Standardized test scores Submitted directly by ETS etc. If you are currently receiving need based financial aid, you may qualify for the application fee waiver program that many institutions have. You should contact the admissions office at the institution to which you are applying to find out what you have to do. Usually, you will need a letter from the undergraduate financial aid office. Fee waivers are also available at some institutions where they are recruiting individuals because of underrepresentation in programs.
Check catalogs for statements about affirmative action and fee waiver policies.
Application deadlines will vary. Most are between January and March, but some are as early as December. Many schools have a rolling admissions policy and will act on applications as they are received. For highly competitive programs, applications should be submitted as soon as the institution starts to accept applications. Since it is your responsibility to be sure that all supporting materials are submitted by the deadline, it will give you time to re-submit any documents that might be lost the mail.