Find out when your grad school applications are due and mark the dates on your calendar. The first requirement for applying to grad school is to get your applications in on time.
Ask professors who know you, your work and your academic capabilities well, to write letters of recommendation for your grad school application. Most programs require 2 to 3 letters of recommendation as part of the application package. It may be a good idea to type up a summary of relevant classes you took or projects you completed to assist your professors with this task.
Have official test score reports sent directly to the graduate programs you are applying to or to your home. Qualifying exams for graduate school include the GRE for liberal arts and science programs, the LSAT for law school and the MCAT for medical school. To meet application requirements for certain programs, you usually need to have taken the tests by a certain date, so plan ahead.
Contact your college registrar to release your official transcripts to various graduate schools. An official transcript records the grades you earned in your college coursework and usually is notarized with a raised seal from your university. Consider ordering an extra copy of your official transcript to keep on file at home in case you ever need one.
Write your personal statement or essay that is required for each application. Some grad schools ask you to write a general statement about why you want to enroll in their program, while others may pose a particular question that you must answer. Take this writing seriously and proofread carefully for errors and typos.
Be prepared to send a non-refundable application fee when you submit your grad school application package. Most applications won't be reviewed if you have not included your payment. Remember to sign your check if you are paying by this method.