Graduate School & Professional Program Preparation
While certain career goals require graduate school or professional programs as an entry point or launching point to a profession, it is not necessarily a requirement for all. Before investing time and energy into applying for and then attending a postgraduate program, conduct sufficient research to ensure additional education is what you need.
Here are a few other considerations to take before applying to grad school:
Should I go to graduate school/professional program?
- What’s my motivation for applying to graduate school or professional programs?
- Do I have a career objective which requires an advanced degree? How solidified is this choice?
- Am I aware of the career areas for which the advanced degree will prepare me and the employment outlook for these fields?
- Do I have any relevant experience?
- How much will my job/salary prospects be enhanced by a graduate degree?
- Is this the right time personally and financially?
- What are my chances of getting in? Do I have a ‘plan B’ if I do not?
Where should I go to graduate school?
There are a number of online resources to help you explore the many graduate options available:
- University programs in Canada – Directory of Canadian Universities via the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada – aucc.ca
- College programs in Canada – Schoolfinder.com
- Programs in the United States – Petersons.com
- Programs outside North America University World – univ.cc
Once you have narrowed your options, it is important to evaluate them:
- Talk to professors or professionals that practise the discipline
- Consider a campus visit
- Look at the admission criteria – will you be able to get in to this school?
How do I apply to grad school or a professional program?
It is important to go over the application process thoroughly to find out about admission requirements, deadline and application procedures. If you have any questions, contact the school that you are applying to directly for help.
Keep in mind that some applications require all or some of the following:
- References (professional, academic or both)
- Official transcripts
- Resumes and/or Academic CV’s
- Admission interviews
- Standardized tests (LSAT, MCAT, SAT, GRE, PCAT, GMAT, etc.)
How am I going to finance graduate school?
Financing graduate or postgraduate studies is another consideration to make. Look at your options to help determine how to finance your education:
- OSAP
- Teaching Assistant/Research Assistant opportunities
- Bank loans
- Scholarships – look for scholarship options specific to your program, visit school websites or some of the links below:
- Student Awards.com
- Scholarships Canada.com
- Schoolfinder. com