Timeline for Applying to Grad School
with Reflection and Intention
This is a suggested timeline for exploring your post-bachelor’s degree options and, should you decide to do so, applying to graduate programs. The timeline assumes a four-year, eight-semester undergraduate experience that begins in the fall. Many students don’t follow this route. If you’re one of them, simply adapt this timeline to work for you. If you’re already well into your program, have no fear! Just adapt this timeline to fit the time you have left.
Semesters 1–4: Dig In
In your first and second years as an undergraduate, focus on developing skills, digging into the basics, and completing your problem sets. Do research, go to conferences, attend job fairs, and talk to people about their careers and backgrounds.
Semester 5: Explore
You’re in upper-level classes now and may be getting a taste of research. What are you enjoying most? Is it studying certain subjects, applying specific skills, or researching the unknown? Spend this year trying new things: present posters, teach science lessons to kids, build a robot, and visit labs. Ask people what graduate school is like, and explore the many kinds of graduate programs that are out there. Hint: You can apply to more than just physics and astronomy graduate programs! Look into adjacent fields like biophysics, medical physics, science writing, and engineering. Also, go to job fairs and ask who hires physics majors. Find out what your department alumni do and how they got there. What are you most passionate about?
Semester 6: Imagine and Reflect
Try on the idea of another 2 to 8 years of in-depth study and research. Can you see it? How does it feel? Consider your career and life goals. Is grad school required, preferred, or not necessary? If you’re drawn to the grad school path, browse programs on GradSchoolShopper.com and other sites, and talk to everyone you can about their experiences. Reflect on your values and identify what you’re looking for in a program: size, location, department culture, research specialties, and financial assistance. List programs that interest you, check their requirements, and make sure you’re on track to meet them. If entrance exams are required (like the general GRE or subject GRE), schedule them and make a study plan. Also look into fellowships and scholarships. If grad school sounds less than compelling or isn’t required to reach your goals, you might decide to exit this timeline now. That’s totally valid and commendable—it’s your future! Prepare for the job search by interviewing people with careers that pique your interest. Research who’s hiring physics and astronomy majors, attend career fairs, participate in professional development workshops on résumé writing and interviewing for jobs, and network, network, network.
Summer Before Semester 7:
Prepare You deserve a break after wrapping up finals, but don’t let it last all summer—this is key prep time. Research your list of programs, see if they have faculty doing research that interests you (and reach out to them!), and reflect on whether you could see yourself in that program, location, and lab. Then decide which programs you’ll apply to and examine their applications. Draft your statements and responses to all prompts, and update your résumé or CV. Ask faculty members and mentors for feedback on your drafts and revise them. This is also the time to plan for application-related expenses (application fees, entrance exams, transcript requests, etc.) and, if cost is a barrier, request application fee waivers from programs.
Semester 7: Apply
Most US graduate school applications are due in late fall for the following academic year, which can be difficult to juggle with finals and end-of-semester projects. Work on your applications early and consistently (and thank yourself for starting over the summer!). Make a spreadsheet to track the status of program requirements and deadlines. Request your transcripts, exam scores, and letters of recommendation early. Finalize your personal statement and essays for each program, your résumé, and other materials. Ask the writing center or a friend to proofread everything, then submit your applications! Make sure all of your letters of recommendation are submitted, and don’t be afraid to nudge writers if a deadline is looming.
Semester 8: Take the Next Step
Breathe. Remember that no matter the outcome, you won’t be out of options. You may be invited to participate in interviews or site visits or simply receive letters noting whether you’ve been accepted. If you receive offers, consider your options, revisit your values, and decide what’s next for you. If you don’t receive offers, know that you’re not alone, and take some time to reflect on a path forward. This is a tough time to apply, and graduate school can definitely still be in your future! See page 17 for some advice on what to do if you don’t get in.
BETTER TOGETHER
Are your friends or SPS peers applying to graduate school at the same time as you? Make it a group effort. Plan regular working sessions to hold each other accountable —with snacks! Consider themed sessions, such as résumé writing or editing personal statements, and invite faculty members, alumni, or your school’s career center to provide advice and feedback. You can also bring along tips from past SPS Observer articles and use them for reference.
COMMONLY REQUIRED APPLICATION MATERIALS
- Application form
- Résumé or CV
- Written essays (e.g., personal statement or research statement)
- College transcripts
- Letters of recommendation
Depending on the program, entrance exams such as the GRE general test, a GRE subject test, or an English proficiency test may also be required.
LEARN MORE
Check out these SPS Observer articles for expert advice on graduate school.
