Santa Clara University

Timeline

• 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 of 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