Santa Clara University

Timeline

Please note this is a general timeline. Make sure you follow the specific steps for each program you choose.

Summer (approximately 12 to 18 months before start of program)

• Consider why you want to go to graduate school.
  
• Research programs and talk to people in the industry or area study.
  
• Identify and request applications from target schools.
• Take a practice graduate school admissions test(s).
• Find out graduate school admission test dates for fall.
  
• Identify potential recommendation letter writers.
• Order an unofficial transcript and check for and correct any discrepancies.
• Investigate and fulfill all prerequisites for your specific program.
• Write a draft of your personal statement.

Fall

• Review personal statement with a faculty member, friend, or career counselor.
• Rewrite personal statement.
• Provide faculty with copy of personal statement and any forms which they must complete and ask for letters of reference.
• Register for appropriate graduate school admissions test and complete.
• Order an official transcript(s).
• Finalize personal statement.
• Complete applications.

Fall/Winter

• Mail applications. Even if deadlines are later, apply earlier as applications are usually evaluated as they are received.
  
• Follow up with programs to ensure that your application and supporting materials were received.

Winter/Spring

• Arrange campus visits. Sit in on classes and talk with faculty and current students.
  

Spring

• If you are applying for need-based financial aid programs, you may have to file a copy of your federal income tax return.