Researching and applying to graduate school takes 9–12 months. Begin the application process no later than the summer before you plan to start graduate school. The timetable below serves as a general guide, so carefully examine each graduate school application for specific deadlines. For guidance through this process, schedule an appointment with your career advisor.

JUNE - AUGUST

• Research and identify potential schools by reviewing programs of study, entry requirements, programs’ competitiveness, geographic locations, and cost of living.
• Visit schools and meet with admissions and financial aid officers, academic advisors, career advisors, professors, current students, and alumni.
  
• Identify programs that encompass varying levels of competitiveness, e.g. schools that you will definitely get into, may get into, and would be lucky to get in to.
  
• Prepare for required standardized tests, such as the GRE, GMAT, MCAT, LSAT, PRAXIS, and others. 

AUGUST - SEPTEMBER

• Register and continue to study for required standardized tests.
  
• Request applications from schools to which you plan to apply.
• •Gather letters of recommendation, typically 2-3 from faculty, supervisors and other professional references at least 1-2 months prior to application deadlines.
  
• Begin preparing your personal statement, which can take 2-3 months to complete. Write a draft and be prepared to revise this document several times.
  
• Meet with AU faculty members, Career Center staff and Writing Center staff to discuss and review your personal statement.
  

OCTOBER - NOVEMBER

• Take the required standardized test.
  
• Request official transcripts from the Registrar's Office.
  
• Continue to work on your personal statement.
  
• Print out the application and complete a draft before completing the official application online. Deadlines start as early as December and conclude by February 1. Some schools continue to review applications on a rolling basis throughout the summer.
  
• Update your resume and seek advice from your career advisor about how best to tailor your resume for graduate school admission.
• Continue to work on your personal statement.

DECEMBER - JANUARY

• •Gather together your application materials and submit your application at least one month before the deadline. Some schools require that recommendation letters be sent directly to the school so obtain clarification prior to applying. In general, required materials include an official application, resume, personal statement and/or essay, three letters of recommendation, official transcripts, and standardized test scores sent directly from the test center.