Usually, deadlines are from November - January, preceding the semester youu2019re applying for.A typical schedule that can be found here looks like this:7 months before: Start your application process. Start studying for the GREs.6 months before: Have a date set to take the GRE next month. Set the TOEFL date for a few weeks after. Make a list of 10u201315 universities you want to apply to.5 months before: Narrow down to 5u20138 and request for more information from each one. Start writing your SOP. Make a list of 5 recommendees.4 months: Take GRE and TOEFL by now. Plan to take again if needed. Finish 1st draft of SOP and reach out to recommendees.3 months: Finalize list of schools. Collect application materials. Rewrite a draft of your SOP.2 months: Arrange campus visit if possible.1 months: Complete application. Review it thoroughly and submit.If you like this answer, consider signing up for my blog at Power Punch Club - We give out a free eBook on u201cHow to write a u201cperfectu201d statement of purposeu201d.Good luck!