Graduate School Prep Timeline

Freshman/Sophomore Years

• Participate in research.
• Develop relationships with faculty who may be asked to write recommendations in the future.

Junior Year

• Take the GRE.
• Participate in research.
• Identify graduate fellowships.
• Explore graduate school programs.
• Identify four faculty who can write recommendations.

Senior Year

Summer

• Research graduate school and fellowship applications and requirements.
• Work on personal and research statements.

August/September

• Apply for application fee waivers.
• Contact faculty members for recommendation letters.

October-January

• Complete grad school and fellowship applications.
• Take GRE subject tests if required.

For students planning to attend graduate school a few years after earning a bachelor’s degree:

During undergrad

• Participate in research.
• Develop relationships with faculty who may write recommendations in the future.
• Take the GRE even if you don’t plan to attend immediately. Scores are valid for five years.

2 year prior to applying

• Take the GRE if not completed during undergrad or if scores have expired.
• Participate in research if possible.
• Identify relevant graduate fellowships.
• Explore possible graduate schools.
• Reconnect with four faculty members who can potentially write recommendations.

Application season

Summer

• Research graduate school and fellowship applications and requirements.
• Work on personal and research statements.

August/September

• Apply for application fee waivers.
• Contact faculty members for recommendation letters.​

October-January

• Complete grad school and fellowship applications.
• Take GRE subject tests if required.