NORTHWESTERN CAREER ADVANCEMENT

Graduate and Professional School Application Timeline

Spring/Summer of Application Year

• Talk to NU professors, academic advisors, or TA’s for advice on programs and schools
• Meet with an NCA Career Counselor for assistance with the graduate school decision-making or application process
• Review individual graduate school/department websites or obtain information directly from your program of interest
• Prepare for and take standardized entrance exams in spring, summer or fall
• Make a checklist of requirements and deadlines for each school. Financial aid applications may be due earlier than your overall application.
• Begin asking for letters of recommendation from 2-3 professors or advisors
• Research and review program applications
• Verify with the Registrar that your official transcript is accurate and up-to-date
• Draft a general statement of purpose

Fall of Application Year

• If taking time off, have your professors write your recommendations to keep on file
• Make an appointment with an NCA Career Counselor or visit the Writing Place for help with your personal statement
• Request that transcripts, entrance exam scores, and recommendation letters be forwarded to each of your schools (unless otherwise indicated on the application)
• Submit application documents to schools by or before the deadline
• Prior to the deadline, verify with each school that all of your application materials are complete.
• Prepare for interviews, if necessary

Winter of Application Year

• Develop a ‘Plan B’ by brainstorming and discussing alternative options with an NCA Career Counselor
• Evaluate and submit offers of acceptance
• Negotiate any scholarship or grant offers as applicable
• Congratulate yourself and celebrate getting through the process!

For personalized guidance, schedule an appointment with our team. For quick questions, connect with us via daily drop-in hours (virtually or in-person).

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