2025-2026 Purdue University Career Success Handbook

Graduate School Application Timeline

Special Consideration for Application Deadlines

☐ Application deadlines vary! You may need to adjust this timeline to meet the deadlines of the programs you apply to, so be sure to note each program’s application deadline. This timeline is based on a January 1 deadline. ☐ If you find more than one deadline for your program of interest, use the earliest deadline to set you timeline; this is most often the one you must meet to be considered for fellowships and other financial assistance. ☐ Access more resources at https://www.purdue.edu/gradschool/pro spective/preparing/

Summer Before Senior Year

☐ Identify your goals and consider whether or no graduate school is right for you. ☐ Write a draft of your personal statement. ☐ Research program options and requirements by browsing through graduate program guides (online and hard copy), university websites, and other resources. ☐ Research fellowships and other types of financial assistance. Consider government agencies, philanthropic organizations, the schools you apply to, and professional organizations or honor societies as potential sources of funding. ☐ Register and start preparing for required standardized tests.

August – September

☐ Meet with faculty members in your department to discuss your personal statement, possible programs to consider, and potential fellowships and other funding sources. ☐ Determine which schools you will apply to. ☐ Get organized. Create a file for each school you will apply to and keep all related application information in the appropriate file. ☐ Continue preparing for standardized tests.