LYNX LIFE LIBRARY

Whether you want to become a psychologist, get a Master of Business Administration, or become a professional researcher, graduate school is probably in your near future. The application process can be daunting and competitive, so ensuring you are prepared to apply on time is crucial to your success. 

You may be asking, “But it’s only April, why I need to worry about applications that open in the fall?”

Applications take time and often require additional exam scores, letters of recommendation, essays, and other forms of documentation. Sometimes experience such as an internship or certification may also be needed. Starting now is the perfect way to ensure you come across as a quality applicant.

Each application will be different, but most master’s and doctoral application cycles open in September and close in December. Even if an application closes in January or late winter, it is still not too early to start the process. 

So, where to begin? First, start a detailed document (preferably a spreadsheet) and list programs that you are interested in. If you are applying to a degree that requires a mentor or supervisor, research faculty to see who is doing the research you want to do. If you're applying to a cohort program, be sure to consider important factors like accreditation and licensure preparation. Next, check out the admissions requirements. These include minimum GPA, required courses, research/work experience, degree type, citizenship/visa type, and exam scores (such as language exams or standardized exams). 

Finally, be sure to review the required application materials. These typically include a Statement of Purpose (also known as a Statement of Intent or Personal Statement), a Resume/CV, and Letters of Recommendation—usually two or three. You'll also need to submit transcripts. Most programs accept unofficial transcripts during the application process and require official transcripts upon acceptance, but check if official transcripts are needed to apply. Some programs may also require a writing sample. This could be a published work where you are the primary researcher or a comprehensive class assignment. Additionally, some programs may request a diversity statement, portfolio, or professional website to highlight your expertise in a specific field.

As you can imagine, preparing all these materials will take time so use the spreadsheet to track each program’s requirements and your progress completing them. Some programs make it difficult to find specific application details, and you don’t want to search for them repeatedly. Spend a few weeks compiling this master document, and by late May you should have a comprehensive list. While the ideal number varies by field, aiming for a list of 8–10 schools that genuinely excite you is a great target!

Between May and June, if any of your target programs require exams like the GRE, prepare for and take them over the summer. Since mastering these exams can take weeks or even months, don’t wait until summer to start researching them. Create a study plan, schedule your exam in advance, and ensure you receive your results before applications open.

During June and July, focus on securing letters of recommendation. If a program requires two letters, aim for one professional and one academic reference. If three are needed, plan for one professional and two academic letters. These can be current or former professors, mentors, or supervisors that know you well and can speak to your professional or academic abilities. Remember, the program wants these letters to show that you are ready to be a graduate student. Always ask more recommenders than required—if a program needs three letters, consider asking five people. Since this is the only part of the application outside your control, having backups ensures all letters are submitted with several weeks to spare.

July and August become crunch time for your personal statement—one of the most important parts of your application. Start by drafting, revising, and editing your statement; then seek feedback from professors, friends, or family. Finally, bring it to the Career Center for additional revisions and polishing to ensure it’s as strong as possible! The personal statement is your story, helping the admissions team learn about you, your aspirations and drive to become a graduate student and future professional. Tailor each personal statement to the school you’re applying to, whether that means mentioning a professor you hope to work with or aligning your goals with the university’s mission. Avoid using a generic statement for all applications. Additionally, each program may have different formatting requirements—such as spacing, word count, or page limits—so carefully review and follow these guidelines. Since this is one of the most crucial parts of your application, dedicate most of your effort to perfecting it.

With your personal statement finalized, shift your focus to the rest of your application materials. Have your Resume or CV reviewed by professionals in your field and career counselors, rigorously edit your diversity statement, and refine your portfolio to showcase your best work.

As September and October arrive, it’s time to apply! If your application deadline is December 1, aim to submit everything by November 1. This gives your recommenders ample time to submit their letters and allows you to finish the heavy lifting before the holiday season. Carefully review each application’s requirements, ensuring you upload the correct documents—don’t accidentally send a personal statement intended for one school to another.

Once you’ve submitted your application, you’ll pay the application fee, your recommenders will submit their letters, and your application will be complete! Then the hardest part, waiting to hear back about interview invitations.

Throughout this process, take advantage of our online guides for graduate school, and writing resumes, CV’s, and personal statements on the Career Center’s website. These resources are a great starting point, but we encourage you to meet with us to refine your application materials and ensure they represent the best version of you. The earlier you start, the better—so schedule an appointment with a career counselor on Handshake to get started!