Application Timeline

Here is an example timeline for completing all necessary application materials for the Fall:

August

  • Check your requirements for graduation to ensure you are on track to graduate in the Spring
  • You may want to meet with your advisor to ensure both Psych and General Ed requirements are met (or will be by the end of the academic year)
  • Take statistics and research methods if you haven’t already
  • Sign up for research credits with a faculty member (unless already completed)
  • Talk with faculty about writing letters of recommendation (and obtain a list of any materials they require from you to write the letters)
  • Purchase GRE test prep materials
  • Register for the GRE-general test and GRE-psych test (if needed)
  • September
  • Contact faculty you are interested in working with to see if they are accepting students for the upcoming application cycle.
  • Start working on drafts of your CV, personal statement, and list of faculty mentors. Get feedback on these drafts from faculty, research advisors, and other students.


October

  • Request official transcripts (if they can be sent to you to be included in the application packet).
  • Take the GRE-general test no later than mid-October to ensure test results are received by the programs by the application deadlines.
  • Finalize your CV, personal statement, and list of faculty mentors.


November

  • Complete online application forms. Do this early as some programs only send out the necessary recommendation forms to your letter writers after you have completed your application form.
  • Make sure to give all of your letter writers any requested materials (including a list of all programs applying to, information about faculty interests at those programs, and any required information from the letter writer) at least one month in advance of your earliest application deadline so that they have enough time to complete the letters and submit them.
  • Request any official transcripts that are required to be sent directly to the program (give at least 2 weeks time to get there).
  • Send any paper copies of materials to programs—recommendation is to send this information by mail at least 2 weeks prior to the application deadline.


December

  • Relax! Sites will be receiving many applications during the application window, and cannot provide you with any feedback on your application. You probably won’t hear any updates until January or February, so enjoy the break from testing, writing, and applying and take your final exams!
  • If wanted, take a look at some example interview questions and practice how you would answer each one.