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University of Nebraska–Lincoln

Career Services

Graduate & Professional School Information

Timeline for Applying to Graduate School

The following timeline is a suggested set of actions for a typical May graduate applying to graduate school. Timelines for health programs may vary slightly. For more information about applying to these programs, visit the Career Resource Center in 225 Nebraska Union.

JUNIOR YEAR

Spring

  • Research programs in your field. Collect school catalogs, contact the professional/licensing organizations, speak to current students/graduates of interesting programs, consult reference books, websites or software.
  • Identify which standardized tests are required for admission and when they are offered during the year. For most programs, the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) will be required.
  • Choose a test date for the GRE and any required Subject test. Consider taking a test preparation course.

Summer

  • Begin a preliminary list of people to write recommendation letters for you.
  • Investigate programs you are interested in.
  • Begin filling our financial aid forms.
  • Begin drafting personal statements.
  • Contact programs and get current catalogs and applications.
  • Take admissions tests.

SENIOR YEAR

Fall

  • Begin filling out applications.
  • Take admissions tests if you have not already done so.
  • Choose recommenders and get all necessary info to them one month in advance.
  • Finish paperwork for financial aid.