Trial Application

[UndergradDad]

If it possible to start a "dummy" application for a school and then back out of it (not submit) in order to see how the application process looks and about how long it would take?

Sort of a trial run. As long as it doesn't create problems for the school it would be helpful to get a feel for the process before all your application materials (sample paper etc) are done.

Applying to close to 20 schools so want to make sure the process runs smoothly. I understand each program has their own application but hoping most are pretty similar.

Has anyone tried this?

 

[PsyDuck90]

You can, but why not just start 1 application for a school you're interested in and see how much time it takes you to complete it? It seems like more work to fill out a whole application for a program you aren't even going to apply to. You don't have to do all applications in 1 shot. You can fill things out, close it out, come back to it later, etc. 

[UndergradDad]

Well the sample paper is not done yet so wanted to try a test run ahead of time. Just concerned about total amount of time it will take.

[PsyDuck90]

I'm not sure what you mean by sample paper. Apps can be edited up until you submit, so if, for instance, the app requires you to upload a document before proceeding to the next section, you can go back to previous sections after the fact. You can do a "dummy" application for a school you don't plan to apply to. People start apps and change their minds all the time. However, you're just adding more work for yourself. You can get the same results (tracking amount of time it takes to enter your name, address, etc) by just starting an application for a school of interest. Then, you can go back and upload the newer versions of documents such as SOPs and writing samples.

The bulk of the work in applications is really writing out your SOPs, any additional pieces of writing they may want, formatting your CV, and gathering supporting documents (GRE scores, transcripts, etc.). The actual application usually consists of filling out basic contact/demographic information and uploading appropriate documents. 

[UndergradDad]

Okay great that makes sense. A sample paper applies in philosophy by the way. Thanks for your help!