This is a suggested timeline that assumes that you are attending graduate school directly from college. If you do not plan to attend right away, please make the necessary adjustments.

FRESHMAN and SOPHOMORE YEARS

• Take a breadth of classes
• Get an advisor in psychology
• Draft your curriculum vita
• Begin to think about your research interests
• Try to get involved in faculty research, independent studies, campus or community service such as peer counseling

JUNIOR YEAR-fall

• Meet with faculty advisor about the graduate school process
• Think of potential recommendors and build relationships
• Study for the GRE

JUNIOR YEAR-spring

• Gather a list of potential universities and request catalogs and bulletins on their programs
• Take the GRE

JUNIOR YEAR-summer following

• Begin drafting personal statement
• Investigate and request applications from universities as well as outside funding (some are due in October)

SENIOR YEAR-early fall

• Ask and provide recommendors with appropriate forms

SENIOR YEAR-late fall

• If necessary, take the GRE again, but no later than December
• Make sure that you have copies of the most recent applications
• Complete and mail appropriate applications.

SENIOR YEAR-early winter

• Verify that completed applications have arrived
• Send thank you cards to recommendors

SENIOR YEAR-spring

• Notify all schools of your final decision in writing