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Graduate School Applications

Navigating the Application Process

Applying to graduate school requires careful attention to deadlines, adherence to program-specific requirements, and a clear alignment between your goals and the program's objectives.

In this section, we'll look at the basic steps involved in applying to graduate programs in Canada and highlight areas where careful planning, self reflection, and attention detail can increase your chances of submitting a compelling and competitive application.

This section covers:

  • What do you want to do after your undergraduate degree, diploma, etc.?
  • Why you should not consider graduate school:
    • To please your parents.
    • If you think a degree will bring you money, fame, and glory.
    • If you're not sure what else you want to do with your life.
  • How to pick a grad school/program:
    • Browse online and consider the following:
      • Program (e.g., course-based vs. thesis-based)
      • Location
      • Requirements (e.g., GPA, standardized tests, language requirements)
      • Professors/potential supervisors
      • Cost of program and financial aid
    • Make sure you visit the website of the programs that interest you, along with the website of the Faculty/School of Graduate Studies.
    • E-mail the program coordinator and obtain all additional information your need.
    • Visit the department and if possible, talk to professors and talk to students currently in the program.
    • Assess the credibility of the program (especially one that is foreign-based or that you've never heard of.
  • How to pick a grad school/program that's right for me?
    • Talk to your professors at your home institution, they are full of useful advice.
    • Professors know you as a student, and they know many of the programs that are out there and that might be of interest and appropriate for you.
    • Select programs that best match your intellectual interests, and your professional and personal needs.
    • Think about finances. Money always matters.
    • Where do you want to live?
  • Carefully look at all the prerequisites:
    • Does it require a TOEFL, SAT, GRE, LSAT, GMAT?
    • If so, make early arrangements to take the test, and perhaps take a prep course as you need to include your scores in the application.
  • What should my application include?
    • No two applications are the same.
    • In addition to filling in the actual application form, you will probably need to include some/all of the following:
      • 2-3 recommendation letters.
      • Transcripts from all post-secondary schools.
      • Letter of intent and/or research proposal and/or personal statement (approximately 1-2 pages each).
      • Application fees (anywhere between $30 to several hundred)
      • A CV (resume).
      • A sample of one of your written work (typically a 10-30 page paper you wrote in your third or fourth year.
  • A few tips:
    • Start working on your application early (ideally 2-3 months before the deadline)
    • Make sure you follow the requirements set by the program or university (e.g., required components, documents, formatting requirements).
      • Your application can be rejected on technicalities!
    • Make sure you follow up on your application: it is your responsibility to make sure all the required documentation (e.g., recommendation letters and transcripts) has made it to the appropriate office, in advance of the deadline)

Explore Sheridan's Career Services and connect with a skilled Career Counsellor to plan your career path and further education, including graduate school programs.

Book a free, confidential, one-on-one virtual or in-person appointment on Sheridan Works to learn more!