Graduate school is one of the biggest decisions you can make in your life and time consuming from the beginning. As you invest time in applying, it is essential to showcase your skills to the best of your ability while still effectively managing your time in your already busy schedule. To help you with this process, we have created a handy checklist to make it more manageable.
Finishing Your Graduate Application: A Handy Checklist
☐ Research universities and programs
When researching universities and colleges for a program, it is important to start early so you can find the program that is best for you. I recommend starting the research process at least 12-18 months before you plan to begin the program. When researching, you should create a document to track important details, such as website links, program names, admissions requirements, costs, objectives, where to send documents, application links, important phone numbers, and school codes.
☐ Set deadlines for yourself—start early and overcompensate
Use your research document to map out your personal deadlines and add them to your calendar to hold you accountable. Give yourself a couple of weeks for each item at most. Delaying will only push back your start time.
☐ Organize all documents in one place
Having all your documents in one place can help you stay organized. To organize, create a folder for all your documents and label them clearly. If they are specific to a school, be sure to name them accordingly. Each document type should have its own folder:
- Transcripts
- Personal/goal statements
- Resume
- References
- Templates for emails, statements, and resumes
☐ Reach out to references early
It’s important to reach out to your references early, so they have time to write you a thoughtful reference. Check out helpful blog posts for tips and guidance.
☐ Proofread before uploading
It is always important to proofread your documents before uploading them to the application portal. At Kent State, we recommend submitting your application and uploading your documents as they come in or get finished. Our system will notify you what we are missing so you can keep track, and it will not submit to the committee for review until all items have been received.
☐ Follow up
If you are unsure of anything, follow up with our Admissions Coordinator, who can assist you through the entire application process. Additionally, if you are waiting on anything from someone for your application, like a reference letter then you should follow up with them as well.
☐ Pay fees
Paying your application is a crucial step in moving the process forward. Kent State offers a free graduate application week usually in the fall and spring. Keep an eye out for those special promotions.
By using this checklist and staying organized, you will be able to move through the application in a timely fashion. Remember, start early and stay proactive so you can present your strongest application. We’re here to support you every step of the way—good luck as you take this important step toward advancing your education and career!
