Candyland Graduate School Pathway
By: Danielle Lucero
Tribal affiliation: Isleta Pueblo
Study: PhD in Justice Studies
1. January — March
Start researching graduate programs and compiling a list of admissions requirements, then create a calendar with application deadlines.
2. April — May
Register for the required tests (LSAT, MCAT, GRE) and study. Aim to take the test over the summer. If you do not do as well as you hoped, retake it in the fall. Note: double check all test restrictions and graduate school requirements. Some schools require your first test result and the LSAT only allows you to take the exam a certain number of times.
3. May — July
Begin working on your essays. Check the admissions requirements and follow any essay prompts. Expect to write a personal statement. Start on these in the summer and ask friends and colleagues to review your working drafts. Keep drafts on hand to send to those who are writing your letters of recommendation.
4. September
Reach out to your recommenders. It’s best to ask at this time because it’s early enough in the semester that they won’t be over committed, and timely enough that they can start working on them and not scramble to finish them days before they are due.
5. October
Request transcripts and begin your application officially. Most graduate schools use online application portals, so create your profile and start your online application now. Don’t procrastinate: give yourself ample time to create your online profile ahead of time. Keep in mind that portals could crash or you may not be allowed to create a new profile so close to the due date.
6. November
Stay on track: check on your recommendation letters and if your transcripts have been received by the schools you are applying to. Send a friendly reminder to your recommenders to submit letters in time. Your personal statement and other required essays should be completed and ready to submit. Pro-tip: Have your entire application completed by the end of this month to avoid the stress of scrambling last minute.
7. December
Review your application one last time. Check for any errors, ensure that all required materials are in order, and submit your application a few days before the due date.
- Note: some programs may have different deadlines.
Indigenous sweets list
- Wojapi is a thick berry dish and sometimes has the consistency of pudding
- Picadillys are a snow cone with dill pickles and your choice of powdered kool-aid flavor sprinkled across the top. They come in regular and spicy flavors.
- Maple sap is a natural sweetener derived from the concentration of maple tree sap.
- Kuloho is a Hawaiian dessert made from mashed kalo (taro), coconut milk and sugar.
