Grad school is a significant decision that requires careful consideration of yourself, your career goals, and other factors. You need to make time to research programs that align with your career aspirations and to prepare your applications, including statements, transcripts, letters of recommendation, and other required materials. This process is not a short one and may often take a few months to complete. The key step in this process is to understand why you want to pursue graduate school early on. Along the way, you may realize that pursuing a graduate degree isn’t required for your career goals, or it’s just not something of interest to you. 

Often, many students don’t think about this later on into undergrad, so it's important to start understanding what you hope to get out of your degree long-term. This will make the process of researching programs, building relationships for references, preparing your application materials, and securing funding more manageable. 

1. Assess your goals 

It’s essential to take the time to truly understand your why. What I mean is that you need to understand what you hope to achieve by pursuing a graduate degree. That could be for career advancement purposes, to gain deeper knowledge, research experience, and more. Recognizing this can help you understand why a graduate degree may be the best path for you. 

2. Explore 

Expand your options by searching for available programs. In Ontario, various master's degrees (MA, MS, MBA), doctorates (PhD), and professional degrees (MD, JD, DPT) are available. However, you don't need to limit your options just to the province. If anything, depending on your interests, there may be a more suitable program for you outside of your home province or in another country. However, if that were the case, considering costs, funding opportunities, and scholarships should also be a priority. 

When evaluating programs, consider the courses they offer and ensure they align with your interests and goals. Really explore the possible streams and specializations you can pursue as you further your education. I’ve been compiling an Excel spreadsheet of all the potential programs that interest me. This can help keep you organized and make it easier for you to reference when it's time to apply. 

3. Look Into supervisors 

For students who are interested in pursuing the research path, you’re probably looking at graduate programs that are more research-heavy, where you’ll complete a thesis. It’s really important to find the right supervisor who aligns with your research interests. When evaluating schools, be sure to review the faculty involved. List researchers and professors whose specializations and experience can support your own! Depending on the program you’re interested in, you want to reach out to some professors to introduce yourself. However, make sure you check the university page, as some advise against it before applying. Note that when you are applying for a research-based master's, you’ll need to have a supervisor on board to support you during your studies. 

4. Prepare + plan for standardized tests (if required)

Specific graduate programs have requirements that you need to meet in order to qualify. For example, most medical school programs require you to complete the MCAT, and to get into Law school, you’ll need to take the LSAT. Even for some psychology master's programs, including clinical, you may need to complete the GRE. Scoring competitively in these tests can really set you apart from others. However, it's essential to note that many applicants to these programs are highly competitive academically, in extracurricular activities, and in test scores. Therefore, it's crucial to craft a strong personal statement and CV. Creating a strong story that ties your purpose and hope for the graduate program you are applying to will help make you a stronger candidate. 

4. Lean to mentors 

I would not have gained this information had I not had mentors along the way during my academic journey. I began talking to professors, fellow graduate students, and professionals in fields that interest me! I really do think it’s essential to have mentors that you can ask questions to, as these are the very same people who went through similar experiences. They can provide valuable tips, resources, and connections that can give you a competitive advantage during the application process. 

5. Prepare materials for application

As I mentioned earlier, it is essential to start preparing your application in advance. For example, most graduate school applications may require a personal statement. For a personal statement, you’ll really need to think about your story. This includes your overall academic journey, struggles, goals, and your ability to explain how the program you are applying to will benefit you. It’s essential to review the school’s requirements, as they’ll specify what needs to be included in your personal statement. Additionally, you’ll want to have completed your CV/resume highlighting relevant research, leadership, or internship experiences that align with the program. Additionally, selecting your references and providing them with the necessary materials to write your letters of recommendation is key. You’ll also want to have ordered your official transcripts in advance. 

I want to preface by strongly recommending that you review the program’s requirements and do more research for the one you’re interested in, as some of the points above may not apply to your application process! This process can seem daunting, especially once you’ve completed your application and are waiting to hear back. Regardless, I wish you the best and good luck! Remember to lean on your supports and resources, and to believe in yourself :)