Applying to Grad School

General Advice

  • An undergraduate Honours degree (BA, BACS, or BSc) is typically expected. Completing your honours thesis research (PSYC4900) is a good test of whether or not you will have the motivation to complete a master’s thesis.
  • Even if you aren’t sure now whether or not you want to get a PhD, don’t discount applying to Masters-PhD programs. Don’t limit yourself only to terminal-MA/MSc programs. If you complete the requirements for your Masters degree and decide you don’t want to continue into the PhD program, you are allowed to leave with your Masters degree! They won’t send you away empty-handed or refuse to let you out of the program. Masters degrees typically take 2 years on average to complete. PhD’s are typically another 5-6 years.
  • Allow time to ask CBU profs (or the Writing Centre) for feedback on the Statements of Interest that you’ll submit with your application. They should go through several careful edits, and shouldn’t be slapped together at the last minute.
  • It’s not a process where you can control all of the variables at work, so pick at least 3-4 programs to apply to. Also try to be realistic about where you apply. E.g., Clinical Psychology is EXTREMELY popular and VERY hard to get into. Consider the variety of programs that are available at major universities and smaller ones.
  • Seek out professors (to be your potential graduate supervisor) who have very similar research interest to your own. Getting accepted into graduate school is a 2 steps process in most cases: (1) Do you meet the program’s base criteria for entrance (high GPA, good ref letters, GRE scores, work-experience and volunteering, etc.), and then (2) Are your research interests a good fit with a professor who is taking on new students in the upcoming academic year? Also this can differ if you’re going into Social Work (not psych).
  • Check early on if the graduate programs of interest to you require the Graduate Records Exam (GRE)-general and/or the GRE-Psychology https://www.ets.org/gre/. ** Note that NO CANADIAN GRADUATE PROGRAMS ARE REQUIRING GREs for FALL 2020 / WINTER 2021 APPLICATIONS, DUE TO THE PANDEMIC. ** If yes, you will need to study and practice before writing these exams, and give yourself LOTS of time to do so. E.g., the ‘Verbal Reasoning’ section of the GRE contains a lot of obscure vocabulary, so it is helpful to study Latin and Greek word roots, so that you can make an educated guess about the meaning of words that you may never have seen before. GRE scores are also not to be interpreted like you would with a normal test. Canadian graduate schools want to see GRE-general scores that are above 50-60%.  Even though you may be used to getting A’s and B’s in university courses, it isn’t expected that your GRE scores will all be in this range.
  • Get started early networking with CBU psyc professors through involvement with various activities (research assistantships, teacher assistants, Psych Society, Psyc Ambassadors). Many applications require 2-3 letters of reference, and we need a chance to get to know students in order to write the strong letters that they will need.
  • Get actively involved with research as early as possible through volunteering or research assistant positions. Research experience will make students more attractive to potential supervisors.
  • Volunteer in psychology-related fields depending on your interests. Volunteer work demonstrates effective time management and also enables students to apply psychological concepts to real-world settings.

Advice from CBU Grads

Rebecca Bennett

I have created a “Things to Keep in Mind” write up when applying to graduate school. This is not a How-To, as the process for applying and the manner of which people go about it is different for everyone. Instead, below you will find some tips and helpful things to keep in mind when doing so.

  1. Begin thinking about your future in Year 3.

Even though your graduation may be another year or two away, it is important to get thinking about graduate school early on. If you’re serious about going forward with more education, talk with your professors about it and learn what steps you can begin taking right now to help you prepare for it. Side note, if you’re looking to get into a program that requires the GRE, it would be best to get started on preparing for that in your third year (don’t leave it to the last minute!).

  1. Research and investigate what you are interested in studying.

I cannot overstate how important it is to figure out where you research interests lie. When applying to graduate school and looking at possible fields of study, you need to learn more about what you want to do. Talk to your professors, look at the courses offered right now, and try to get a taste for everything so you learn what direction you want to go into.

  1. Explore your options and figure out what graduate schools offer the program you’re looking for.

Once you have figured out what it is you want to study and research in graduate school, you need to narrow down the universities that offer the program. Depending on how adventurous you may be, begin with local universities, and then branch out. For myself, I wanted to stay in Canada and preferred to stay in Atlantic Canada. For others, you may want to study abroad. The choice is yours, just search accordingly!

  1. Look at the faculty roster and see what research they specialize in.

Once you have selected a few universities that you would like to attend, make sure you look at the possible professors you will work with. While selection committees will look at all the applicants and may assign them to professors, it is important that there is indeed a professor there with the same research interests as you. Make note of these professors, because these are the ones you will want to work with!

  1. Figure out if the professor you want to work with is taking master’s students in the semester you are looking to start.

Remember that list of professors you want to work with? Make sure they are going to be taking students in the semester that you are looking to go to graduate school! Either by checking if they are taking master’s students or if they will be in sabbatical, make sure that the person you want to work with is available that year.

  1. Get in touch with them. Introduce yourself and get to know them.

Professors are people too. If you want someone to look at your application and CV and go “oh yes, I remember them, I want them as my student,” the biggest deciding factor is usually if you have been in touch with them. Once you have narrowed down a professor who you want to work with and is available, send them an email (with your CV, transcript, and other academic accomplishments attached) and introduce yourself. Talk about your interests and what about their research interests you. Let them know that you are interested, and you may just spark their interest in you.

  1. Apply to the program!

Of course, the application process is a whole other feat in of itself and each university and program are different. These are commonly found on the university websites and are laid out step by step. However, if you have trouble applying, you can always mail the grad studies department of that university and they will help you out.

Lastly, don’t be discouraged if you don’t get in. The more universities you apply to, the greater your chances of acceptance. However, there are other options out there when you graduate if you are not accepted right away. Make sure to talk to your current professors and learn about what else is available!

Chase Valiant

I have a few thoughts for next year’s honors students in terms of graduate programs:

1) Wherever you submit an application, you need to reach out to the specific professor you want to work with. The sooner the better. You don’t have to be committed to only one, you can reach out and inquire to profs at several universities. If you reach out to more than one prof in the same program, I’d ask your thesis supervisor about the most professional way to go about this. Perhaps just being up front and mentioning it in your initial emails.

2) Put time aside in advance to actually look for grad programs and apply. The applications and websites are often different to navigate. Also set aside time to create a CV and apply for scholarships. Graduate schools expect you to have both of these things. These take time but are worth the effort!

3) Students should know that many programs require the GRE and it may make it more difficult for you to get accepted to some programs if you do not have this. Also it is no small task to study for the GRE (I didn’t know what this was until 3rd year because [one of the honours students] mentioned it in passing).

4) Apply to several programs and get some volunteer hours (e.g., psych ambassador, PAC) if you don’t have much for your application or CV!

5) If you can get the Psychology Research Certificate which you probably almost meet the requirements for anyways, do it! Looks really good on you. Especially methods in qualitative research. Even if you plan to go on to do only quantitative research, it’s all great for the application. My graduate supervisor commented that not many undergraduates have a class in qualitative methods which made me stand out because I could TA this class.

Samantha Ayers-Glassey

Here are some of the things that I think helped with my search for research-based grad programs and application, including tips I got from other successful candidates:

  • Start searching early (I started the summer going into my final year of undergrad). Look up different universities – even the ones that aren’t your top pick – and look at the topics and publications from their faculty. For research-based programs, matching well with the potential advisor is usually more important than which specific school they’re at.
  • Make sure you understand the degree outline and application requirements for each program separately – every single one will be different, and if you miss one deadline you won’t get a second chance that year (I made a nerdy spreadsheet with the details of each of my top interesting programs…)
  • Reach out early to any of the profs you feel have similar research interests (they don’t have to be exactly the same as your interests). Here’s what I included in my emails:
    • Dear [Dr./Prof. _____],
    • Introduce yourself: who you are, what degree you’re currently working on, when you plan on graduating. State your intentions: why you are contacting them, e.g. interested in applying to the [specific program name] in their topic area; why you believe their research interests fit with yours; ask if they’ll be taking on any new students
    • Describe your relevant experience: sell yourself, catch their attention. If you don’t have any directly relevant experience, discuss other volunteer, work, or study experience and the skills you developed that could be relevant in their program
    • Thank them for their time and consideration, and direct them to your CV and unofficial transcript (attach them to the email)
    • Sincerely, ___________.
  • Don’t be afraid to reach out to other students currently working with that supervisor. Ask them any questions you feel unsure about (e.g. what’s it like to work with that supervisor? What are the expectations of the student, of the supervisor? What are the work spaces like? Is there anything they wish they’d known before they started the program? etc.)
  • If you don’t get a response after a week or two, send a short follow-up in case the first email got lost in their feed (just don’t keep emailing them over and over if you don’t hear back after two tries)
  • Talk to the psyc professors at CBU!!! Ask for their advice or any questions you have
  • Ask for recommendation letters early so the referees have time to make something thoughtful and genuine – also, have back-ups just in case someone is too busy or declines your request
  • Be honest about your expectations and desires – if you talk to a potential supervisor and you don’t feel it’s a good fit, say so! (politely)
  • Be professional but also try to stick with your own style and personality

Andrew Hay

Preparing for grad school is a highly draining and mentally taxing process. This is NOT something you can put off and leave until the last minute. I encourage you to refer to what the students above have provided in terms of advice, as this was very helpful for me. Here are some further tips to help guide you through the process based on my experience:

1. Talk to your professors and ask for their advice.

It is generally a good idea to make an academic advising appointment with one of your professors (available in the spring/summer) to check your credits and make sure you are on track to graduate. You can expect to be asked what your plans are following graduation from CBU. Let your professors know about the area(s) you are interested in! They may be able to point you in a good direction. When I was accepted into my Masters program, it was a program that one of my professors put on my radar for me.

2. If you cannot decide on just one type of program at the time of application, apply to multiple types!

It can be difficult to make a decision on what you may be interested in. This is a big step in your future, after all! Let’s say that you are interested in Community Psychology, but you’ve also had an interest in Social Psychology. My advice would be to apply to both Community Psychology and Social Psychology programs! Later on, when you receive offers, you can then make a decision. The more programs you apply to, the more options you will have. Even forming a large list of programs, and then narrowing down to the ones you are most interested in may be beneficial for you.

3. Apply to several programs.

Grad school is competitive, and not a process where you can control all the variables at work. There is a degree of luck involved in some instances. Therefore, you should not limit yourself to applying to just one program. Ideally, you would want to apply to 5-10 programs to ensure you have options. This is a lot of work, and expensive for all those application fees (!), but it is worth the investment of your time and effort.

4. Keep track of your program deadlines and requirements.

As others have said before me, it is imperative that you understand and fully meet the program application requirements and deadlines. Others will be, so you will not be granted leniency if you ask for an extension; these deadlines are very strict and important for the application review process. An Excel spreadsheet is useful in documenting all of this.

5. Invest time in the documents you need for applying.

At minimum, most programs will require a CV, transcripts, and a letter of intent that explains why you are applying to the program, what your background/qualifications are, why you are a good fit for the program, etc. These take time to put together! Make use of the Writing Centre for your statements and Career Services for putting together a CV. They are there to help you, and they are very good at their job!

6. Ask for reference letters well in advance and do not be afraid to send reminders!

In addition to the documents you must prepare, graduate schools need reference letters from individuals in academia that can speak to your abilities. It is expected/highly encouraged to have one reference letter from your thesis advisor. Your professors will need plenty of time in advance to prepare a letter (give them at least a month), and may ask for a copy of your CV as a reference when writing a letter. Additionally, you may need to remind them to send your letters when the time comes. Do not be afraid of this! Your professors appreciate (and rely on!) these student reminders (as well as their Outlook calendars).

7. Take your thesis seriously!

This is not necessarily direct advice, but I believe it is important nonetheless. Your thesis is an important demonstration of the knowledge you have accumulated during your time at CBU. It should not be taken lightly, and deserves your best effort. Even if you do not plan to pursue research-based grad programs, your thesis does still highlight your drive, motivation, and commitment. Grad schools are going to want someone with these qualities! Therefore, do not treat your thesis as something to just “get through”. Make the most of it!

I hope this advice is helpful for you in applying to grad school. Of course, this is a tough process, and if at first you don’t succeed, do not be discouraged! Many students (myself included) have taken a year off to regenerate and gain further skills (e.g. research skills as a research assistant). If you do not get accepted at first, consider some different options. Talk to your professors for more advice on this topic. Good luck, and all the best in applying!

Mark Vickers

CV Example