Explore standardized test dates (GRE)

October

Take required standardized tests
Make the final decisions on which graduate programs you will apply to
Note deadlines for all graduate programs
Contact the Director of Graduate Studies of your intention to apply
Order transcripts from all post secondary institutions you attended
Explore fellowships for financial support (internal and external sources)

November

Complete all applications and photocopy all forms for your files
Give faculty recommenders all information needed (specific school forms, your resume)

December/January

Mail applications/ send online applications

February

Contact Directors of Graduate Studies for campus visits if desired

March/April

Await contact (phone call; email; mailing) from schools regarding admission (weigh your options and make a final decision where you will enroll; talk with the director of graduate studies for clarification if needed)
Read ALL materials received from the institution and complete all forms well before the due date for enrollment at the institution you have chosen
Contact ALL institutions to which you received admission of your enrollment choice; even those institutions you will not attend
Send thank you notes to all recommenders and those mentors who may have assisted you in the application process

Source:

Adapted from Graduate School and You; a publication of the Council of Graduate Schools