Graduate School Timeline

 

Freshman/Sophomore Years 

• Begin exploring academic and career interests.
• Do Discover (online assessment program).
• Utilize resources available at Career Services.
• Schedule an appointment with a Career Advisor.
• Do an Externship to be sure about your career choice.
• Join a student organization and get volunteer experience.

 

Junior Year

• Research areas of interest by talking to faculty, advisors, and professionals in the field. 
• Request and review program materials via the web.
• Register and prepare for graduate admission tests.  Be aware of test dates and register in plenty of time. 
• Visit schools of interest.
• Establish a portfolio and gather letters of recommendation. 
• Start your personal statement/essay.

 

Summer before Senior Year

• Have your personal statement/essay reviewed by a Career Advisor or faculty member.
• Take graduate admissions tests if not already completed.
• Narrow list of schools and request application materials.

 

Senior Year-Fall Semester

• Finalize your personal statement/essay.
• Complete and mail application materials.
• Request OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS be sent.
• Complete financial aid forms.
• Send letters of recommendation.
• Schedule a mock interview with a Career Advisor.

  

Senior Year-Spring Semester

• Attend interviews if necessary.
• Discuss your offers with a Career Advisor/Faculty member.
• Send updated transcripts (if required).
• Once you have made your decision, notify other institutions you've applied to so that they can remove your name from the list.
• Send thank you notes to your evaluators.
• Inform Career Advisors/Faculty members of your future plans.