Are you planning for higher education abroad? Here's your ultimate guide containing an ideal timeline for applying along with helpful resources!

AT LEAST 18 MONTHS BEFORE:

• Begin shortlisting programs and unis. Some factors to consider are research fit, funding, location, reputation, support services, and experiences of current students in that program/lab
• Begin emailing professors enquiring if they’re taking graduate students next year. (Sample email https://lnkd.in/gp3E86XB)
• Begin developing your profile to make your application more competitive. Make sure your profile meets all the eligibility requirements.

AT LEAST 12 MONTHS BEFORE:

• Begin preparing for standardized tests such as GRE/GMAT/TOEFL/IELTS, etc. (Resources: https://lnkd.in/gvscM7VU)
• Keep in mind that you might have to give these tests two or three times to get a competitive score

AT LEAST 8 MONTHS BEFORE:

• Give the standardized test. Give it again if the need arises.
• Speak to your recommenders who will be providing you with letters of recommendation, inform them of the programs and unis you’re applying to and send them a working draft of your SOP, and any other material they may ask. I’ll make a post about an email template to recommenders soon!
• Begin writing your SOP, getting feedback, and incorporating feedback (Resources: https://lnkd.in/gHimwXrN, https://lnkd.in/g6793Mjd)
• Begin preparing your CV (Sample CVs: (https://lnkd.in/gXkNy-Rb)

AT LEAST 2 MONTHS BEFORE:

• Remind recommenders to submit the letter
• Ensure that all the material (transcripts, letters, etc.) has been submitted
• Apply to the programs and hope for the best :)
• If you get offers, begin preparing for interviews

Please know that a LOT of people don’t get selected on their first attempt. Know that it’s not always about you, perhaps they had a lot of extraordinary applicants this year. (I'll make another post about what to do when you don't get selected)

Most of the resources in this post are from Anshita Singh’s Linktree (https://lnkd.in/gqhtN-it). Thank you for compiling these resources, Anshita!