<p>D is talking about spending the first semester of next year abroad, and I’m wondering if this would be a big problem when it comes to grad school apps–I have no idea when GRE’s are typically taken, when apps are due, when recommendations have to be arranged (i.e., will it all have to get done long distance, or can it wait until she returns), so I’m just looking for some very general advice on whether this is a poor idea. She’s not the best multitasker, so I would discourage her from making the process excessively complex.</p>
<p>In my field, applications are generally due December-February, and so most of the application prep and assembly is done October-December. It’s certainly easier to apply from abroad than in used to be in the days when you had to mail hard copies, but it will require a bit of pre-planning. For example, she will probably want to take the GRE in the summer, and try to identify recommendation letter writers during this coming semester. But once those are taken care of, the rest (form filling, personal statement writing) can be done from anywhere.</p>
<p>If she needs to take a subject GRE, she should be aware that these are only offered three times a year: in April, October and November.</p>
<p>Just don’t do it when you’re a senior and abroad. Your time abroad is too short for you to be spending your time preparing to apply, applying and worrying about the applications ever mind the time difference!). You should really be out there and exploring!</p>
<p>Wait until you come back with a refreshed sense of purpose and apply when you have less craziness in your life.</p>