It doesn’t matter what time of year you read this blog post. There are grad school application deadlines coming up SOON. So we’re glad you’re here.
To clarify what we mean, here are some graduate school application deadlines at several universities:
MD at Stanford University—October 2
MBA at Harvard University—January 3 or September 6
JD at University of California, Irvine—March 31 or November 15
Master of Engineering at Texas A&M University—March 1 or April 1 or July 1 or August 1 or September 1 or November 1 or December 1 or December 15
PhD in Computer Science at the University of Pittsburgh—January 15 or June 15 or September 15
So, when are grad school applications due? As you can see, that’s not really the best question to ask. Grad school application deadlines vary way too much for one standard answer.
Here’s a better question: When and how should you start working on your grad school applications, depending on your deadlines? That’s a question we can help you answer!
This blog post will provide key insights on the graduate school admission process, share an example timeline, and answer frequently asked questions about grad school applications.
By the time you finish reading, you’ll know how to prepare your applications on time, with confidence, as efficiently as possible.
Let’s begin!
TABLE OF CONTENTS
(click to skip ahead)When to apply for grad school
There is no standard deadline that covers all graduate school programs.
Depending on the grad program and several additional factors (e.g., whether you’re a domestic or international applicant), you may submit applications in the spring, summer, fall, or winter.
Many graduate programs also accept rolling admissions, meaning that applications are reviewed and decisions are made on an ongoing basis rather than adhering to a strict deadline.
That being said, we’d recommend you ideally give yourself at least 12 months to prepare your grad school applications.
For example, if you’re applying to a grad program with an application deadline in February 2025, you should start preparing your application materials by February 2024.
Of course, you can prepare the application in a shorter time frame. But the more time you give yourself, the less likely you’ll need to sacrifice quality for speed.
What would that year of preparation look like? We’ll show you below.
Grad school application timeline
Let’s imagine you’re applying for several grad school programs with application deadlines between December 1-15.
Using those deadlines as our example, here’s a grad school application timeline:
Month 1 (December, one year before deadline)
Research Programs
Start by thoroughly researching potential graduate programs. Understand their admission requirements, faculty, and distinctive features of the graduate department.
Statement of Purpose
Consider also writing a first rough draft of your grad school statement of purpose, detailing your academic achievements, career objectives, and initial reasons for pursuing graduate studies in your chosen field. (You’ll want to go through several drafts of this core component of your applications.)
Months 2-3 (January-February)
Grad School List
Next, we’d recommend participating in graduate school information sessions. Use this opportunity to narrow your list of preferred universities and programs based on your research and preferences.
Recommendation Letters
Begin establishing relationships with potential recommenders, discussing your academic and career aspirations, and laying the groundwork for compelling letters of recommendation.
Test Preparation and Resume/CV Drafting
This time is also ideal for beginning your preparation for any required standardized tests (e.g. the LSAT, or the GMAT, or the GRE, or the MCAT) and drafting your resume or CV.
Months 4-6 (March-May)
Grad School List
Continue researching universities and finalizing your list to make informed decisions about programs aligned with your goals.
Statement of Purpose
Begin refining your statement of purpose, integrating insights gained from ongoing research, experiences, and conversations with students and professionals in your desired field of study.
Recommendation Letters
This is also a good time to request recommendation letters.
Consider providing each recommender with information about each graduate program, your reasons for applying, a reminder of why you’ve chosen them to write the recommendation, your resume, and a draft of your statement of purpose.
Standardized Tests
You may choose to take any required standardized tests during this period.
Grad School Funding
You may also consider using these months to explore potential graduate funding sources, scholarships, and grants.
Doing so is particularly important if you hope to receive scholarships from private organizations not directly affiliated with a particular graduate program or university.
You’ll need to ensure you meet the deadlines for the funding applications in addition to the deadlines for your grad school applications.
Months 7-9 (June-August)
Grad School List
Finalize your list of preferred grad programs. Confirm the required materials for each program to ensure you’ve begun preparing everything you’ll need for a complete application.
Application Materials Review
Continue reviewing and revising your statement of purpose, resume, and other application materials. Ensure you’re showcasing your strengths and achievements effectively.
Standardized Tests
If necessary, consider retaking or preparing to retake standardized tests, ensuring your scores align with program expectations.
Interview Preparation
These summer months are great for mock interview sessions if your desired grad programs require interviews. Practice responses to common questions, refine your communication skills, and boost your confidence.
Months 10-11 (September-October)
Application Materials Review
Double-check application requirements and deadlines to guarantee you're set to meet all criteria. Continue reviewing and revising application materials such as your statement of purpose and resume.
Transcripts, Test Scores, and Recommendation Letters
Ensure official transcripts from every previously attended academic institution, all recommendation letters, and standardized test scores are sent promptly to your chosen graduate school programs.
Standardized Tests
If necessary, consider retaking standardized tests one last time during this period.
Months 12-13 (November-December)
Submit Applications
Submit your completed applications before the December deadlines, ensuring a timely and stress-free submission. Also, confirm receipt of all required materials by the universities.
Additionally, continue to look out for any further instructions or communications from the graduate programs.
FAQ for grad school applications
When are grad school deadlines?
Grad school deadlines depend on the specific programs you're interested in. Typically, these deadlines range from December to February.
However, there is no standard timeline. Many grad programs have deadlines throughout the year or offer rolling admissions.
Check the official web pages for each grad program you're applying to for accurate and up-to-date information.
Do all grad schools follow the same timeline?
No, all graduate schools don’t follow the same timeline. Some graduate programs even offer several options for application deadlines, depending on factors like whether you’re:
Applying as a domestic or international student
Aiming to receive financial aid and scholarships
Submitting your application before or after priority deadlines
When do grad school decisions come out?
Grad school decisions typically come out between late February and April. However, the date varies across universities and programs. Check the specific timelines of each grad program on your list for accurate information on decision release dates.
When should I start working on my grad school applications?
Ideally, you should start working on your grad school applications around 12 months before the deadline.
For instance, if you plan to apply for a program with a deadline in January 2026, begin preparing your application materials in January 2025.
This timeline allows ample time for tasks such as researching programs, preparing for standardized tests, and refining your application materials.
What do I need to include in a grad school application?
A typical graduate school application consists of the following components:
Statement of Purpose (Personal Statement). An essay outlining your academic and professional background, reasons for pursuing graduate studies, and career goals.
Letters of Recommendation. Typically, two to three letters from professors, employers, or professionals who can speak to your qualifications and potential for success in the program.
Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV). A detailed document highlighting your academic achievements, work experience, research, publications, and relevant skills.
Transcripts. Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions you've attended.
Standardized Test Scores. Official scores from required standardized exams such as the GRE, GMAT, LSAT, MCAT, or other specific tests depending on the program.
Application Form. An online application form provided by the university or a centralized application service.
Application Fee. A non-refundable application fee to cover administrative costs.
Interviews. Some programs may require interviews as part of the admissions process.
Always check the specific requirements of each program you're applying to, as they may vary.
When should I take the GRE for grad school?
Take the GRE for grad school at least 4-6 months before your application deadlines. That way, you have time for study and preparation. This timeline also gives you the flexibility to retake the exam if needed.
It’s also essential to research the specific deadlines of the programs you're interested in to ensure you submit your GRE scores on time.
Follow the same guidelines when applying for grad programs that require LSAT, GMAT, or MCAT scores.
Should I go to grad school right after undergrad?
Deciding if you should go to grad school right after undergrad depends on your career goals and personal circumstances.
Consider whether your desired profession requires advanced degrees, weigh the benefits of gaining work experience first, and evaluate the financial investment.
It’s also important to assess your readiness for the demands of graduate studies.
Do you apply for grad school as a junior or senior?
If you intend to enter a grad program immediately after completing your bachelor’s degree, you’ll typically apply for grad school during your senior year.
However, some universities have special programs and deadlines for undergraduate students applying to the same university’s graduate programs. Such programs may require students to submit applications during their junior year.
For example, undergraduate students at Vanderbilt University can apply for a Combined BA/MA (4+1) Degree Program during their junior year. Many universities have combined BA/MA programs that follow similar application guidelines.
Check if your university has any (4+1) degree programs for more information.
How late is too late for grad school?
While getting a graduate degree earlier in life may provide certain advantages, there is no age limit for applying for grad school. People pursue graduate studies at various stages of life. So, there’s no such thing as being “too late” for grad school. It all depends on your goals.
Final Thoughts
There are grad school application deadlines throughout the year, depending on factors determined by each graduate school department. That being said, we recommend giving yourself at least 12 months to prepare your applications before the deadline.
If you're seeking additional guidance throughout the graduate school application process, consider consulting with our graduate school admissions experts. We can provide personalized assistance in crafting a standout application that showcases your strengths and aligns with your goals.
If you want to explore options for support with your grad applications, schedule a consultation and begin taking the next step in your grad school journey!
Special thanks to Ameer Drane for writing this blog post.
Ameer is a freelance writer who specializes in writing about college admissions and career development. Prior to freelancing, Ameer worked for three years as a college admissions consultant at a Hong Kong-based education center, helping local high school students prepare and apply for top colleges and universities in the US. He has a B.A. in Latin American Studies from the University of Chicago and an M.A. in Spanish Linguistics from UCLA. When he’s not working, Ameer loves traveling, weight lifting, writing, reading, and learning foreign languages. He currently lives in Bangkok, Thailand.
Top values: Growth / Diversity / Empathy
