Timing Your Graduate School Applications for Fall 2018
Introduction
Applying for graduate school can be a complex process, but understanding the timing is crucial. For the Fall 2018 admission cycle, the key is to start preparing and submitting your applications well in advance.
Understanding the Timeline
The standard advice is to start applying in the fall of the previous year. This timeframe ensures that you have sufficient time to gather all necessary documents, secure any required test scores, and submit your application by the deadlines. Typically, most universities begin accepting applications in late August or early September, with the majority of deadlines falling between December and January, especially for those seeking financial aid.
Key Deadlines and Submission Windows
Most schools use two types of deadlines: a priority deadline and a regular deadline.
Priority Deadline: This is the earlier deadline for students who need financial aid or scholarships. For the Fall 2019 application cycle, most universities with priority deadlines will have them around late December to January 2019. It is important to check the specific deadline from the university's official website for accuracy. Regular Deadline: This is the later cutoff for students who are not applying for financial aid or scholarships. Regular deadlines for Fall 2019 applications are typically in the range of late March to early April, again varying by institution.When to Start the Application Process
Students should start preparing for their applications well before the deadlines. Here’s a potential timeline:
Begin collecting required documents (transcripts, personal statement, CV, etc.) in the previous Fall or Spring semester. Register for necessary exams (GRE, TOEFL, etc.) in the Fall or early Spring to ensure scores are available before the application deadlines. Request letters of recommendation from your professors or professionals in the field. Prepare and write your personal statement and ensure it reflects your experiences and motivations. Decide on your top institutions and start filling out applications in November or December. Submit your applications by the priority deadline if you are seeking financial aid, or by the regular deadline if not.When to Submit is Advisable
While it's important to submit your application by the deadline, the key is to ensure it is complete. Universities do not review applications before the deadline. They only evaluate complete packets once the deadline has passed. This means that submitting your application even a few minutes before the deadline is just as good as submitting it a few days early.
Soft Deadlines vs. Hard Deadlines
Most deadlines are considered "soft," meaning late applications may still be accepted, but the chances of admission decrease. Earlier submissions are given more consideration because they are more likely to be complete. Once the application window closes, late applications will be held until the next round, which may not have as competitive an intake.
Conclusion
Timing your graduate school application is critical for the best chances of admission and securing financial assistance. By starting your preparation early and submitting your application well before the deadline, you increase your chances of a successful admission into the graduate program of your choice.