If you are interested in pursuing a graduate degree, you need to begin the process early.  Many universities have an application deadline in December for admission the following fall semester.  Some graduate schools do not allow spring admission.  Begin the graduate school application process early in the fall semester to meet the appropriate deadlines.  In addition, make sure to:

• Ask yourself, "Is Graduate School Right for Me?"

• Research graduate school information
      --Evaluate schools according to your individual criteria (e.g., school ranking, location, research programs)
      --Speak with advisors and alumni regarding program strengths and reputation
      --Keep track of all deadlines and meet them

• Prepare for appropriate entrance exams

• Select faculty, administrators, past employers, and mentors as references and for recommendations

• Research scholarships and fellowships and make note of the deadlines

• Send completed applications to graduate schools

• Complete course requirements

• Visit institutions that accept you

• Send thank you letters to people  who wrote you recommendation letters or helped you in the application process to inform them of your success

• Remember:  begin the process early and meet all deadlines