When to Apply for Graduate School 

Earning an advanced degree can open up new career opportunities, increase your earning potential, allow you to dive deep into a subject you’re passionate about, and challenge you intellectually. Once you’ve decided to pursue graduate studies, it’s crucial to strategically map out the application process. This involves allocating sufficient time to:

• Research and select the institutions and programs that align with your goals and interests.
• Collect necessary documents, such as official transcripts and letters of recommendation from faculty or supervisors.
• Craft a compelling personal statement or statement of purpose that highlights your achievements, motivations, and research interests.
• Register for and complete any required standardized tests, such as the GRE, GMAT, or LSAT, depending on your field of study.

Prepare your application materials at least six months before the submission deadline. Typically, application deadlines are set approximately seven to nine months before the program’s commencement date.

When is the right time to apply for graduate school?

This depends on several key factors, including your career goals, desired field of study, personal timeline, and financial situation.

Career and field

Your chosen career path and academic discipline heavily influence when you should apply to graduate school. Working for a few years is common in some fields before returning to earn a graduate degree. Getting real-world experience first can help you clarify your interests, build your resume, and make you a more competitive applicant. Fields where this is common include business, public policy, international relations, and social work.

Many students go straight from undergrad to grad school in other disciplines, especially STEM fields. Getting a head start is advantageous for pursuing a PhD and academic career. Gaps in your academic record or research experience can make you a less competitive applicant for top PhD programs in computer science, physics, biology, etc. A similar timeline is common for medical, dental, or veterinary school students.

For masters programs, application timelines vary more based on the specific program. Some fields like nursing, education, and engineering offer professional master’s degrees for those already working. These programs often have multiple start dates per year or part-time/executive options to provide flexibility. More academic master’s programs in humanities and social science tend to admit students once yearly and expect full-time enrollment, so the timeline is more rigid.

Personal considerations

Beyond the norms of your field, your personal situation and goals should be the most significant factor in determining when to apply for grad school. Key things to consider are:

• Are you academically ready and able to compile a strong application now? Competitive graduate programs seek a stellar academic record, strong test scores, compelling recommendations, and well-crafted essays. If you struggled in undergrad or need more preparation time, it may be worth waiting to apply until you can assemble the strongest possible application.

• Do you need or want work experience before grad school? Professional experience, even just 1-2 years, can provide valuable perspective and skills to draw upon in grad school. Work experience is required for some programs like MBA programs.

• Does going to grad school now align with your other personal and professional goals? Consider how the timing fits with other major priorities like relationships, family obligations, travel plans, etc.

• Can you realistically complete the application process at this time? Applying to grad school is time-consuming, with multiple tests, essays, and requirements. Ensure you can carve out adequate time to do your best work on your applications while juggling other responsibilities.

Financial Factors 

Paying for graduate school is a significant consideration. A realistic assessment of your financial situation and options can help you determine the optimal time to take on the costs of a graduate degree. Some programs, especially PhD programs in STEM fields, fully cover tuition and pay a stipend. But for many master’s programs, students pay tuition through savings, scholarships, loans, and part-time work.

If you need to save time for grad school costs, search for scholarships/grants, or enhance your profile for funded programs, it may be worth waiting to apply until you’re on stronger financial footing. Entering grad school with a clear plan to pay for it can relieve financial stress and help you focus on your studies. Applying at the right time for your situation maximizes your chances of creating a financial package that works for you.

Month-by-month timeline for grad school applications

Begin contemplating graduate school roughly a year and a half before your intended start date. Most programs have application deadlines that fall within a 7-9 month window before the commencement of the program. This leaves you with a 6-9 months to gather all the necessary documents, request letters of recommendation, and complete any required standardized tests.

However, specific graduate programs, particularly those in the medical field, may adhere to a different timeline. Additionally, some disciplines, such as law, employ rolling admissions, meaning submitting your application as early as possible can work to your advantage. Here’s a sample month-by-month timeline for applying to grad school:

Month	Key Tasks
March-April	– Reflect on grad school goals and explore programs – Determine and study for required standardized tests – Register for standardized tests- Attend grad school fairs and info sessions
May	– Take required standardized tests (or first attempt) – Refine the list of schools and programs to apply to – Research specific requirements and deadlines for programs – Brainstorm statement of purpose and required essays
June	– Request official undergraduate transcripts – Create an organization system for application components – Begin working on resume/CV – Consider taking a self-assessment test
July	– Contact potential recommenders – Outline and draft essays – Prep for and schedule interviews if required or recommended
August	– Submit official test scores to programs – Gather and submit other required materials – Order official transcripts to be sent to programs – Complete and polish resume/CV
September	– Complete first drafts of essays and get feedback – Send recommenders forms and instructions – Verify all application components are in order – Attend prospective student events or visits
October	– Edit and proofread all essays and application materials – Submit applications for programs with deadlines in Nov/Dec – Send thank you notes to recommenders – Complete FAFSA and financial aid applications
November	– Submit applications for programs with January deadlines – Check application portals to verify materials were received – Continue submitting financial aid and scholarship applications – Prepare for interviews
December	– Complete remaining applications with later deadlines – Finish up financial aid and scholarship applications – Continue interview preparation
January	– Wrap up any remaining applications or materials – Confirm applications are complete – Send follow-up messages to programs if needed – Continue applying for outside scholarships and grants
Late Feb-April	– Receive admissions decisions and financial aid offers – Visit prospective programs if possible – Evaluate offers and make a decision – Submit enrollment deposit and confirm attendance – Notify other programs of your decision – Start preparing for the transition to grad school

March

Begin the process by determining the type of graduate program that aligns with your academic and professional goals. Initiate your research into institutions that meet your specific criteria. Discuss with former professors or current supervisors to gain insights into which programs you should target.

Most graduate programs provide data on their accepted students’ test scores, undergraduate grades, and work or research experience. While it’s essential to set your sights high, be realistic about your chances of admission. Ensure that you include some programs where your acceptance is more likely.

Register and commence your preparation for the required standardized test(s). Remember that different programs may have varying exam requirements, so it’s crucial to check the website of your intended program to ensure you are preparing for the correct test.

Exam	What does it involve?
GRE (Graduate Record Examinations) General test	The GRE General test measures verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing skills. It is a computer-adaptive test required by many graduate programs across various disciplines.
GRE Subject	GRE Subject tests assess knowledge in specific fields such as Biology, Chemistry, Literature in English, Mathematics, Physics, and Psychology. They are paper-based tests required by some graduate programs in addition to the GRE General test.
LSAT (Law School Admissions Test)	The LSAT evaluates reading comprehension, analytical reasoning, and logical reasoning skills. It is a paper-based test required for admission to most law schools in the United States and Canada.
GMAT (Graduate Management Admissions Test)	The GMAT assesses analytical writing, integrated reasoning, and quantitative and verbal skills. It is a computer-adaptive test primarily used for admission to graduate business programs, such as MBA programs.
MCAT (Medical College Admissions Test)	The MCAT tests knowledge of biology, chemistry, physics, and psychology, as well as critical thinking and problem-solving skills. It is a computer-based test required for admission to medical schools in the United States and Canada.

April

Maintain your focus on preparing for standardized tests. Many study books can be borrowed from your local library at no cost. Strive to dedicate time to studying daily, as this will help establish a consistent routine. Start reaching out to individuals who can provide you with letters of recommendation.

May

Sit for the required standardized test for the first time. Remember that you are not penalized for multiple attempts and can submit your highest score. However, avoid becoming complacent, as each attempt has a significant financial cost.

Create a comprehensive list of the specific programs you plan to apply to. A helpful tip is to organize all relevant information in a spreadsheet, including required materials, application fees, links to online application portals, recommenders for each program, and submission deadlines. This will prove invaluable as you navigate the application process.

June

Check in with your recommendation letter writers to ensure they are on track. This is an opportune time to schedule in-person meetings with potential recommenders. Ensure your resume is up-to-date so you can provide it to your recommenders, enabling them to craft a compelling letter on your behalf.

Assess whether you require additional funding. To effectively manage your finances, create a monthly budget that accounts for anticipated expenses such as rent, food, transportation, prorated monthly tuition/fees, and other potential costs. You must seek additional financial assistance if the total cost exceeds your current savings or expected financial support (including loans).

July

Start requesting transcripts. For most graduate applications, you must obtain transcripts from every university you have attended, even if you only studied there for a semester or if the institution is in a different country. If you were dissatisfied with your scores on any standardized exams, consider retaking them.

August

Start drafting your statement of purpose. Some programs may require a personal statement that should delve into your story and motivations for pursuing graduate studies. This may include your potential to bring an underrepresented perspective or contribute to the diversity of the program you are applying to.

September

Share your statement of purpose and personal statement with your recommenders to assist them in writing strong letters of recommendation and to obtain their feedback.

It is also advisable to have your statements reviewed by a friend, family member, or professional editor who can help ensure that your writing is clear and can identify any grammatical errors.

A statement of purpose should be comprehensible to any professional in your field, even if they do not specialize in your sub-discipline. Most graduate programs rely on a committee of professors from various areas within the field to assess applications, so there is no guarantee that an expert in your particular interest will read yours.

October

If you are unsatisfied with your scores on any standardized exams, October is typically your final opportunity to retake them.

November

Refine your statement of purpose and personal statement. Taking a week-long break from your applications can be beneficial to approach them with a fresh perspective.

December

Many graduate application deadlines fall this month. Remind your recommenders of the final deadlines and complete your application.

Ensure you have your finalized resume, transcripts, and personal statement ready. Upload all required documents and remember to pay the application fee, if applicable.

January

If you are an American student and anticipate needing loans to finance your degree, you should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Once submitted, you will be eligible for a loan covering up to 100% of your degree’s total cost, including tuition and living expenses.

Late February–April

When you receive your graduate school admissions decisions between February and April, take advantage of any in-person visit days offered by the programs, usually in March and April. Some schools may even cover your travel and accommodation expenses. These visits provide a valuable opportunity to interact with faculty and current students, allowing you to ask questions and better understand the program.

As you evaluate your options, consider the program’s fit with your interests and reputation and its graduates’ job placement rates and outcomes. For research-based degrees, your supervisor plays a significant role in your success, so carefully assess your potential options while considering that advisors may leave the program. 

Engage with current students informally to inquire about work expectations, time off, and fair treatment, especially for lengthy doctoral programs. Lastly, thoroughly review the details of any funding offers, as some may require teaching or working in a specific role for a set period after graduation. Make an informed decision based on the factors that matter most to you.