• Research graduate programs and fellowships.
• Consult possible recommenders and ascertain their whereabouts during fall.
• Arrange to take the GREs (once in the spring and once in the early fall) and begin studying for them. (Exams taken after October may not be reported in time for consideration, and exam dates are limited.)

• Write to request applications (Note that many graduate programs prefer an online application form now).
• Secure agreements from 3 letter writers.
• Take GREs for the second time (by October at the latest).
• Choose research paper for use as a writing sample and begin revising it - in consultation with the professor for whom you wrote it, if possible.

• You should have the letter and application forms by now. When you have them all, deliver letter forms and stamped, addressed envelopes to your recommenders along with the following information:
  • your grades and sample papers (preferably with their comments) from courses taken with the professor,
  • your GPA and GRE scores,
  • a copy of your writing sample,
  • a resume with information about relevant educational and work experience, language proficiency, honors, and travel, and
  • contact information.

November

• Present draft of statement of purpose to one or more of your professors for advice by mid-month; revise. See Preparing Your Statement of Purpose & Personal Statement.
• Many fellowship deadlines are in November and December. Keep yourself informed of these dates.

• Mail all application materials by December 1. Check with departments about arrival of letters and other materials one week before first deadline.

February - March

• Some fellowship offers go out during this period. Some schools also offer campus visits to fellowship recipients. If you get an invitation, go!

• All offers of admission should arrive by April 1. (Fellowship offers generally go out earlier.)
• You will have until April 15 to decide which offer to accept.