Checklist for Graduate School applications:
o
o
o
o
o
September through mid-October: Research and identify schools, using resources on handout.
These are found in the Psychology lab/lounge and in Career Services.
September through mid-October: Take the GRE now, before you get into the hardest part of the
semester and you are too busy to do well.
Mid-October through early November: Complete your portion of applications, including signing
waivers, requesting transcripts, requesting test scores, gathering all forms.
November (or 3 weeks prior to the first application deadline on your list): Complete request for letter
of recommendation forms, distribute these and the corresponding forms from the schools, to your
recommenders. PLEASE organize these and make sure that ALL the information on our request form
is complete.
Four to six days prior to deadline: Mail completed application packet. Be sure to include everything
requested, including fees. Send polite email reminder to your selected recommenders.
It is a good idea to remember a few tips:
1. Select at least 3 schools within your expected range of GPA/GRE level, at least 2 that are
fall-back positions (just in case), and at least 2 that are at a higher (reach) level. Don’t put all
your eggs in one basket, but don’t be afraid to push for the best.
2. Be sure to include the exact name of the specific program to which you are applying on your
request form to your recommenders, so that we may properly recommend you for the
appropriate program.
3. Be sure to include a mailing address for each school, EVEN IF the recommendation forms
will be mailed directly to you in a sealed envelope. Any formal letter must begin with an
address block at the top. We cannot properly design the letter without that information.
4. Please include your own contact information on your request for recommendation form,
especially if the due date is during the holiday break. If we are missing any information or
have any questions, we need to be able to reach you before that deadline.
5. Do not send out your personal statement without having at least one of your faculty
recommenders read it, first. We can identify anything you might be missing or discover
anything you might not want to say.