Application Timeline - 12 to 14 Months Before

Updated on Tuesday 03 June 2008

• Choose the schools to which you will apply

By now, you should have your definitive list of the schools to which you would like to apply. Your list should contain the following:

1. 1 or 2 institutions that you would like to attend, but that may not accept you
2. 2 institutions where you feel you have a decent chance of being accepted
3. 1 or 2 institutions where you are quite certain that you will gain admission

Prepare a folder for each of the schools you select in which you will keep copies of all correspondence, application materials and other information.

• Obtain all necessary information and forms for each school

Contact each school to obtain information and an application packet. Many colleges and universities in the U.S. (but certainly not all) have application materials on their Web sites. Be aware that some Web sites carry only applications for institutions that subscribe to that site. Determine what you will need to apply to each college and/or university on your list of potential programs, as requirements are different at every school. Note carefully the deadlines on each application.

Graduate students should send a letter to the director of graduate admissions with a copy to the chairman of the department to which you seek admission.

Now is also the time to inform institutions if you will need financial aid, as you will need additional forms.

• Take required entrance exams

You should take the necessary entrance exams at this time. Undergraduates will need to take the TOEFL and SAT exams; graduate students may be required to take the GRE or GMAT exam. Please visit our Standardized Tests section for comprehensive information about these tests.