Graduate School Application Checklist

What’s on a grad school application?

Applications vary, but graduate programs will typically ask you for:

  • An online application form and fee
  • A statement of purpose:
    • What is your primary goal? What will you do with this degree?
    • What is the evidence that you are prepared to do the work?
    • Why is this the perfect program for you?
      • Note, these elements might be divided into multiple essay prompts.
  • CV or résumé
  • Letters of recommendation (three is typical)
    • Who knows you best? Who can speak to what the program cares about?
  • Transcript (unofficial is usually OK but official might be required)

Additional requirements might include:

  • Diversity statement or other essays
  • A writing sample
  • A standardized test score
    • For most programs, this is the GRE. However, it’s becoming more and more common for GRE scores to be optional or not accepted at all.
    • Professional programs (healthcare degrees, law school, business school) have their own standardized tests.
    • Test scores and GPA go together: a great score can balance out a low GPA, and a strong GPA can give you leeway on your test score

Recommended timeline for applications:

Start by working backwards from your application deadline. For instance, December 1 is a typical earliest deadline for PhD programs and for most master’s degrees. Here’s an ideal timeline for that case:

Summer

  • Talk to mentors & alumni to learn about good programs in your field
  • Make a list of programs with deadlines, application components, and other relevant info
  • Determine if any programs require the GRE (Or, for professional programs, make a plan to take the appropriate standardized test.)
  • Email potential advisers at these programs (optional, but often beneficial)

By end of September

  • Request letters of recommendation (Tip: If you are applying after graduation, talk to professors before you leave campus and keep in touch in the interim.)
  • Finalize your CV/résumé and share it with your letter-writers
  • Create an account on each school’s application portal and begin filling in information

By mid-October (e.g., end of Fall Break if you’re applying during your senior year at Grinnell)

  • Write a draft of your statement of purpose that can be tailored for each program
  • Share that draft with trusted mentors: faculty advisers, former research supervisors, CLS advisers
  • Take the GRE, if necessary

By mid-November

  • Write drafts of additional essays
  • Create tailored versions of your main statement for each program
  • Request transcripts (do you need official, or will unofficial suffice?)

By your application deadline

  • Complete online application forms
  • Polish your statement of purpose and other essays
  • Follow up with your letter-writers
  • Submit your apps!
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