1. Most graduate programs begin in the Fall, so begin filling out your FAFSA application and submit it by February.

2. In 1 to 3 days, you will receive your FAFSA Submission Summary, which holds information you had entered in your application. Review information and make corrections if needed. The colleges listed on your application will have access to your data a day after it was processed.

3. Register to take required standardized tests in the graduate program you applied for to meet requirements. 

Take standardized tests within 6-9 months to allow time to prepare and retake tests if needed.

4. It's time to apply for graduate schools! Most graduate program applications open within 9-12 months before the Fall semester starts, so plan accordingly. 

5. Review scholarships available to you and apply by the deadline. Typically scholarship applications are open between November and February for Fall semester but every scholarship deadline is different so always verify. 

6. Graduate school acceptance notifications come out around February and April. Compare the program's financial aid offers and choose the one that is best for you. Do not hesitate to contact the program's financial aid department to answer any questions you may have about your offer!

7. Accept the offer letter when you have made a decision about which graduate program to attend. 

Submit any required financial deposit by April 15th.