# 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](https://careeradvancement.uchicago.edu/law-school-application-timeline.pdf) 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](https://www.chicagobooth.edu/mba/early-career-programs/chicago-booth-scholars), 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](/student-opportunities/post-grad-opportunities/4-1-masters-programs/) 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.