SEPTEMBER - FEBRUARY
B E F O R E A P P S O P E N
BYOCTOBER
3 - 12 MONTHS PRIOR
Identify who will write your
2 -5letters of
recommendation.
Recommended:1from
academic professor, 2 from
work/volunteer supervisor,
research mentor, or community
leader
Applications open.
Application Cost (2017): $0 - $90
Fee waivers available.
Study for and take the GRE.
Official scores take up to 14 days
to be processed.
GRE Cost (2017): $205
Fee waivers available.
Recommended: Minimum 100
hoursof test preparation
Prepare, edit, and finalize your
personal statement/statement
of purpose.
Prepare to requestofficial
transcripts be forwarded directly
to the programs being applied to.
Update your resume/CV
Theprocess of applying tohigher
education/student affairs programs
typically begins 1.5 years before an
applicant startstheir HESAprogram.
Individuals on the waitlist
notified whether they have
been accepted.
NOTE: Most programs
havepriority deadlines in
early/mid-December, while
some have rolling deadlines.
JANUARY -FEBRUARY
MARCH - APRIL
START EARLY
Researchschools that have
graduate assistantships geared
towardsyour area(s) of interest.
There are 150+ universitiesthat offer 1-yearor2-year higher
education/student affairs programs. Check NASPA's and ACPA's
graduate school directories for additional information.
Not all programs require the GRE. Some will only require it if GPA
requirements are not met. Check each school's website for more info.
Some programs require 2 academic letters of recommendation and
ask transcripts to be sent after acceptances are released. Check each
school's website for additional details.
There is no centralized application service. Apply via school's website.
NASPA - Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education
Acceptances released.
On-campus preview days
andinterviews (for assistantships)
Out-of-state travel expenses (e.g.,
flight, lodging) can total to at least
$500 out of pocket.
NOTE: Not all programs will require
an assistantship, but it is strongly
recommendedtoseek out one to
gain experience and to help
fundyoureducation.
Special Thanks toEric Kang, UCLA '15, MSU Student Affairs Administration '19 | Information Cultivated by Becky La, UCLA '16
All applicants must
accept/decline by April 15th.
NOTE: Some schools will not let
recommenders submit letters
until application is submitted.
ACPA: American College Personnel Association