Graduate School Planning Checklist

Many students start graduate programs in the fall semester, although many of our programs have highly flexible admissions dates. Some programs will require students to start in the fall or even in the summer, so you should always check academic program requirements. Students should contact the Graduate College or their academic program for more information. In order to provide an example, this timeline is based on starting in the fall semester and anticipates that you will spend a year or so making the decision to enroll. Many students will be able to carry these steps out in a much shorter time frame.

Summer
• Write a draft statement of purpose and/or a personal statement.
• Review graduate programs to help choose the ones that meet your personal goals.
• Meet with an OU-Tulsa academic programs representative to discuss your objectives and plans.
August-September
• Meet with faculty to discuss your personal statement and learn about the academic program.
• Ask for letters of recommendation.
• Develop a personal timeline for your application process.
• Sign up to take any standardized tests.
October
• Take whatever standardized tests are required. Be sure to list OU-Tulsa as a recipient of test results.
• Gather together the OU-Tulsa application for admission and any additional materials required by your academic program.
• Complete your personal statement, adjusting it to your selected academic program.
• Order official transcripts from all the post-secondary institutions that you have attended. Have these transcripts sent to the OU-Tulsa Graduate College.
November
• Complete the application forms.
• Provide your recommenders with all the information that they will need to write recommendations for you.
December-January
• Submit your applications. It is better to submit earlier than later.
• Submit the OU application for financial aid.
• File the Free Application for Federal Student Assistance (FAFSA) once you have filed your income tax for the previous year.
• This is also the time to apply for a Graduate research Assistantship.
Summer-Fall
• Start Classes!

Remember that this timeline is an example only. Many students don’t start the process for Fall admissions until late spring or even in the summer. While not required, earlier is better, especially in identifying financial aid and research assistantships. Also many of our programs have highly competitive admissions and later applications may be placed on waiting lists even though you are academically qualified.