Plan and organize. Applying to Ph.D. programs can be a long arduous process. Consider multiple programs and take time to get to know the details of each program. Visit the programs prior to applying and speak with potential supervisors and graduate students to determine if the program would be a good fit for you.
Ask for letters of recommendation. These should ideally come from professors or advisers who are familiar with your work and who share interests similar to yours. Make sure to give professors ample time to write the letter. Give them examples of your work to remind them of your abilities, as this will allow them to be specific about you when writing the letters.
Take the GRE. This is a standardized test meant to evaluate your ability to handle graduate-level work. Admissions committees require GRE scores for most graduate and Ph.D. programs. The general GRE has sections on analytical writing, verbal and quantitative reasoning. Consider taking the GRE subject examination, as well, for the natural or physical sciences, social sciences or literature. Upon completion of the GRE, your scores will be forwarded to the schools that you designate.
Create a Curriculum Vitae. This is the academic form of your resume. Look at the CVs for professors you know to get an idea how these are formatted, since they vary from traditional resumes. Keep the information relevant to your work as a scholar. If this is your first time applying for a graduate degree, it is likely your CV will be relatively short; admissions committees will understand this. Make sure to include information about any and all teaching and research experience you may have.
Write a personal statement. The personal statement allows you to outline and explain your experience and interest in the specific program to which you are applying. Present your work and interest as a scholar. Work to make this statement clear, thoughtful and articulate. This is also a good place to explain if your GRE scores are lower than you'd like or if your GPA took a dip one semester.