Northwestern University
University Career Services
Graduate School Application Timeline Each graduate school program has its own requirements and deadlines. The timeline below is a general overview of the application process. Please note the materials and timing required for each application you plan to submit.
S PRING /S UMMER
J UNIOR Y EAR
Talk to NU professors, advisors, and graduate students for advice on programs and schools Meet with a Career Counselor for assistance with decision making, goal setting, and planning Prepare for and take standardized entrance exams Attend UCS graduate school workshops Research graduate school and program websites Open a recommendation file with UCS Acquire letters of recommendation from two or three faculty members Make a checklist of requirements and deadlines for each school Verify with the Registrar that your official transcript is accurate and up-to-date Draft a general statement of purpose Visit prospective campuses and talk with students and faculty
F ALL
OF
OF
S ENIOR
YEAR
Complete applications at least two months before deadlines Apply for financial assistance Have your personal statement reviewed by UCS staff, faculty, and peers Submit application documents to schools at least one month before the deadline. Request transcripts, entrance exam scores, and recommendation letters be forwarded to the schools Verify with each school that all of your application materials have been received and are complete Prepare for interviews and do a mock interview with UCS staff
WINTER/ SPRING OF SENIOR YEAR
Interview, if necessary Develop a ‘Plan B’ by brainstorming and discussing alternative options Evaluate and submit offers of acceptance Write thank you notes to those who helped you along the way Congratulate yourself and celebrate getting through the process!!
University Career Services Main Location: 620 Lincoln Street Career Lab: Main Library, Core Reserves, 2nd Flr Phone: 847-491-3700 www.northwestern.edu/careers
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