A2GS 12-Week Timeline to Successfully Apply to Graduate School

The first set of deadlines for highly competitive graduate programs starts on December 1, so we are less than 12 weeks away. This might seem scary, but take a moment to.....

Regardless of whether you have a full-time job or a full course load of courses, you can make applying to graduate school manageable. Remember, putting together a Lego set starts with one piece at a time.?

There are so many tasks in life that can feel overwhelming, but applying to graduate school is not one of them.?

Through research and coaching, I've discovered that 12 weeks is a reasonable amount of time needed to apply to graduate school successfully.?

When I am preparing to apply to graduate school over the next 12 weeks, the first question people ask me is, "Where do I begin?" The second question is, "What should I be doing for the next 12 weeks?"

Applying" to graduate school can feel overwhelming, but with proper planning, I can break the process down into manageable steps.?

Below is a 12-week timeline to help you stay on track and make the application process less stressful.

A2GS 12-Week Application Timeline

Week 1: Research Programs and Schools Begin by researching the graduate programs that interest you. Look into schools offering courses and opportunities aligned with your career goals. Make a list of your top choices. Download the "7 Essenti" l Steps to Get Into Graduate School Workbook" to help "you make this list: https://lnkd.in/gwCxkXKW.

Week 2: Check Application Requirements Once you've identified your top schools, review each application's requirements. Please keep in mind the deadlines, required materials (like transcripts, recommendation letters, and essays), and any tests you must take. Always apply based on the program deadline, NOT THE GRADUATE SCHOOL DEADLINE.?

Week 3: Register for Required Tests. If your programs require tests such as the GRE, GMAT, or LSAT, now is the time to register. Make a study schedule so you're prepared to do your best. Create a study schedule to prepare for and complete your Achievable GRE prep course. Achievable offers personalized test prep courses for the GRE, guiding learners through a tailored study experience and ensuring they are fully prepared for the exam. https://lnkd.in/eJ6GQfBU

Week 4: Request Letters of Recommendation Reach out to potential recommenders. These could be former professors, supervisors, or mentors who can speak to you about your qualifications. Be sure to provide them with any relevant information they'll need to write strong letters. If you want a template for asking for a letter of recommendation, we have one in the book 20 Questions to Answer Before You Apply to Graduate School.?

Week 5: Draft Your Statement of Purpose: Your statement of purpose is one of the most critical components of your application. Start drafting your essay, focusing on your academic and professional goals, why you're pursuing this degree, and why the program is a good fit for you. Our Personal Statement Advantage (P.S.A.) program provides a step-by-step guide to writing your personal statement and provides feedback and editing. Click here to receive information on the P.S.A. program.??

Week 6: Gather Transcripts and Documents: Collect official transcripts from all colleges you've attended. Some schools take longer to process requests, so ordering them early is best.

Week 7: Prepare for Tests: Use this week to ramp up your preparation for any required tests. Take practice exams and focus on areas where you need to improve. Ensure you secure your letters of recommendation and have spoken with financial aid and the grad program about funding options.?

Week 8: Revise Your Statement of Purpose: After getting feedback from mentors or peers, revise your statement of purpose. Make sure it's polisit's error-free, and truly reflects who you are and what you hope to achieve. Again, A2GS offers feedback and editing services.

Week 9: Finalize Your Application Materials: Gather all your documents, including your resume/CV, recommendation letters, and essays. Double-check for any missing items. Grammarly is your friend.

Week 10: Submit Your Application: It's time to submit your application! Be mindful of deadlines and ensure everything is submitted on time. Make copies of all materials for your records. Save in multiple locations (cloud, Google, Dropbox, flash drive, email, etc.).

Week 11: Follow Up on Recommendations: Please ensure your recommenders have submitted their letters. If they haven't, please remember to remind them of the deadline.

Week 12: Prepare for Interviews: Some programs may require an interview. You can use this time to research common interview questions and practice your responses.

CONGRATULATIONS

You now have a plan you can implement to get closer to achieving your goal of getting into graduate school.?

Following this general timeline will help you stay organized and confident throughout the application process.?

What else should you consider in this 12-week process of applying to graduate school?

As an expert in graduate school admissions and academia, I have achieved the following:

? Completed an online master's dmaster'sCompleted an in-person doctorate

? I worked as a recruiter for undergraduate and graduate admissions

? Provided coaching to students on getting into graduate school in my professional role for several years

? Served as an admissions coordinator for a doctoral program

? Received recognition for my dissertation, which explored individualindividuals'ns to pursue a graduate degree

? I became the first person in my family to obtain a doctoral degree

? Was honored with an outstanding graduate student award for my leadership as president of a graduate student organization and mentoring graduate students by the Dean of the Graduate School at the University of Arkansas

? Served as an academic coach to assist graduate students in overcoming academic probation

? Instructed master's amaster'sral level courses at a Top-Tier Research 1 institution

? Accumulated over 17 years of professional experience in higher education

? Author of "20 Questi" ns to Answer Before You Apply to Graduate School"

Check the coach's resume before you select them.

I utilized my instructor, researcher, and coach background to develop the Apply, Submit, Accept, Progress (ASAP) Coaching Program. This program aims to assist individuals in successfully transitioning from the application process to progress in their first year as graduate students.

Consider enrolling in our A.S.A.P. Coaching program for a more detailed and customized approach. We have a proven, specific timeline to help you get accepted to graduate school faster. Spots are limited, and we currently have space for 5 more clients. You can find more information at applytograduateschool.com/coaching.