Once you have made the decision to apply to graduate school and have requested applications from the schools and programs of interest to you, your next step is to start compiling application materials. While contents of application packets may vary depending on the schools and programs you have selected, the standard components will be discussed in this chapter. Contact the schools and programs of interest to you to ensure that you are familiar with all of the required components. Typically, application forms may be obtained from the school and department of the program to which you are applying.
Some schools also make application forms available on CD-ROM or the Internet.
It is important to keep in mind that applications can be very different from discipline to discipline. When applying to graduate schools, you will be required to include an application fee. The exact amount of the application fee will be specified in the application materials you obtain from the school. Generally, such fees are nonrefundable, regardless of whether or not you are accepted into the graduate school. Some schools have a fee deferment plan that will reduce or even cancel the application fee if you can prove financial hardship.