Continue the Journey

Applying for graduate school requires organization, time, and care. In order to complete the steps summarized below, it is important to plan ahead and set aside sufficient time. Make sure to obtain application materials as early as possible and read them thoroughly.

• Fees are required for submitting graduate and professional school applications.
• The University of California requires an application fee for each campus to which you apply.
• Many institutions, including UC, offer application fee waivers. Check with the graduate division at the campus you are considering to inquire about a waiver.
• Professional schools such as law, medicine, and dentistry may require separate application fees.

Though application processes vary, many applications, including UC’s, require you to take the following steps. Make sure to obtain and follow the exact instructions and deadlines for each specific school and program.

1. Request letters of recommendation.
• You will need at least three letters of recommendation. These letters should be written by faculty members who are familiar with your academic work and with you personally.
• In some fields it is also appropriate to provide letters from others, such as administrators or community members, who are familiar with your work.
• Usually letter writers are required to send their recommendations directly to departments, schools, or to an advisory or placement service. Check for specific instructions in the application materials sent to you.
2. Arrange for your official undergraduate and Master’s program transcript(s) to be sent from all institutions you have attended (including any community college work).
3. Arrange for your GRE scores to be sent to all institutions to which you are applying. (See “GRE Record Exam ” for further details regarding the GRE.)
4. Draft your Statement of Purpose.
• Applications for graduate or professional school usually require a Statement of Purpose, which is important to admission selection committees. It provides them with a sample of your writing skills and demonstrates your ability to present ideas in a clear, coherent fashion. The essay should describe your background and your reasons for wanting to pursue advanced study in your chosen field. If the application asks you to respond to questions or cover certain topics, make sure that you do. (See section "Statement of Purpose" for further details.)
5. Include special materials.
• If you have special materials that you have not included in your Statement of Purpose (such as an article you have published or a resume of work and/or community service experience), you may wish to attach them to the other application materials you are submitting. These materials are generally sent directly to the department or program office to which you are applying.
6. Prepare any necessary financial statements for financial support.
• Most institutions require those interested in financial support to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, more commonly known as the FAFSA. For more information or on-line application options visit: www.fafsa.ed.gov
• Some campuses, programs, and/or financial aid offices require you to submit an in-house form. To check if this is the case, contact your program or department office.
• Financial aid information may be found at: www.fafsa.org/otheraid/grad.phtml
7. Complete and send your admissions application forms, materials, and payment before the deadline.
• Some campuses and programs have on-line application and fee payment capacity which may expedite your application process.
8. Check with each institution to which you have applied to make sure your application has been received and is complete.