In this example, we outline the time line by working backwards from the last deadline. This is a good way of working out most time lines.
| Time before deadline | Task to complete |
| One day | Submit your application. |
| Three days | Xerox the final version. Don't wait till the last day. Xerox machines don't work on the last day. |
| One week | Fill out the final version on the form. Proof read it. Ask others to proof read it. |
| Two weeks | Revise the draft. Check that the important points stand out. |
| Three weeks | Ask others for comments on your draft, especially other students who have been awarded such an scholarship. |
| Four weeks | Make the second draft perfect. |
| Five weeks | Write the first draft. You need a contiguous block of uninterrupted time for this. Take a long week-end. Put it away for a week. |
| Six weeks | Ask for letters of reference. Provide each with your info package |
| Seven weeks | Get all the stuff together. Read the application carefully. Update your info package (CV, transcripts, letter of goals and achievements). |
| At least 2 months | Think about your career goals. Select a potential supervisor. |
| Now | Go to the granting agency's web site. Find out the deadlines. Get the application forms. |
It may seem that starting 2 months before the deadline is a bit of an overkill. It is not. You need this lead time to fit into other people's deadlines. By starting early you might actually save time. With a little luck, you may not be spending more a day or two, in total, actually working on the application.
Copyright © 1995 |
Created 28 Sept 1995 |
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