The Complete Timeline & Checklist for Applying to Graduate School as an Undergraduate
Earning a graduate degree is a great way to continue your education, open new employment opportunities and increase your earning potential.
Whatever your career goals are, having a graduate degree to your name will get you one step closer. However, if you’re asking yourself questions like, “What do I need to apply for grad school?” and “How early can I apply?” you’re not alone. It can be tricky to navigate the application process and know where to start. That’s why we put together this checklist with everything you need to know before you start the application process. Keep in mind that the specifics may vary depending on your schools of interest and field of study, but this will give you a good sense of where to start and what to expect along the way.
Timeline
Junior Year
Ideally, your preparation for grad school should start during your junior year. You don’t want to create a situation where you’re scrambling with grad school deadlines and requirements while balancing your senior year workload, so start this process in the spring.
Spring
- Start research & make a list of preferred programs
Pro tip: There’s more that goes into building your list of preferred schools than making sure they have your program. You should also consider costs, modality (virtual/in-person/hybrid), job placement rate and how they’ll help prepare you for taking the next step in your career.
- Register for appropriate entrance exams
- Review your unofficial transcript for errors
- Start looking into national scholarships and deadlines
Pro tip: Each school will likely have its own financial aid options, but it’s also a good idea to apply for as many state and national scholarships as you can. Here’s an article that will help you find the right graduate scholarships for you.
- Start thinking about letters of recommendation
Summer
- Take graduate entrance exams
- Schedule campus visits
- Gather applications for your top schools
- Start crafting personal statements
Pro tip: Check with your school’s career center for editing help and other guidance. You can also check out this blog post, How to Write a Successful Grad School Statement of Purpose—A Guide
- Double-check application deadlines and requirements
Senior Year
If you follow the steps above in your junior year, the work you’ll have to do in your senior year will be much easier. Senior year is when you’ll start your applications, look at financial aid options and start communicating with schools directly.
Fall
- Request and send official transcripts
- Ask for letters of recommendation
Pro tip: Be very intentional about who you ask and what it is you’d like them to discuss about you. You can’t write the letter for them, but it’s okay to give them some specific guidance—such as asking them to talk about your project management skills or to recall the story of a specific project that you executed well.
- Complete and submit applications and essays
- Apply for national scholarships and grants
Winter
- File the FAFSA
- Take a breather & wait for decision letters
Spring
- Visit any schools that accept you
Pro tip: Have a game plan when you visit these schools. What are you looking for on campus? What buildings do you want to tour? To whom do you want to speak? What questions will you ask? Will you sit in on any classes? How will you know this is the right school for you?
- Send thank-you notes
- Send a deposit to the school you chose
- Notify other schools of your decision
- Celebrate!
Want to know more about graduate programs at Sacred Heart University?
Talk to our team of graduate admissions counselors, each of whom specializes in specific programs. Have a one-on-one conversation with one of our counselors to get all your questions answered either virtually or in person. Email gradstudies@sacredheart.edu, call 203-365-7619 or schedule an appointment today.
Want to hear more from SHU? Subscribe to our newsletters to get the latest updates delivered right to your inbox.