University of Arkansas

A nationally competitive, student-centered research university serving Arkansas and the world.

The Graduate School

Office of Graduate Recruitment text on gold background.

Office of Graduate Recruitment

Funding Links

Other Graduate Schools

  • Web Site Search

Preparing for Graduate School

Graduate Admissions Timeline

Fall of your Junior Year
  • Compile a list of your top ten schools based on your areas of interest.
  • Investigate financial aid options: fellowships, assistantships, and loans.
  • Become familiar with admissions requirements—they vary by school.
Winter — Junior Year
  • Narrow your list to top five schools for your area of interest.
  • Visit campus of top five schools, and meet faculty and students.
Spring — Junior Year
  • Send for application materials.
  • Register for graduate tests required for your area of study.
  • Begin preparing for graduate tests.
  • Request letters of recommendation.
  • Write draft statement of purpose.
Summer
  • Obtain letters of recommendation.
  • Request grade transcripts –send directly to schools.
  • Finalize statement of purpose.
Fall — Senior Year
  • Check application deadlines for schools to which you will apply.
  • Take graduate admission (standardized) tests.
  • Apply for national fellowships.
  • Submit application materials.
Spring—Senior Year
  • Schedule confirmation visits to schools.
  • Notify chosen college of your acceptance.
  • Notify other colleges and financial aid providers if you are declining their offers.
  • Make plans to move to new school—housing, banking, etc.

For further assistance, visit our web site www.uark.edu/grad or contact us:

Office of Graduate Recruitment
University of Arkansas
119 Ozark Hall
Fayetteville, AR 72701
Toll-free: 1-866-234-3957

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