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SIGI 3

Squeezing the Timetable

You can shrink the timetable and meet deadlines in less time, but take into consideration the following:

• Various life obligations -- family, work, school, etc.
• Prerequisite requirements such as student teaching or internships
• Availability of those people who are writing letters of recommendation on your behalf
• Testing requirements for admission to your graduate program
• Transcript requests -- many schools may take up to 6-8 weeks to deliver transcripts after your initial request

Want to attend Illinois State?

Interested in attending Illinois State? Learn more about the following:

• Graduate admission process
• Online application

Applying for Graduate School

The key to applying for graduate school is to begin early! Begin your graduate school search at least a year before you hope to enter graduate school and submit your application as early as possible. Many graduate programs do not follow institution admission application deadlines. It is always a good idea to contact the graduate program directly.

The following is a suggested checklist for fall admission and timetable for general purposes.

Spring / Summer (18 months)

• Visit the Career Resource Center and meet with the Graduate School Specialist.

• Write a draft statement of purpose or personal statement. (Meet with your academic advisor to enroll in a course designed to coach you in this process).

• Start browsing the graduate school guides, Web sites, and course catalogs.

Summer

• Determine which tests you will be required to take

• Prepare for entrance exams

• Find study materials

• Practice taking the test on a computer and against the clock

August to September

• Meet with faculty mentor or Graduate School Specialist to review your personal statement and ask for recommended programs

• Determine who can provide letters of recommendation and ask if they are willing

• Register for tests

• Narrow down choices to 5 to 10 programs

October

• Take the required test(s)

• Review materials and narrow to 3 to 5 programs

• Locate and record all deadlines and requirements for a complete application

• Finalize your personal statement and customize for each program

• Order transcripts for all post-secondary institutions (if you need fall grades, put this off until December)

• Do more complete preparation for test if taking again

November

• Complete application forms (do a practice on photocopy first)

• Give letter-writers all information they need to write letters and forward to your schools

• Take test(s) again if you have determined this is best course

• Spend time with graduate school specialists if you have any questions

December/January

• Mail applications. Although many are not due until March 1, you have a better chance for at financial assistance and early acceptance if your application is in early

• Contact letter writers to confirm reference letters have been sent

• Celebrate the holidays and talk to your family about the choices you are making