Santa Clara University
Search »
Search
CAREER CENTER HOME
About the Center
Message from the Director
Directions and Maps
Our Mission
The Team
Students
Career Counseling
Learn About Majors and Careers
Prepare for your Job Search
Find an Internship
Find a Job
Service Opportunities
Graduate School Options
Graduate Students
Alumni
Career Counseling and Coaching
Career and Job Search Resources
Share Your Expertise
Hire Students and Alumni
Employers
Post Jobs
Post Internships
Career Fairs
On-Campus Interviewing
Information Sessions
Recruiting Guidelines
Partner with the Career Center
About our Students
Faculty and Staff
Hire Students
Classroom Presentations
Employer Connections Report
Guidelines for References and Student Hiring
Parents
Message from the Director
Resources for Parents
Parent Weekend Presentations
Learn About On-Campus Jobs
Employer Connections Report
BRONCOLINK LOGIN
Username:
Password:
Forgot Your Password?
SCU
>
Career Center
>
Students
>
Grad School Options
> Timeline
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 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
Return to Web format