When to Start?

This timeline does focus on applying to doctoral programs in Psychology or Neuroscience, however the steps are similar for most graduate programs. For more specific information about application materials see the “How to Apply” page (link).

When should you start looking into graduate programs?

Early is better in most cases and often that might be spring of your junior year. You can start your senior year but you will need to closely follow deadlines or consider a gap year to be as prepared as possible for the application process.

Know the entry requirements.

Depending on the type of program you may need several classes to be eligible (health programs especially) or a specific entry exam. Check into your interests and see what the trends exist for specific programs.

When are graduate school applications due?

The answer to that question is it depends. Many applications will be due in December - March of your senior year. Be sure to review the dates for the programs you are exploring. Professional and Health Program deadlines can be different so keep in mind that different programs can have very different application deadlines.

General Timeline:

Spring Junior Year:

Research graduate programs. If you have questions about the program(s), reach out to their graduate program office. Some programs give information in detail and others do not. It is reasonable to ask questions but attempt to search the information before reaching out.
Will you need any entrance Exams as apart of admissions? Start studying intensively on your own or take a prep course on campus, online, or at another facility. Take any practice exams and use that information to help you study.
Look into the cost of any required exams, application fees, and travel costs for interviews or visits. Some programs may offer fee waivers.

Summer between Junior and Senior Year:

Start narrowing down your interests and explore in depth the requirements, costs, funding, deadlines, and start saving for any costs in ordering transcripts / applying.
Consider visiting the schools, talk with admissions personnel, faculty or current graduate students.
Continue studying for any required exams. When ready take the exam but consider it can take several weeks to grade depending on the exam. For the General GRE we recommend 2 months before application deadlines.
Do you need the GRE Psychology Subject Test? Many programs do not require this exam. If a program does require this exam it is offered on a limited basis between September - November, and occasionally in April. Check offering dates and register if it is required.

Senior Year: September

Choose the graduate programs (recommend 3-8). It may be helpful to create a spreadsheet of the deadlines and materials needed to apply to each program. Many programs want everything submitted online but you want to confirm and follow directions carefully.
If you are applying to research-oriented graduate programs consider contacting to faculty members who research areas that match yours interests. You want to express interest in their work and you can ask about their labs.
Entrance exams can take several weeks to grade. Consider taking in early fall. Are you comfortable with your score? Should you retake the exam? You might want to research how scores are considered in the application. If you do want to retake the exam check to see if there is a waiting period before you can sign up again.
Start your personal statement. Remember to follow your application prompts and read personal statement guides from the Walter Center for Career Achievement and the CDC.
Letters of Recommendation. Ask faculty members who know you best to be your recommenders. Be sure to give them the deadlines. You may want to focus on faculty from your major depending on the type of program. If you are Pre-Med you may want to consider science faculty.

October

Have you had a chance to visit the campuses you are applying to? Have you reached out to anyone in the program if you have questions?
Update your resume and/or curriculum vitae. Be sure to tailor these for specific programs. Request a review from the Walter Center for Career Achievement Links to an external site.. You can also ask faculty you trust for their feedback as well.
Ask professors to read your personal statement and provide comments. Use the Writing Tutorial Services Links to an external site. for help with organizing and expressing your ideas clearly.
Order your official transcripts Links to an external site. and send them (including any original official transfer credit transcripts) to the graduate programs via their instructions. Request transcripts a little early so they arrive before any deadlines.
Give your recommenders information about:
- When the letters are due. Be clear.
- Where you are applying and the specific program(s).
- How the letter should be sent. Most programs are using electronic submission but if the letters are to be mailed provide fully addressed (with postage) envelopes and include any required forms.
- Give them a copy of your resume / curriculum vitae and personal statement. Some professors may ask you for a copy of your unofficial transcript as well.
- Reminders about any of your work, projects, assignments, papers completed in their course or through research can help them write the recommendation. You can also let them know what kind of a positive impact the experience was for you.

November

Check that any required exam scores were sent to the graduate programs.
Try to complete and submit all application forms at least one week before they are due.
Submit all financial aid forms appropriate for the programs.
Be sure your personal statement and resume and/or curriculum vitae are targeted to fit each individual program to which you are applying. If you are applying to research based graduate programs you may want to describe your interest in the research topics of a few faculty members you might like to work in that program.
If you have not received a confirmation of your letters of recommendation being received check in with your recommenders. Gently remind them of the deadline and ask if there is any additional information you can provide that would be helpful.
Verify that your application materials (and letters) were received by the graduate programs within one week after each program’s deadline.

December-February:

Send thank you emails to letter writers and advisers and professionals who helped you with this entire process.
You may have requests for interviews. Some programs have phone interviews and others require in person interviews. Interviews are typically held between February - April.
To qualify for federal aid and for many loans fill out the FAFSA. Grad students are considered independent for federal aid calculations. You may want to investigate private loans, grants, and fellowships.
Almost all students who apply to graduate schools will receive at least one rejection letter. What are your backup plans?

March-May:

If you are accepted by your top school accept their admission in a reasonable timeframe. Politely turn down other offers.
Did you get accepted by more than one program that you really like? Did you get passed over by the one you really wanted and accepted to one that was way down on your list? Talk with advisors, professors and professionals to get help making these final, important decisions about which program you will accept or whether it is worth waiting and re-applying next year.
If you were rejected by a program, call the appropriate person in that department and politely express your regret. Ask if they can suggest what you could do to strengthen your candidacy during the next year if you wanted to apply to the program in future.
Email your letter writers, advisers, and professionals who helped you with this process to let them know the outcome.
Send your final transcripts and any other materials they need to the program you will be attending.