Graduate School Timelines

Source: https://careeradvancement.uchicago.edu/career-toolkit/apply-for-grad-school/graduate-school-timelines/ Parent: https://careeradvancement.uchicago.edu/

Below is an overview of typical timelines for graduate and professional school programs. This page provides general information - you should always confirm the precise deadlines for your specific program of interest.

• Master’s and Ph.D Programs in Liberal Arts and Sciences

• Students should research programs, take exams, and make requests for reference letters in Spring Quarter of their third year.

• First-round application deadlines for graduate programs are typically in September and October of a student's fourth year.

• For some master’s programs, deadlines may extend into Winter and Spring Quarter (typically January through April, though sometimes as late as June).

• Law School

• In general, students typically submit their applications in Autumn Quarter of their fourth year and receive information about offers and financial aid through Spring Quarter.

• A good goal is to plan on having your applications submitted by Halloween.

• The Careers in Law team has put together a timeline to keep you on track during this process.

• MBA Programs (Business School)

• Most MBA programs require students to have work experience before applying.

• Current College Students can apply to deferred MBA programs.
• These programs allow current undergraduates to apply for graduate admission, gain acceptance, and defer enrollment typically for 2 to 5 years.
• Most top institutions have deferred MBA programs, and applications start as early as fourth year fall with most deadlines occurring in Spring (March/April).

• Learn about the Booth Scholars Program, the deferred admission program for the Chicago Booth School of Business.

• Medical School

• The national medical school application opens for submission on or around June 1 each year.

• Secondary applications are sent in July/August, and then interviews can be scheduled anytime between August and April.
• The first date on which a medical school can offer acceptance is October 15.

• All decisions are typically final by June 15.

• UChicago 4+1 Scholars Program

• The 4+1 Scholars Program allows current College students to apply for select UChicago master's programs as early as their second year.

• The program has multiple application rounds:

  • The Round 1 deadline is typically in early November
  • The Round 2 deadline is typically in early-to-mid January
  • The Round 3 deadline is typically in early-to-mid April
  • Not all master's programs participate in every round, so students are encouraged to apply as early as possible.