Deadlines

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Deadlines should represent to you the endpoint in the application process (i.e., the final completion of your file) rather than the beginning of that process. The timely completion of your application is your responsibility, and it is most important -- incomplete applications cannot be considered.

To ensure that the Graduate Enrollment Services Office will have adequate time to assemble all items submitted on your behalf, you should send the application at least two weeks before the stated deadline.

Please note the following important points:

  • The Graduate School does not accept responsibility for postal or courier service delays. Deadlines are strictly enforced.
  • If there is a discrepancy in deadline information in this website and in other materials you may have received, you should follow the deadlines in this web site.

For Fall Semester

November 15 - Deadline for submission of electronic application and supporting documents to pay the reduced application fee of $65. It is also the recommended deadline, since some departments begin reviewing files and making decisions in early December. Any application submitted after November 15 must be accompanied by the $75 fee or it will not be processed. The reduced fee applies only to fall applicants.

December 15 - Priority deadline for submission of applications for admission and award to all programs for the fall semester (Exception: Public Policy Studies - December 31, 2007; Master of Arts in Liberal Studies - May 15, 2008). Although some departments will continue to accept applications until December 31, it is recommended that applications be submitted by December 15. All students seeking fall admission should meet the appropriate deadline, since it is likely that enrollment in many departments will be filled soon after this date. Late applications may be considered for admission only if all spaces have not been filled, and for financial aid only if funds are still available.

Departments vary in their willingness to consider late applications. Some departments adhere strictly to the stated deadline and will not look at those that arrive late. Other departments will continue to review applications until all spaces have been filled. You should read carefully all the information on deadlines in this website. In every case, the earlier you get materials to the Graduate School, the better your chances for full consideration.

Final Cut-Off Date for Processing New Applications - June 30 is the date after which no new applications will be processed. However, very few departments actually continue to review applications this late. For all practical purposes, February 1 should be considered a final date (assuming your department is still reviewing new files at this point). Note that all financial aid funds have usually been committed well before the summer.

For Spring Semester

November 1 - Final date for completion of applications to the spring semester, space permitting. (Exceptions: Master of Arts in Liberal Studies - October 15; Program in International Development Policy - October 1.) Not all departments accept new students for the spring term, nor is financial aid readily available for spring matriculants. See the departmental descriptions under Departments and Programs. There is no reduced fee for early application to the spring semester.

For Summer Session

If you wish to begin graduate work during the summer, check first with your department concerning available courses or research work, as well as funding possibilities. Some departments have summer offerings and others do not. You should submit your application according to the fall deadline schedule, since your file will be reviewed along with others who plan to begin in late August.