Graduate Application Timeline

1. GRADUATE APPLICATION CALENDAR
Each college and university in the United States has its own admissions procedures and deadlines. Deadlines are
strictly enforced and universities will not accept students who apply after the deadline, regardless of their
qualifications. What follows is a general calendar, to use as a model when applying to graduate programs in the
United States. Contact each school you plan to apply to for more specific information.
OBJECTIVES PLANNED DATE OF
COMPLETION
COMPLETED
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February-May  Attend an EducationUSA orientation to gather
information.
 Research and compare several graduate
programs in your field and complete the school
comparison worksheet.
 Determine which exams you need to take.
 Elaborate a calendar for the next steps to take.
 Register for the required exams.
 Determine your financial contribution and need.
 Look for available scholarships.
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May-August  Study for the exams.
 Identify your ideal 5-7 schools that offer a
degree in your field of study.
 Take the exams by the end of July and have
official test scores sent to schools.
 Write 1st drafts of personal statement and
study objectives.
 Begin online applications.
 Begin scholarship applications.
 Contact professors or departments you are most
interested in with questions or to notify them
you are applying.
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August-October  Get official transcripts with translation.
 Request letters of recommendation, giving
employers or professors enough time and
instruction for each school.
 Review your personal statement and study
objectives.
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November  Review your final list of programs.
 Complete essays for each school (have them
revised by a native English speaker).
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2.  Complete online applications and pay the
application fee.
 Check to see what financial aid forms are
required for international students.
 Send all application package materials to
schools.
 Complete scholarship applications.
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December-January  Monitor your applications to be sure all
materials are received by the schools.
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February-April  Review your college acceptances and financial
aid awards. Compare financial aid packages.
 If you are positive you will not enroll at a
particular college, notify them as soon as
possible.
 Apply for a passport or renew your passport if it
is about to expire.
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May  Send in your tuition deposit and follow
instructions for admitted students.
 If you are on the waiting list for your first-
choice, do not lose hope. Let them know you are
still very interested and keep them updated on
your activities.
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June  Apply for your student visa. The university you
have agreed to attend will send you an I-20 form
or DS-2019 form.
 Make a visa appointment at the U.S. Embassy.
Keep in mind that summer is a very popular time
to apply for a visa.
 Know when payment for tuition, room and
board, meal plans, etc. is due.
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July  Attend Pre-departure Orientation at
EducationUSA.
 Look for information in the mail regarding
housing, roommate(s), orientation, course
selection, etc.
 Make flight and housing plans.
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August-September  Matriculate in your new university
 Don’t forget to write an email to let your
EducationUSA Advisers know where you are!!!
mexicodf@educationusa.info
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Updated: Aug. 2014.