Graduate School Application Timeline

Most graduate programmes in the US and Canada have application deadlines between mid-December and February for September (Fall) intake. International programmes vary widely, but many cluster around January–March. Work backwards: if your earliest deadline is mid-January, you should ideally be identifying and shortlisting programmes 8–12 weeks earlier (late September or early October). If you're taking the GRE or GMAT, add another 4–8 weeks for test preparation and score delivery. For a Fall intake, starting in September is realistic; for Spring intake (typically fewer places), plan to start in July or August.

The April 15 Resolution, endorsed by the Council of Graduate Schools (CGS), sets a standard for US programmes: students admitted for the upcoming fall should not be required to commit to an offer (accept or decline) before April 15. This gives you time to compare multiple offers and their funding packages. It applies primarily to programmes in the US; UK, Canadian, Australian and other international programmes set their own offer acceptance timelines (often 2–4 weeks after an offer). Check your target programme's admissions policy to learn its specific decision timeline.

Score turnaround times vary by test and delivery method. The ETS (which runs the GRE and TOEFL) publishes official timelines on its website. Generally, computerized tests report scores faster than paper versions, and scores sent electronically to universities arrive quicker than printed certificates. We recommend checking the official test provider's website (ETS, GMAC, etc.) for current turnaround times and building in a buffer week when you plan. If a score arrives late, contact the programme's admissions office immediately to explain; most are familiar with delays.

Many programmes allow you to submit your application before official scores arrive, especially if you've scored in a practice test or if the score submission deadline is a day or two after the application deadline itself. However, some programmes will not review your application until all required documents, including official test scores, are on file. Check each programme's policy before applying without scores. If you do submit before scores arrive, email the admissions office with an ETA and your test date, so they can watch for your official score delivery.

For PhD and research-based master's programmes, yes—contacting a prospective supervisor before applying is often essential and sometimes required. Programmes expect you to identify a supervisor whose research aligns with yours and to confirm they can take a student. A cold email introducing yourself and proposing a research direction should come weeks before the application deadline. Some supervisors are slow to reply; others may be overbooked. Starting 3–4 months ahead (especially if you're applying internationally) allows for multiple rounds of inquiry. For taught master's and professional master's programmes, supervisor contact is rarely necessary.

If you're already past many of the recommended milestone dates, don't panic—but prioritise ruthlessly. Test scores should be ordered immediately if you haven't already. If you're applying for a research degree, email supervisors today with a direct pitch and a target deadline for a reply (e.g., "I'd like to confirm with you by [date] whether you can supervise my proposal"). Email recommenders asking for a compressed turnaround—many will accommodate if you give them a clear deadline and provide them with your CV and a one-paragraph research summary. Draft your SOP and CV as fast as you can, and request transcripts urgently (courier if necessary). It's tight, but it's doable if you work fast and communicate clearly.