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Timeline for Applying to Grad School

On Applying to Non-Thayer School Graduate Programs

Most engineering graduate programs expect a Bachelor's degree (B.S. or B.E.) in Engineering from a program accredited by the Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology (ABET). A Thayer School Bachelor of Engineering (B.E.) degree is equivalent to a Bachelor's degree from other ABET accredited schools.
If you complete the Engineering Sciences major and take additional courses in Engineering (short of completing the B.E.), you may still be admitted to graduate school but required to make up some undergraduate engineering courses before commencing graduate work.
Many engineering graduate programs will also accept students with Bachelor's degrees in a relevant scientific discipline. Such students may have to make up some undergraduate engineering courses before commencing graduate work.

A Quick Note on Testing

As with undergraduate admissions, testing is generally a required part of the graduate school admissions process. Make sure you allow time to prepare for, take and submit test results to the schools for which you are applying. Information on tests required for graduate school admissions can be found on graduate program websites as well as in Peterson's Guides in Thayer Career Services. (We recommend that you take a practice test prior to taking the GRE. GRE review guides generally contain software that you'll need to take a practice test.)

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is frequently required for admission to Engineering programs. (Note: The GRE is not required for admission into the Thayer School B.E. program.)

The General GRE is offered primarily in computer-based testing format. The testing location center closest to Hanover is located at Lebanon College, and is offered six days a week. Call Lebanon College (603-448-2445) to register for testing; the best time to call is Monday through Saturday between 8 and 10 am. (Note: You can also register to take a paper-based version of this test, but this is only offered on three dates per year.)

Similar to the SAT, the GRE has both General and Subject tests. The Engineering subject test has been eliminated, and is, therefore, no longer required by for graduate programs in engineering. Subject tests are still offered in the Natural Sciences, Computer Science, Mathematics, and Physics; however, so you may have to take a subject test if you are applying for graduate school in one of those disciplines. Subject tests are paper-based and only offered on one date in November, December and April so you will need to plan ahead if programs that you are applying to require a subject tests. These must be registered for several months in advance of test date.

For additional information about services and resources available for individuals applying to graduate school, click here.

General Timeline for Applying to Schools

This timeline contains general information about applying to graduate school. If you are applying for continuing study at Thayer School, please see our information on requirements and admissions procedures for Thayer School graduate programs. Dartmouth A.B. students interested in completing Thayer's B.E. degree should pay special attention to this timeline, and note that the GRE is not required for admission to the program.

Junior Year

Research areas of interests, schools and programs.
Get to know at least two professors that you could ask for recommendation letters. Ideally, you should make it a point to get to know at least one faculty member well per quarter!
Talk to your faculty advisor and other Thayer faculty who conduct research in areas that are of interest to you. Ask them for their opinions: What schools and faculty members hold their interest?
Join a professional association in your area of interest. Student membership is generally very inexpensive and comes with many benefits—including increased access to other members (i.e. faculty and industry professionals). Often professional associations have student paper conferences that allow you to present your own research. If possible, attend and present at least one such conference. It will give you experience in presenting your research in a formal environment, expand your network of peers, and potentially expose you to engineering programs at other institutions.
Visit the Career Resources Library at Thayer Career Services to learn about graduate programs. Check out the Peterson's Guides for information about graduate programs, requirements and application deadlines. Use the Alumni Network to contact any alumni who might give you insight on a particular program. Send for application materials from the schools in which you are interested.
Register and prepare for the Graduate Record Exam (GRE).

Summer Term Senior Year

Take the Graduate Record Exam (GRE).
Visit the Career Resources Library at Thayer Career Services to learn about graduate programs. Check out the Peterson's Guides for information about graduate programs, requirements and application deadlines. Use the Alumni Network to contact any alumni who might give you insight on a particular program. Send for application materials from the schools in which you are interested.
Visit the schools if time permits. See which schools and locations appeal to you.
Review the applications and begin collecting the materials necessary to complete them. Begin writing your essays/personal statements/statements of purpose.
Check on deadlines for applications and on rolling admission policies. Plan Ahead!

Fall Term Senior Year

Obtain letters of recommendation from professors and employers.
Take the Graduate Record Exam (GRE). The paper-based exam is also given in October.
Send in the completed applications to your schools of choice.

Winter/Spring Term Senior Year

Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Pay attention to the federal, state, and individual graduate school deadlines.
Call the admissions offices of your schools of choice and make sure that your applications are complete.
Visit the schools to which you have been accepted if you have not done so already.
Send a deposit to your school of choice.
Notify other schools of your decision.
Send thank-you notes to the professors or employers who wrote your recommendation letters.

Timeline for Dartmouth A.B. Students Applying for Admission to Thayer School B.E. Program

Note: The GRE is not required for admission to the Thayer School BE program.

Sophomore Spring/Summer

Meet with your advisor to discuss A.B. planning and the inclusion of appropriate advanced courses in your program.

Senior Fall

Attend the required Senior Engineering Sciences majors' meeting.
Obtain student information form, program form, and financial aid information from the Programs Office (Room 206).
If you plan on beginning classes in the following summer, file forms with the Admissions office. These are required two terms prior to entry.

Senior Winter

If you plan on beginning classes in the fall, file the necessary forms with the Admissions Office. These are required two terms prior to entry.

Note: For general information about how to apply for this and Thayer School Master's programs, click here.

Information last updated October 2005.

Special thanks to Matt Therian '05 and Professor Eric Hansen for assistance.