Timeline for Grad School Applications

Late high school - 

• investigate as many career options as possible, including conducting graduate-level research
• take courses relevant to graduate-level research
• volunteer in a graduate-level research setting
• decide on a backup plan if you do not get into grad school
• enjoy your high school experience - make friends, have a good laugh

Early college years -

• decide which grad schools you would like to apply to and gear towards what those schools are looking for when making yourself a competitive candidate
• take any prerequisite courses required by your grad schools of choice
• do more volunteering in a variety of settings, and perhaps gain some work experience
• improve your communication and interview skills
• enjoy your premed college experience - make friends, have a good laugh

Middle college years -

• take the GRE
• check deadlines for applications
• decide who you will ask to be your referees

Year of the grad school applications -

• Write application essays, get reference letters, get transcripts, submit the application before it is due
• Make sure reference letters get there on time

• Don't worry about if you'll get in or not if you have done your best; if you really would like to, apply again, and if not, move on with life
  
• Remember, you can decide to change your mind at any time you like before actually starting grad school.  Some people even say you can change your mind after entering grad school, but that would be a waste of everyone's time, including yourself.  Therefore, decide if you would like to become a graduate student, and commit before grad school.