Applying To Graduate And Professional School

1. What’s Your Why?

Reflecting on why you want to apply to graduate or professional school can help clarify your goals, guide your career planning, and support a well-informed decision. Consider both intrinsic motivations (personal interest, intellectual curiosity, desire to contribute) and extrinsic motivations (career advancement, financial incentives, external expectations).

2. Explore And Research Your Options

Before applying to graduate or professional school, take time to explore your options thoroughly. Reflecting on your goals and gathering detailed information will help you make informed decisions and prepare strong applications.

Tips for staying organized:

• Use a spreadsheet to track program details, deadlines, and requirements. Download a sample template from the Student Success Centre.
• List application requirements for each program and create a plan to meet them.
• Build a timeline based on deadlines to stay on track.
• Record questions that come up during your research and follow up later.
• Organize documents and account info in clearly labeled folders for easy access.

What are the types of post-graduate programs?

Where can I find information about graduate school?

What should I consider when researching programs?

When exploring programs, consider both the structure of the program and the admissions process to ensure they align with your academic, professional, and personal goals.

Program Structure

• Specializations: What focus areas or concentrations are offered?
• Faculty Focus: What are the faculty members’ research interests or professional specialties?
• Accreditation: If it’s a professional program, is it accredited by the relevant regulatory body?
• Research Supervision: If it’s a research-based program, are there supervisors whose work aligns with your interests?
• Experiential Learning: Are there opportunities for co-op, internships, or hands-on projects?
• Program Culture: What is the learning environment like within the cohort or institution?
• Student Supports: What academic, career, and wellness resources are available?
• Alumni Outcomes: What career paths or further education have graduates pursued?

Admissions Process

• Application Requirements: What documents, fees, and steps are involved in applying?
• Program Cost: What is the total cost of the program? Are scholarships or funding options available?
• GPA Requirements: What is the minimum and competitive GPA? How is GPA calculated?
• Prerequisite Courses: Are there required courses, and do they have minimum grade requirements?
• References: Are academic and/or professional references required?
• Resume/CV: Is a resume or CV required? What types of experiences are valued?
• Supplemental Materials: Are you required to submit a personal statement, letter of intent, or answer supplemental questions?
• Entrance Exams: Are standardized test scores (e.g., GRE, MCAT) required? What scores are competitive, and when are they due?
• Selection Process: Will there be interviews or other evaluation steps?
• Deadlines: What are the deadlines for applications, fees, and reference submissions?
• Fee Schedule: When are program fees due, and what are the associated costs?

3. Preparing Your Application

This section provides a general overview of what to expect during the application process. Keep in mind that each university and program has its own specific requirements, deadlines, and procedures. Always review the official application guidelines and timelines for every program you plan to apply to.

Common Eligibility Requirements:

• Undergraduate Degree: Completion of a recognized bachelor’s program.
• Academic Achievement: Competitive GPA and relevant coursework.
• Relevant Experience: Academic, research, volunteer, or professional experience.
• Admission Exam: Standardized test scores (e.g., GRE, MCAT, LSAT) if required.

Common Application Components:

• Application Form: Submitted through the institution’s portal or centralized system.
• Resume/CV: Outlining academic, professional, and extracurricular experiences.
• Personal Statement/Statement of Intent: Explaining your goals and motivations.
• Post-secondary Transcripts: Official records from all institutions attended.
• Reference Letters/Forms: Academic or professional endorsements.
• Admission Exam Scores: Submitted directly from the testing agency, if applicable.