Are you at the end or the beginning of the Application Cycle?, Grad School Article

Depending on what point you're at in the graduate studies application process, March can be either the end of the cycle or the beginning. Either way, there are still things that need to be taken care of. Getting Started It is suggested that you begin your research into graduate studies at least a year ahead of the registration deadline in order to give yourself enough time to adequately research the school, the program, its reputation, the faculty and placement ratio. There are other areas you will want to look into as well such as the quality of student life, living accommodations, financial aid, assistantships, transportation,etc. It is unusual for graduate schools to accept actual applications more than one year in advance of your anticipated starting date but you will need the lead time in order to research everything thoroughly. If you find there are still questions that you need answered, contact schools or request more information online. School Searches like that found on GradSource can provide a direct link for requesting information, applying online and contain in-depth detailed profiles of featured schools and programs. Develop a personal timeline or schedule for the entire process. Include starting dates and ending dates for all categories and include areas where you note your results of this research. For example, when you've completed your research on schools, list your top 5 choices then move on to the next category and list the results of your research upon completion of that category. This will provide you with "quick glance" results which will come in handy during the application process as well as when you've submitted your application and are evaluating your acceptance options. After Applying Once you've submitted your applications, contact the institutions to ensure they were received. If you applied online, review a printed paper copy of your completed application and carefully check and confirm all of your responses. If you find any errors that could hold up the application process, contact the school as soon as possible. At many graduate schools, your application for admission will be reviewed by both the department you are applying to as well as the main graduate school registrar. Usually, both the graduate school and program offices must approve your application before you can be admitted, so the entire process will take some time. At some universities and programs, applications are considered one by one, as each file becomes complete. At others, all applications received by a deadline are considered as a group. Find out which process the school you applied to uses to determine when you can expect a decision. The relevant offices at the colleges or universities to which you apply are responsible for notifying you of the status of your application and officially notifying you of their decision. How long it takes a school to notify their successful candidates depends on how many applications are received, how they are processed and what time of year or what deadline it is. If you have waited until the final deadline of your program to apply, your wait could be longer than anticipated. Plan early, request early and submit early to shorten your waiting period. Once you've been accepted you must verify in writing that you will be accepting the position and indicate any funding you may receive, if requested. Out of courtesy, you should also verify in writing to any institutions you applied to but will not be attending, after all, there are applicants just like you waiting to hear if they have a place or not. If you were placed on a waiting list for your program, find out if the list is ranked. Then ask what percentage of the wait list is usually admitted and if there is any information you could add to your file that would move you up the list. Whether you're at the beginning of the cycle or end, GradSource can help! Check out the School Search to search for graduate schools and programs that match your criteria or browse the article section for important information and advice like the article, Countdown to your Life as a Grad Student. Before you know it, you'll be on your way!