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Graduate School Applications

Introduction

Postgraduate degree programs (or "grad school") prepare students for in-depth expertise and advanced research in a specific discipline, which can lead to exciting new career opportunities; however, applying to grad school requires careful planning, thoughtful reflection, and a clear understanding of your goals throughout the process.

It's important to remember a successful application requires more than just submitting forms—the process involves showcasing your strengths, experiences, and aspirations in a strategic way that aligns with the goals and objectives of your chosen program. In this module, we'll explore each stage of the application process, from choosing your program to preparing your application materials, to help you build a strong case for your future in graduate school.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of this module, you will:

  • Research and identify graduate programs that align with your goals.
  • Craft personal statements that clearly articulate your motivation.
  • Learn strategies to secure strong academic and professional references.
  • Create strong application materials to maximize your success.

To apply for a Master's program, candidates generally need to hold a four-year Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree. It's essential to carefully review the specific admission requirements for each university or program of interest, as these criteria may vary.
5 Secrets About Grad School Applications You Need to Know! by Dr. Lace Padilla
  1. Apply to graduate school is different than applying to undergrad/master programs.
    • Be aware of individual people and their research programs at an institution.
    • Do more background research on people in your field.
    • Create a strong resume that aligns with the type of research you want to do, and what faculty are researching an an institution.
  2. Courses are very different.
    • Undergraduate programs focus tests, memorization, comprehension, and complex thinking.
    • Graduate programs focus on learning to become a researcher—seminar-style sessions where you read and discuss research.
  3. This is your own journey.
    • Based on how much you invest yourself in the process
    • Define who you are as a researcher.
    • Examples: invest intellectually in the topic; come up with new creative ideas; advance on what you're being taught, etc.
  4. What happens if it doesn't work out well?.
    • Mastering out = In your second or third year, you decide that this PhD program isn't for you and graduate with a Master's.
    • PhD commitment isn't the end—you don't have to walk away with nothing.
  5. Where your salary comes from.
    • PhD: Paid a stipend for your work as a teaching assistant (TA) or research assistant (RA).
    • PhD:Department could pay for your program and salary (based on US information).
    • Master's: You pay for your courses and need to find work elsewhere or rely on scholarships, loans, or personal savings.
This module is part of the Academic Skills Hub series from Sheridan's Learning Services; however, this module is not eligible for Co-Curricular Recognition (CCR). Learn more about which modules are eligible on the Hub's Co-Curricular Recognition (CCR) Guide.

Disclaimer: This guide was developed with support from generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools such as ChatGPT, which assisted in drafting content and brainstorming ideas. All AI-generated content was reviewed, edited, and verified by Learning Services staff for accuracy and relevance, with additional research where needed. We also encourage students to conduct their own research into various graduate programs and consider how AI may impact their academic and career paths.

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