Hi,
I generally am on the undergrad forums, and have just started looking at grad school stuff so forgive me if this post has been asked and answered already.
I’m a rising junior looking to apply to grad school for Computer Science, Biomedical Engineering, or Robotics (I haven’t decided on the exact discipline). I know that the grad school admissions process is a lot less centralized than the undergrad process - each school and program has their own requirements, dates, personal statements, etc - but if I’m planning on starting grad school in Fall 2018 what general timeline am I looking at in terms of studying for / taking the GRE, starting / submitting applications, etc.
Thanks!
Some types of grad school programs require two GREs (the general GRE and a subject GRE). So that is one thing you will have to determine. My kid started with the general GRE and got it over with – fortunately was happy with her score, and could move on. The good thing about the general GRE is that you can schedule and take it at a testing center when you want to (no waiting for a given date).
If you need to take a subject GRE, those are given less frequently – I think once in the spring and twice in the fall, and you have to go to a specific location to do it. My kid just took the Physics one in April even though it was kind of a hassle (not a convenient location). That gives her another shot in the fall if she is not happy with her score. The fall ones are pretty close together, so I think you don’t know the results of your first attempt before taking the second one. They are pricey, though, so taking more than once is expensive.
My kid is in discussions this week with her advisor about what schools she should consider applying to. He is her research mentor and academic advisor, and one of her key recommenders. Thinking about recommendations now is pretty key. You need three for PhD programs (but not sure what you are looking at). My kid has two really strong ones, and is struggling to figure out who her third should be. So that is something to start thinking about.
Applications are usually due in December, but I think it can be good to get them in earlier than the final deadline if you can pull everything together. One thing this means is that you likely will be sending transcripts that just have grades through junior year.
Here are a couple of online timelines that might be useful:
http://www.princetonreview.com/grad-school-advice/application-timeline
The second one seems kind of generic and odd to me, though – the first seems more like what I have heard from others.
For CS or engineering, you probably won’t very likely need a subject GRE. There is no CS GRE, and none of the BME programs I applied for required one. For the general GRE, I’d recommend taking it summer before you apply (summer 2017). You’ll likely have more free time without classes to study, and you’ll also have time to retake if you don’t like the outcome.
DEFINITELY take the GRE sooner rather than later!!! I took it at the last minute and barely passed (though I did good enough to get in places, I guess). I wish I had studied vocabulary more and had allowed myself a retake since, after sitting for the exam, I knew what to expect.
I’ll be retaking it before I apply to PhD programs, and I’ll definitely be giving myself more time, as you should as well!