Don‘t think: (1) Apply → (2) Go There [a.k.a. Matriculate]

Instead think: (1) Apply →
                             (2) Accepted →
                                   (3) Financial Aid Package →
                                         (4) Go There [a.k.a. Matriculate]

When searching and applying to graduate school, the earlier you start the better.  Especially if you need financial aid, you want to get applications done by December of the year before you want to start.  For example, if you want to start graduate school in September 2027, you want to have completed applications ready to be submitted by December 1, 2026.

Also, if have not yet begun your senior year of undergraduate, I strongly suggest you consider participating in a (structured) summer research opportunity program.  Also, check your local institution for other “pipeline” options.

As you think about graduate school, here is a list of items you have to assemble:

1.  Copies of transcripts for all post secondary education you have acquired.
2.  At least three people to write letters of recommendation for you.  All three should have PhDs and preferably be faculty members in your field of interest. 
3.  Graduate Record Examination (G.R.E.) score, if required.
4.  A writing sample; usually your best research paper. 
5.  Statement of purpose describing why you want to go to that particular graduate school.
6.  A cover letter & CV.

Graduate applications can cost up to $150.00 each.  If you think you qualify, it is worth your while to contact the institution directly and request an application fee waiver.  Requests from economically disadvantaged students, first generation college students, and minorities are sometimes honored.  Also, if the program has an open house (usually online), you can get an application fee waiver if you attend their session.  Further, there is a way for ‘under represented’ students to get a fee waiver to 18 university graduate programs around the country.

Most important to many students is paying for graduate school.  In addition to the Federal Government’s SallieMae site, check your college’s office of student services’ website. Many of them have sections dedicated to financial aid.

Again, two of the most important variables to successfully applying to graduate school is time and organization.  To help with time, you need to start as early as you can.  To help with organization, students have found this spreadsheet very useful.  Further, this sample personal statement has proven helpful.

Good luck with your graduate school search!