This article is the fourth and final of a series on what to do in the 12 months leading up to submitting your graduate school application(s). 

As was previously suggested, graduate school is not something to take lightly.  It involves a major investment personally, intellectually, socially, emotionally, and financially.  Be sure to allow yourself enough time to do your “due diligence” and get all of the information you want and need.  

3 months before applying:

1. Now it is time to make sure you have current application materials.  You will most likely access applications on the admissions website. Having reviewed the information on your spreadsheet, you should be generally familiar with the deadlines you will need to meet for your applications.
2. This is a great time to create outlines of the essays you will write.  Jotting down notes for each question is extremely valuable and helps to ensure you answer questions fully.  This also helps to ensure you answer the right questions for the right schools.
3. If you have not already done so, start thinking about who you will ask to write letters of recommendation for you.  If you are applying to several schools, be sure to have more than one or two individuals selected.  If they are going to do a good job for you, they will need time to work on their recommendations.  A good rule of thumb is:  One person could probably do two or three recommendations.  Once you have selected those you would like to use, contact them and confirm their approval.
4. Similar to the spreadsheet you created when initially doing research on your options, create an application spreadsheet.  Place the names of each of your options alphabetically down the left hand column.  Across the top place the items you want to be sure you remember, or compare, throughout the application process.  While there is a complete list in my book, here are a few: 
   1. The deadline by which you will apply
   2. Ease of completing the application – i.e., user friendly technology?
   3. Your rating of the contact with the admissions staff between the time you applied and the time a decision was communicated to you
   4. Did the admissions office its deadline to notify you of a decision?

 

2 months before applying:

1. Start completing your applications.  Set aside time each day, or every other day, to do this.  That way, you get a little done each time and lessen your chances of feeling overwhelmed, rushing, and/or making mistakes.
2. With the exception of essays, it may be helpful to complete the same section for each application you are submitting.  That way you are going over the same information, and have a sense of accomplishment.  For example, completing the demographic section for each of your applications lets you move on knowing this section is done for all of them.
3. Work on or complete one essay each time you work on your applications.  This helps to spread things out and not leave you out of time later on.
4. Make sure your recommenders are ready to go with their letters/forms, and confirm that you have provided them all the information they need.
5. Start requesting transcripts.  Most universities are completely familiar with this part of the application process and have very efficient procedures in place.

 

1 month before applying:

1. Now it is time to fine-tune your applications.  Thoroughly re-check your essays.  Then have someone else check them.  Go over each of the other sections to be sure you have accurately and correctly answered all questions.  Check for mistakes.  Then have another person check for mistakes.
2. Be certain, to the best of your ability, your applications are exactly the way you want them to be.
3. Start preparing your application fees.  If sending a check, make sure you have the money to cover it.  Bounced checks do not a good first impression make!

IMPORTANT TIP:  There is a fine line between conscientiously reviewing your applications, and obsessing about perfection.  We are all human.  Admissions committees are not looking for perfection; they are looking for proof that an applicant took time to prepare his/her materials.

 

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Be sure to check out Dr. Don’s book, “Road Map for Graduate Study, A Guide for Prospective Graduate Students,” right here on the GSRM website. For a reduced price CLICK HERE, go to The Book page, scroll down, click on the Order Now box, and use discount code GSRM.