When should you apply to grad school?

Answer 1

You should apply to graduate school when you feel that

a) You are ready to go to a graduate school - this means ready to attend school again financially and mentally. Do you need a break after college to keep from being worn out? You may have to move across the country depending upon where you are accepted. Is now an appropriate time in your life for that move?

b) You have the postgraduate experience and other extracurriculars needed to have a strong application. This depends upon the field you are applying for. For example, medical school requires at least some hours of clinical experience, for MBA-- the average is 5-7 years of work experience, and for PhD programs research experience is required and publications help.

c) The application cycle generally ends in November/ December. With that in mind, you should have a strong relationship with at least a couple recommenders by June, so you can ask for a recommendation in August or September, have completed a good GRE by September or October, and have the rest of your application materials partially completed by October so you can spend the last month honing your essays.