GRADUATE APPLICATION CALENDAR

Each college and university in the United States has its own admissions procedures and deadlines. Deadlines are strictly enforced and universities will not accept students who apply after the deadline, regardless of their qualifications. What follows is a general calendar, to use as a model when applying to graduate programs in the United States. Contact each school you plan to apply to for more specific information.

OBJECTIVES PLANNED DATE OF

COMPLETION

COMPLETED

February-May

Attend an EducationUSA orientation to gather

information.

Research and compare several graduate

programs in your field and complete the school

comparison worksheet.

Determine which exams you need to take.

Elaborate a calendar for the next steps to take.

Register for the required exams.

Determine your financial contribution and need.

Look for available scholarships.

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May-August Study for the exams.

Identify your ideal 5-7 schools that offer a

degree in your field of study.

Take the exams by the end of July and have

official test scores sent to schools.

Write 1st drafts of personal statement and

study objectives.

Begin online applications.

Begin scholarship applications.

Contact professors or departments you are most

interested in with questions or to notify them

you are applying.

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August-October Get official transcripts with translation.

Request letters of recommendation, giving

employers or professors enough time and

instruction for each school.

Review your personal statement and study

objectives.

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November

Review your final list of programs.

Complete essays for each school (have them

revised by a native English speaker).

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Complete online applications and pay the

application fee.

Check to see what financial aid forms are

required for international students.

Send all application package materials to

schools.

Complete scholarship applications.

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December-January Monitor your applications to be sure all

materials are received by the schools.

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February-April

Review your college acceptances and financial

aid awards. Compare financial aid packages.

If you are positive you will not enroll at a

particular college, notify them as soon as

possible.

Apply for a passport or renew your passport if it

is about to expire.

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May

Send in your tuition deposit and follow

instructions for admitted students.

If you are on the waiting list for your first-

choice, do not lose hope. Let them know you are

still very interested and keep them updated on

your activities.

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June Apply for your student visa. The university you

have agreed to attend will send you an I-20 form

or DS-2019 form.

Make a visa appointment at the U.S. Embassy.

Keep in mind that summer is a very popular time

to apply for a visa.

Know when payment for tuition, room and

board, meal plans, etc. is due.

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July Attend Pre-departure Orientation at

EducationUSA.

Look for information in the mail regarding

housing, roommate(s), orientation, course

selection, etc.

Make flight and housing plans.

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August-September

Matriculate in your new university

Don’t forget to write an email to let your

EducationUSA Advisers know where you are!!!

mexicodf@educationusa.info

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Updated: Aug. 2014.