Graduate Application Process

 

Graduate application timeline

As an undergraduate, it is hard to know exactly which path to choose post-college, but if you think you are interested in getting a Ph.D. in science, then the trick to getting into the top graduate schools is to PLAN AHEAD! 

 

Below is a detailed four-year timeline, use it as a guideline and adapt it to fit your needs.  If you are a junior or a senior you will probably find that you have already completed the steps listed for the first and second years.

 

Freshmen Year
    • Explore the different majors offered at Pomona and determine which one interests you the most.  Make a preliminary four-year course plan that encompasses all your math and science requirements.

     

    • Keep an eye out for possible research opportunities (SURP grants, internships, volunteer research opportunities) for the summer. It is always a good idea to start your research experience early.

     

Sophomore Year
    • Settle on a major and adjust your four-year course plan accordingly.  Most importantly get good grades in your major classes!

     

    • Identify professors at Pomona whose research interests you and contact them about potential research opportunities.

     

    • Create a resume (the CDO is a good resource for help).  This will be useful when applying for jobs or research internships outside of Pomona.  Also listing all of your accomplishments and qualifications will allow you to identify areas that you need to improve or strengthen. 

     

    • Get a summer research job.

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Junior Year
    • Find a thesis professor and strengthen other relationships with faculty who could write you letters of recommendation.

     

    • Start researching graduate schools and programs.

     

    • If you have time in the spring semester, take the subject GRE required by your programs of interest. (Otherwise you will have to take it during the fall of Senior year when you are busy with applications and school.)

     

    • Continue to research or find new summer opportunities.

     

    • Update your resume or CV.

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Summer Before Senior Year
    • If you haven’t already, reserve GRE test dates online to get the optimal day and test site.   Also buy GRE prep books or CDs and allow yourself enough time to study.

     

    • Research potential graduate programs online, and make a list of schools that you are really interested in.

     

    • Request application materials so that you can read about these programs in depth and learn about their admissions processes.

     

    • Brainstorm ideas for your personal statement.  If you have time, write a draft that you can edit in September.

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Senior Year
September:
    • Take or retake the general GRE.

     

    • Finalize your graduate school list and start filling out your personal information for each application online.  If a school doesn’t have an online application, request that one be sent to you.

     

    • Complete your personal statement so you can have it peer edited by faculty, family, or friends.

     

    • Request letters of recommendation so recommenders have plenty of time to write their letters.

     

    • Research fellowships opportunities (internet, CDO) and begin applying.
October:
    • Take the general GRE and subject GRE if necessary (Subject GRE is offered at the beginning of Oct., Nov., and Apr.)

     

    • Send your GRE scores and Pomona transcript to all of your programs a few weeks before turning in your applications.

     

    • Try to finish your applications by the end of the month to give you time to look over everything before submit your applications.

     

    • Continue to apply for fellowships and request necessary recommendations.
November:
    • Take the subject GRE if required.

     

    • Finish your applications and send in your application fees, usually online with a credit card. 
December:
    • Check that your applications are complete and that programs have received your recommendations, transcripts, and scores.

     

    • Wait to hear for interview offers starting in late December until February.
January-March:
    • Attend interview weekends! 

     

    • Hear back from schools.
April:
    • Make your final decision and submit your letter of intent (to only one school!) by April 15th.  It is common courtesy to let other programs know as soon as possible if you are not accepting their offer.

     

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