Applying to Graduate School

April Before Graduation

Begin to think about institutions, departments and research interests. Review institutions programs on their websites: degree programs. Look at current faculty research topics, any current student research that may be posted, review and write down application due dates. Make a list of your top ten and then begin to send out emails to prospective advisors. Faculty emails can be found on the department websites, often under the “people” section of the website.
As you get emails back from faculty, start to narrow down your list, create a top five you would like to apply to in the winter.

June

Have departments and institution list finalized
Send out emails for intent to apply
Start to gather recommendation letters- request them from current or former professors

August

Start to work on your personal statement
- Make appointments with current institution’s Writing Center or start to work with a writing tutor so they can edit and help you with your statement
- Reach out to students in departments that you are applying to and ask for suggestions of what makes a good personal statement

October

October 1 applications open
Gather department application deadlines from websites as they may vary

University of Virginia Graduate School of Arts and Sciences Application Due Dates are by Department- these begin December 1st and also close on December 15th and January 15th

Application decisions are available February through April

Application decisions can be found in your application portal
Visit accepted institutions, if possible. This will help you to get a feel for the community, faculty and student life. If you have specific needs or questions, send them ahead of time so faculty can have resources available to you when you visit.

April 15th- Deadline for student acceptance of offers

Post Acceptance

Start to look at living around institution’s community- housing fills up fast!
Find out orientation dates and put them in your calendar to arrange move in plans