Grad school application tracker

Applying to graduate school involves wrangling a dozen different application portals, email threads, PDF attachments, and disorganized webpages. You would almost think the schools do not actually want applicants. Sadly for them, I was not so easily deterred!

This is the tracker I built to manage my own PhD program applications; it proved indispensable to navigating the process with poor executive function.

The focal point of the template is a single central database of schools, with custom views for each stage of the process:

• APPLICATIONS: View all schools, application deadlines and progress, and whether you've followed up with each recommender. Format information in a table for density, or a kanban board to divide by status.
• VISIT DAYS: Manage dates, travel, and reimbursement logistics for each school's visit days. View dates on a calendar to identify overlaps and conflicts. Store notes from calls and meetings with current students and prospective advisors.
• FINANCIAL PACKAGES: Input and compare financial offers, including stipends, fellowships, and insurance coverage.
• DECISION: When you need to notify each school of your decision to attend, keep track of your progress.

There is also a section to include your personal information (courses taken, work experience, awards, etc.) for convenience when copy-pasting.

NOTE: The current schema is optimized for computer science PhD programs, but you can freely modify or customize properties and views according to your needs!

Good luck with your applications!