Step-by-Step Application Process
Congratulations on your decision to begin your graduate studies! Now it’s time to apply. While the application process is not necessarily difficult, there are a number of steps to follow, information to gather and deadlines to meet. The step-by-step process outlined below is meant to give you a general outline for applying to UMBC’s Graduate School.
- The process can be shortened for some applicants, depending on the program to which you are applying, whether the GRE is required, and whether you are applying to several schools.
- Some programs admit students not only for the fall, but also the spring. Check to see if your program of interest is one of those.
- Application deadlines vary considerably so the schedule below should be adjusted according to the program to which you are applying.
If you have any doubts or questions along the way, it’s always best to check with your selected program for advice and guidance.
Good luck and we hope to see you soon as a graduate student at UMBC.
August-September (for next fall’s admission) & January-February (for next spring's admission)
- Take courses or select internships that provide undergraduate research opportunities.
- Take a review course (ETS and Princeton Review) and practice for the required standardized admissions tests.
- Register for Standardized Examinations (UMBC accepts GRE scores only)
- Identify graduate programs that match your interests and needs. Use the web and the many directories and guidebooks in libraries that list and describe graduate programs in specific disciplines. Be sure that the university that interests you offers graduate degrees and has faculty conducting research in your area of interest.
- Get a respectable e-mail address. First initial.last name@ is a clear, intuitive format that will also help identify you to the various people you will be in contact with during this process.
- Send for application materials or download from the web. Read them!
- Order applications for fellowships, scholarships, and assistantships.
- Make a schedule of application and financial aid deadlines along with when the schools/programs you are interested in to accept applications and whether there are fixed deadlines vs. rolling admissions policies
- If you are currently an undergraduate, get to know and consult with faculty members at your school to discuss your statement of purpose and a preliminary list of programs to consider.
- Choose recommenders and get their permission.
- Finalize your list of graduate programs. Graduate School is more competitive than undergraduate college, so plan to apply to several universities. Click here for information on UMBC’s admissions requirements.
- Visit the campuses if possible; schedule an interview with faculty; attend open houses; tour the libraries; visit labs.
- Request copies of ALL your post-secondary transcripts to give to your recommenders, and keep a copy for yourself.
- Begin drafting application forms, statements of purpose and essays.
October (for next fall’s admission) & March-April (for next spring's admission)
- Take the GRE General Test if you have not done so already.
- Finalize the rough drafts of your application forms, statements of purpose, and essays.
- Have someone review/edit your statements of purpose and essays.
- Meet with or write your recommenders and provide them with:
- recommendation forms (with your part completed)
- stamped and addressed envelopes
- deadline dates for getting letters submitted
- copies of your transcripts, resume, and other helpful materials
- Request that OFFICIAL transcripts from all post-secondary institutions from Registrars’ Offices be sent to all schools to which you are applying.
November-December(for next fall’s admission) & May-August (for next spring's admission)
- Email or mail application materials well in advance of deadlines. Send materials out at least a month in advance of the deadline, if not sooner!
- Make or print copies!
- Verify the CORRECT address.
- Be ready with your credit card if applying online or be sure to enclose the application fee.
- Include a cover letter. Keep it simple.
- Indicate your name and the program to which you are applying.
- List all the items you are including in the email or envelope.
- If you are mailing the packet, send a self-addressed stamped postcard to confirm receipt of application materials.
- Follow up with Registrars’ Offices in schools you have previously attended in a month to assure that transcripts were sent.
- Send a friendly reminder note to the recommenders as the due dates approach, including a notice about the deadline dates.
- Apply for fellowships, scholarships, etc.
- Take the GRE subject test if recommended or required in your discipline.
January-February (for next fall’s admission) & September-October (for next spring's admission)
- For both fall and spring applications: Complete the FAFSA form if you will be seeking any financial aid or graduate assistantship. This will need to be done after your U.S. federal income tax forms for the previous year have been filed. It must not be mailed/submitted until after January 31.
- Check with the office of the program to which you have applied to be sure all your materials have arrived.
March-April (for next fall’s admission) & November - January (for next spring's admission)
- Reply to offers of admission as soon as possible.
- Thank the recommenders for their letters and let them know where you were admitted and which school you will be attending. You may need them again sometime, so be nice!
- Heave a sigh of relief. You have reflected; you have done your research; you have had 9 months of preparation; hopefully you have been admitted to your number one choice—UMBC!
We very much look forward to helping you through the next few years as a graduate student at UMBC.