• Conduct a self assessment to determine values, interests, skills, and goals.

• Research areas of interest, institutions, and programs.

• Talk with faculty, alumni, and professionals in your field about possible programs.

• Determine testing requirements for the program(s) you're considering applying to and plan for taking tests.

• Call or write to the graduate school admission department for each school you are considering and request an application form, bulletin, and financial aid information.

• Ask faculty-employers to write letters of recommendation.

• Take required graduate admissions tests if you have not done so already.

• Check on application deadlines and rolling admission policies.

• Attend Luther's Graduate/Professional School Day (usually held in late September or early October) to talk with graduate school representative.

• Prepare a personal statement of interests and goals.

• Complete a student resume or curriculum vita.

• Send the following to the graduate program(s): application, official transcript (sent by Luther registrar), deposit, test scores (GRE, LSAT, GMAT, MAT, MCAT, etc.), and letters of recommendation.

• Visit schools of interest, if possible.

• For programs with December deadlines, check with all institutions to whom you have submitted an application to make sure your file is complete.

• Complete Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

• For programs with January to February deadlines, check with all institutions to whom you have submitted an application to make sure your file is complete.

• You should be notified about admittance and/or assistantships sometime between mid-March and mid-April.

• Visit institutions that accept you.

• After receiving word of acceptance and making your decision, send a letter of confirmation to the institution of your choice. Notify other colleges and universities of your decision so they may admit students on their waiting list.

• Send thank-you notes to people who wrote your recommendation letters, informing them of your success.