How to apply to graduate school
Ready to apply? Here’s the process. Once you’ve made the decision to apply, this page is your next step. Here you’ll find a step-by-step walkthrough of the application process: what a complete application requires and how to keep every piece on track, a month-by-month timeline starting over a year out, and how to prepare for interviews and campus visits. For a deep dive into the individual documents, visit the Application Materials page.
What a complete application includes
Most programs will not begin to review your application until your file is complete, and they most likely will not review it at all if anything is late, so start early. Make sure to confirm the receipt of all your materials and record the date and the name of the person you speak with. If you use a centralized application service, keep a record of your confirmation-of-completion notifications.
Always required
Application form. Application forms are often available online, or you can request one from the school. The form comprises standardized questions that the program will use to track your application and ensure that you meet minimum qualifications. Your answers to the questions should be clear and accurate.
Application fee. Plan to budget approximately $300 to $500 for fees, as application fees can be as much as $100 per school. These fees are typically not refundable; it is important to be certain of your interest in a school before applying.
Some or all programs also require
Programs require some or all of the following to complete your application. Remember, applications are not reviewed until all the required materials are submitted. Each of these documents is covered in depth on the Application Materials page.
Your application timeline
If you’re applying for a fall start, deadlines typically fall in January and February, which means you should begin preparing materials the spring before your senior year. The timeline below is approximate; use it as a starting point and adapt it to your situation.
First and sophomore year
- Engage in career exploration to identify potential career paths.
- Identify courses. If you are pursuing areas such as law, medicine, or veterinary sciences, identify the typical prerequisite courses needed for programs.
- Meet with a career coach to discuss ways to gain relevant experience in your first and sophomore year.
Spring of junior year to summer before senior year
- Clarify your direction. Decide what type of program fits your career goals. Not sure yet? Talk to faculty or schedule an appointment with your career coach.
- Connect with faculty. Meet with professors to discuss your goals, learn about programs, and ask whether they’d be willing to write a recommendation down the road.
- Build your school list. Identify 10 to 15 prospective programs using the Peterson’s Grad School Search Tool or resources at the Center for Career Development & Academic Exploration.
- Register for entrance exams. Sign up for the GRE, GMAT, LSAT, MCAT, or other required exams early. Leave room to study and retake if needed.
- Start exploring funding. Research loans, scholarships, fellowships, and graduate assistantships now.
August to September
- Start your personal statement. Write a rough draft now, you’ll tailor it for each program later, but getting your ideas on paper early gives you more time to refine.
- Take entrance exams. Scores take time to report and you may want room to retake.
- Narrow your school list. Review each program and begin eliminating. Reach out to a faculty member or department chair to ask questions that help you evaluate fit and expand your network.
October to November
- Finalize your school list. Aim for a balanced mix of reach, target, and safety programs.
- Adjust your timeline. Note each program’s deadline, including any early-action dates.
- Complete your entrance exams. All scores should be submitted by this point.
- Finalize your personal statements. Tailor each version to the specific program.
- Order transcripts from every post-secondary institution you’ve attended.
- Revisit your recommenders. Share your final school list and give them everything they need to submit.
- File your FAFSA. It opens in October, don’t wait.
December to January
- Submit applications, early if possible. Some schools pay attention to early applications or may have priority deadlines. Review your application status or call to check that all materials were received.
- Research deadlines to apply for graduate assistantships offered by your program or other departments on campus.
February to March
- Visit your top programs. Meeting faculty and current students is one of the best ways to assess program fit and strengthen your candidacy. Come prepared.
- Research the program and faculty work before you arrive.
April to May
- Compare admissions offers based on your top values.
- Assess your financial-aid package. If it doesn’t quite meet your needs, look into alternative loan programs.
- Make a decision, and call the other programs to decline or withdraw.
- Write thank-you letters to those who helped you during this process.
Interviews and campus visits
The interview
Some programs, medical schools in particular, require an in-person interview as part of the admissions process. Don’t wait until you receive an invitation to prepare. Review the Center for Career Development & Academic Exploration’s interviewing resources and schedule a practice interview with your career coach early enough to incorporate feedback and do a follow-up session if needed. Remember: whether it’s a formal interview or a campus visit, they’re evaluating you the entire time.
The campus visit
Even if a visit isn’t required, plan to see your top programs in person before you decide. Contact the program in advance to ask about formal visitation days or to arrange an informal visit; most programs are happy to help you plan. While you’re there, meet with admissions staff, faculty, and current students, and sit in on a class if possible. Get a feel for the surrounding community too. And remember: while you’re evaluating them, they’re evaluating you, so stay professional and prepared from the moment you arrive.
Do this next
The timeline is in your hands, the next step is making it happen. Visit Application Materials to dive deeper into each piece of your application, and make an appointment with your career coach to build a plan that works for you.
Want a coach to pace your application?
A career coach can map this timeline to your target programs, help you keep every piece on track, and run a practice interview before the real one. Book a time to talk it through.
Career Coaching & Education
Center for Career Development & Academic Exploration
201 Student Union, 1502 Cumberland Ave, Knoxville, TN 37996
865-974-5435