Checklist and Timeline for Applications

Graduate School Edition

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Overall Timeline

3/20/26

• Freshman Year
• Sophomore Year
• Junior Year
• Senior Year
• Final Checklist

Please note that this timeline is fluid and is by no means the only way to prepare for graduate school. Use this guide to help you with a general idea for planning purposes.

Note: Remember to conduct research on your own graduate programs of interest. This suggested timeline is assuming a Fall admission and a December application deadline, please adjust accordingly.

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Timeline for Freshman Year

3/20/26

• Focus on major/minor and career exploration
• It's okay to be an undeclared major for your first year of college - many are in the same boat!
• Get comfortable with your academics and build strong GPA habits
• Take time to explore your interests by taking electives and getting involved on campus
• Connect with classmates! Everyone is nervous to socialize but a simple smile can make a big difference

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Timeline for Sophomore Year

3/20/26

• Continue exploring your interests and ensuring you are on track with your major coursework
• Seek internship opportunities, volunteer experiences and research related to your career interests
• Explore activities that can help build your skills such as leadership position, tutoring etc
• Continue building relationships with faculty members and peers both on and off campus
• Start tracking your experiences on your resume

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Timeline for Junior Year

3/20/26

• Aim to have at least 1 or 2 volunteer/internship experiences completed by the end of this year so they can be included in your graduate program application
• Research Graduate Program Requirements:
• Near the end of your Junior year start identifying which schools and programs you want to apply to
• Attend grad school fairs/info sessions
• Consider conducting informational interviews with professionals within your intended career field, with people who have completed the degree you are seeking and with program administrators
• Start planning your year ahead and make time in your schedule to complete: applications, gathering recommendation letters, personal statement etc
• By the summer before your Senior year, you should have an idea of the deadlines for your program
• Take practice GRE/GMAT/LSAT/MCAT and consider securing test prep courses by the spring semester
• Begin drafting your personal statement
• Ensure you request transcripts for any coursework taken at another institution

Timeline for Senior Year

3/20/26

• FALL/WINTER: Apply!
• Be aware of each program’s application cycle
• Request recommendation letters from instructors early! Give as much time as possible for your letter to be completed (4 weeks or more)
• Start applications, finalize personal statements, gather necessary materials, send your standardized testing scores/retake tests if needed
• Many early/rolling admission deadlines start in early fall, so try to treat the priority deadline as your firm cutoff
• In January, complete the FAFSA online
• Conduct any graduate school or admissions interviews
• SPRING: The hard part
• Wait…trust that you did your best and await admissions decisions which may come at various times throughout the spring - Focus on wrapping up your final semester of undergrad! 😊
• Make your final decision on which program you will attend, contact schools or make plans on moving forward with a strong gap year

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Final Checklist

3/20/26

Final checklist:

• Complete all the parts of the program application
• Submit all standardized test scores that are required for this program/school
• Submit your resume; proofread one last time before submitting
• Submit your personal statement if required
• Submit all your letters of recommendation
• Submit your undergraduate transcript
• Pay all your application fees

Things to consider:

• Does your field value work experience?
• Could you benefit from taking time off or a gap year to work, explore your interests or take prerequisite coursework to prepare you for your desired program?
• Are you able to submit a strong application now (Undergraduate GPA, recommendations that are compelling, good GRE/MCAT/GMAT score, and strong personal statement)?