January - April 2019
Start preparing for GRE/GMAT, research school programs, analyze admissions policies, have professional advisors evaluate your academic background, and determine areas for background enhancement.
A new semester begins, and you also need to consider what and where you want to study after graduation. Once you have compiled a list of fields of study and potential schools, you need to research what exactly your application requires in each specific field or school.
Do you need to take the GRE or GMAT? If you're unsure about taking the GRE or GMAT, this article can help you.
Are you pursuing a master's or a PhD? Once you've decided what to pursue, it's time to start preparing for the graduate entrance exams.
May - August 2019
Determine your application direction, intensive GRE/GMAT preparation over the summer, corporate internships/summer research, comprehensive background enhancement, and identify academic and internship recommenders.
Meet with professionals in the field you're interested in or arrange a relevant internship during the summer. At this point, you not only need to build relationships for recommendation letters but also verify that this is the path you want to take after graduation. Graduate school is not as experimental as your early undergraduate years; you need to be firm in your academic and career aspirations.
Additionally, you should meet with your professors and internship supervisors to prepare for applications. These individuals can provide recommendations, and they can also offer valuable insights into the graduate school application process. After all, they have helped countless students go through the same process year after year.
September 2019
Academic advising, finalize school selection, brainstorm essays for different schools, and upgrade/revise your resume.
Most graduate school deadlines fall between October 31 and December 1. In most cases, you will need to submit an application form, transcripts, recommendation letters, a resume, and a personal statement.
Your test scores can be sent directly from the school/testing agency, but all other materials need to be prepared by you. So now is the time to start finalizing your school list and prepare accordingly.
October - November 2019
Polish and finalize essays, complete application materials, start submitting online applications, and track application status weekly.
Since deadlines fall between October 31 and December 1, use the last weeks of October and the first weeks of November to organize and finalize your graduate school applications.
You need to confirm with each school that they have received your test scores before the deadline and that they have received your complete application.
Many schools allow applicants to make any modifications to their applications or to submit parts they may have forgotten.
December 2019
Receive interview coaching, attend school interviews, maintain communication with schools, and keep up your GPA.
After submitting your applications, don't let your guard down, as you might receive interview invitations from schools. Try to keep in touch with the schools, stay aware of their progress, and show them your genuine interest.
Also, don't forget to prepare well for your final exams; you need to maintain a good GPA.
January - March 2020
Receive offers, make your final school selection, obtain your I-20, and prepare for graduate school.
During this period, you will begin to receive responses from graduate schools regarding your acceptance. With these, you'll have a bigger picture—where you've been admitted, how much scholarship you've received, and the cities where you might study and live, allowing you to compare many aspects.
Now all you have to do is make a decision. Once you've made that decision, you can relax a bit, start preparing your I-20 and visa application, and graduate smoothly!
