Graduate School Four-Year Timeline
The following timeline is based upon one presented in "Peterson's Guide to Graduate Study."
1st and 2nd Years of College: Explore
Develop an awareness of your interests, abilities, values, and goals - see a Career Counselor!
- Explore different academic disciplines.
- Explore career options and the possibility of education beyond your bachelor’s degree.
- Get involved in co-curricular activities, internships and shadowing.
- Talk to alumni and network.
3rd Year of College, Fall and Spring: Research
- Research yourself, occupations, and graduate school options.
- Talk to advisors and professors about schools and application requirements.
- Get additional experience for graduate school (e.g. research experience, R.A. position, internships).
- Talk to alumni and network contacts about their experiences.
3rd Year of College, Summer: Obtain Information
- Continue to research graduate schools of interest.
- Obtain application and financial aid materials.
- Begin writing personal statements and your resume.
- Take graduate admissions tests.
4th Year, Fall: Apply
- Request letters of recommendation.
- Request that transcripts be sent.
- Send graduate admissions test scores.