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Graduate School Preparation Timeline
All times indicated below are approximate. You should begin the application process at least one year
before you plan to start graduate school. Deadlines for
specific programs vary greatly, so be sure to look them up.
In the Summer Before Your Senior Year:
-
Research graduate programs that will help you reach your academic and
career goals. You can start this process by browsing directories of graduate programs in CCLC's 135 Johnston Hall Resource Room. You can
also contact graduate programs directly to request information.
- Study for the entrance exams / admissions tests that are required for your program of interest (GRE, GMAT, LSAT, or others).
- Write a draft of your Personal Statement (aka 'Statement of Purpose').
This is a very important part of your application and can sometimes be the
deciding factor in the admissions decision. It will be evaluated for
quality of writing and clarity of professional goals. For help with it, contact your college career office or the U of M Writing Center. You should also consider getting feedback from professors in your field.
In September of Your Senior year:
- Sign up for the admission test if one is required for the
programs that interest you. Testing centers often have wait times of 2
to 4 weeks for the popular tests. A good site for general info is www.ets.org.
- Meet with faculty members about recommendation letters. Be sure to ask if they feel comfortable writing a strong letter for you. (Professors are ideal, but it's ok if one of your letters is from an employer or advisor.) Give your recommenders
any forms to fill out, along with an envelope(s) with the address(es) of
the graduate program(s) admissions office. Provide your letter-writer
with information that may help with writing a strong letter. For example, your resume, transcripts, and personal statement.
NOTE: The recommendation letter process takes a while. Be sure to allow lots of time for it!
- Option: Set up a Recommendation Letters File in the Career
and Community
Learning Center, 135 Johnston Hall. Through this service, recommenders
only have to write one copy of your recommendation letter. Then you
will request CCLC to send copies of the letter(s) to
specific programs.
- Request fellowship information and applications from graduate programs.
In October:
-
This is typically the month in which you'll take the required admissions tests / entrance exams.
In November:
- Order official transcripts from the U of M's Office of the Registrar.
- Complete and send graduate school applications, either online or a print copy.
In February:
- Contact schools about the possibility of visiting. A personal
visit can often improve your chance of being accepted. Departments/programs will
sometimes help with travel expenses, so ask them about that.
Also in Your Senior Year:
- Be sure to complete and submit any financial aid applications.
- Note that if a program requests an interview with you, the interview will likely take place in January, February or March.
Good luck!
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