Visit the website for the admissions office of the college you wish to attend. Most have extensive resources for prospective students seeking to apply, including deadlines and admissions requirements. If you are not a degree-seeking student, you may have to call the college directly and ask about the policy about non-matriculating students in its graduate programs. If you are unsure what college you would like to attend, use the College Navigator service of the U.S. Department of Education to compare academics, cost, admissions standards and other data.
Register for any standardized tests that the school might require, such as the Graduate Record Examination (GRE).
Request transcripts from the undergraduate institutions you attended by contacting the registrar's office at those schools. Have these transcripts sent directly to the school to which you are applying.
Request letters of recommendation to support your application. Ideally, you should supply letters from people who are familiar with your academic work, such as former professors. These letters should also be sent directly to the admissions office of the school to which you are applying.
Complete the application form from the college and mail it. Make sure you make a complete copy of this application and keep records of your transcript requests and communication with the people who will be writing letters on your behalf.
Follow up with the college to ensure that your application materials were all properly received.