Graduate school application (Master's)

Applying to graduate school for a Master's degree is a multi-step process that ideally begins 12-18 months before your intended start date. Unlike undergraduate admissions, graduate admissions focus heavily on your professional goals, research interests, relevant experience, and fit with the specific program.

59 steps across 12 sections

1. 18 Months Before (Spring of Prior Year)

  • Begin researching programs and schools
  • Identify 8-12 programs of interest based on faculty research, curriculum, outcomes, and location
  • Start building relationships with professors who can write recommendations
  • Research funding options (assistantships, fellowships, employer sponsorship)

2. 12-15 Months Before (Summer)

  • Register for and begin studying for the GRE/GMAT (if required)
  • Request information from programs; attend virtual info sessions
  • Start drafting your statement of purpose
  • Update your CV/resume
  • Identify 3-4 recommenders and informally ask if they'd be willing to write letters

3. 10-12 Months Before (Early Fall)

  • Take the GRE/GMAT (allows time to retake if needed)
  • Finalize your list of programs (typically 5-8 schools)
  • Request official transcripts from all previous institutions
  • Begin completing applications
  • Formally ask recommenders for letters (give them 6-8 weeks minimum)
  • Refine your statement of purpose with feedback from mentors

4. 8-10 Months Before (Mid-Fall to Early Winter)

  • Submit applications (most deadlines fall between November and March)
  • Send GRE/GMAT scores to schools
  • Confirm recommenders have submitted letters
  • Complete the FAFSA (if applying for federal financial aid)

5. 6-8 Months Before (Winter/Spring)

  • Receive admission decisions (typically January-April)
  • Visit admitted student events (virtual or in-person)
  • Compare funding offers
  • April 15 CGS Resolution deadline — you don't need to commit to any funded offer before April 15

6. 4-6 Months Before (Spring/Summer)

  • Accept your offer and submit enrollment deposit
  • Complete any required immunizations or background checks
  • Attend orientation

7. GRE (Graduate Record Examination)

  • Who needs it Many humanities, social science, STEM, and some business programs
  • Sections Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, Analytical Writing
  • Score range 130-170 (Verbal and Quant); 0-6 (Writing)
  • Cost ~$220
  • Validity 5 years
  • Prep time 2-4 months recommended
  • Test-optional trend Many programs have dropped the GRE requirement since 2020; always check

8. GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test)

  • Who needs it Business school (MBA, specialized Master's in business)
  • Sections Quantitative, Verbal, Data Insights
  • Score range 205-805 (GMAT Focus Edition)
  • Cost ~$300
  • Validity 5 years
  • Note Over 90% of MBA programs now accept the GRE as an alternative to the GMAT

9. Test Strategy

  • Check each program's requirements — some are test-optional, some have minimums, some don't require tests at all
  • Take a practice test early to identify strengths and weaknesses
  • Budget 2-4 months for focused preparation
  • Take the test early enough to retake if your score is below target
  • Many programs report the median or average test scores of admitted students — use these as benchmarks

10. What It Is

  • A 500-1,000 word essay explaining why you want to pursue this specific degree at this specific program
  • The single most important element you control in your application
  • Your chance to demonstrate fit, motivation, and potential

11. Key Content Areas

  • Opening hook: What drives your interest in this field? (Avoid cliches like "ever since I was a child")
  • Academic and professional background: Relevant coursework, research, and work experience
  • Why this program: Specific faculty you want to work with, courses that excite you, research labs or centers of interest
  • Your goals: What you plan to do with the degree (career goals, research goals)
  • Why you: What unique perspective or experience do you bring?

12. Writing Tips

  • Be specific Name professors, courses, research groups — show you've done your homework
  • Show, don't tell Instead of "I'm passionate about data science," describe a project that demonstrates it
  • Answer the prompt Each school may have different questions; tailor your response
  • Keep it concise 500-1,000 words (1-2 single-spaced pages) — quality over quantity
  • Use your own voice Admissions committees can detect AI-generated writing; the SOP should be authentically yours
  • Get feedback Have 2-3 people review drafts (a professor, a peer in the field, and someone outside the field for clarity)
  • Tailor each SOP Never submit a generic statement; customize for every program

Common Mistakes

  • Starting too late
  • Applying to too few programs
  • Writing a generic statement of purpose
  • Choosing programs based on ranking alone
  • Neglecting to research faculty

Pro Tips

  • Email potential advisors/faculty
  • Ask current students
  • If you're applying from work
  • Apply to at least one "safety" program
  • Negotiate funding offers

Sources

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