Applying for graduate school is a big step, and truthfully it can be a little daunting. How many schools should I apply to? When do I take the GRE? What do I look for in a program?
We are here to help! Month by month we suggest to do the following so that you have a successful application process.
Timeline for the year that you plan on applying.
Summer/Early Fall (Sept)
Look into programs
- Talk to your professors – specially in the area that you are interested in.
- Determine where you want to live. Are there programs close to home or do you want to move across the country?
- Make sure to have 2-3 professors that you are interested in working with at any program that you are applying to.
- Research the logistics about the program: Is it an umbrella program with many divisions or is it specific to one field? Can you do rotations your first year?
Take the general GRE
- Can be scheduled almost at any point in the year.
- Should be taken by October/November at the latest
Fall (Oct-Nov)
Take the Subject GRE
- Last year, two options: Sept 19 or Oct 24, 2015
Ask for letters of recommendation from three letter writers
- The letters that are given the most weight are the ones from people who have supervised you in research projects
Draft your personal statement
Solidify which schools you will apply to
- Investigate the work of 2-3 professors at each school that you are applying to
Fall (December)
Apply!
- The deadline for many schools is early December
Spring (Jan-Mar)
Hear back from schools!
- Many chemistry programs do not have interviews, but have “visiting weekends”
- A couple of notable exceptions: UCSF and Scripps Research Institute
Let us know what you think and comment using the links below!
undocumented scientist 