Applying to Graduate School Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies Career Development Centre Fall 2015
Information Session Overview of graduate studies: purpose and structure Researching and choosing a program Application procedures and information Financial aid/funding Graduate Programs at Laurier Questions
Why do it? To allow more focused/in-depth study and more self-directed learning Professional development, advancement: adds value to your undergraduate degree; provides more marketable skills; expands career possibilities An MA or MSc: a basis for career advancement to provide advanced study/skills building in an academic discipline or profession a stepping stone to a PhD degree A Master s degree in a professional or applied discipline (e.g., MSW, MFin, MBA, Master of Music Therapy, Master of International Public Policy, etc.): provides preparation for work in the profession necessary for professional accreditation may also lead to doctoral level study
Work Load? Smaller classes and seminars allow for more interaction Programs have a research component Typical program: 3-5 courses plus a thesis or major research paper OR for course-only (Master s) programs, 7-9 courses In the professional programs: 8-10 courses + potential practicum or work placement (1-2 year programs)
Research Potential Programs Talk to faculty members at Laurier Talk to current grad students Ask graduates working in your field Search for print and online resources Contact admission reps and faculty members at the prospective schools If possible, visit the schools and tour the departments
Career Cruising www.careercruising.com Username: wlu Password: laurier Click on Education and Search for Programs AUCC www.universitystudy.ca
Research Potential Programs Target programs that best meet your interests, goals, and abilities Find admission requirements, deadlines (range from Dec. - Feb. for September admission; check to see if there are other term starts for programs) Reputation of university, department, program Research interests of faculty Email possible supervisors if research-based program
How to Choose Never too early to start thinking about applying. Program options (course-only, thesis based, full- or parttime) Average time to completion of degree Tuition and sources of financial aid Consider community: quality of life issues (e.g., cost of housing, transportation) Does it meet professional designation requirements? Admission is competitive
Admission Criteria 4-year honours degree: minimum grade point average in last 1-2 years of study Many professional programs admit students from other fields of study
Application Package Application Forms Transcripts Graduate Admissions Test (if applicable) Statement of Interest/Letter of Intent CV/Resumé Portfolio/Sample of Work Letters of Reference **The Career Centre can help you with all stages of the application process
Application Process Apply online through the individual university s website For Laurier: www.wlu.ca/gradstudies/apply For other types of programs, there may be a centralized site: Colleges: www.ontariocolleges.ca Teacher Education: www.ouac.on.ca/teas Law School: www.ouac.on.ca/olsas Rehabilitation Sciences: www.ouac.on.ca/orpas Medical School: www.ouac.on.ca/omsas Nursing/Pharmacy: www.ouac.on.ca
Transcripts For applications to most Ontario universities, transcripts for previous studies in Ontario may be requested via the online process For other applications, order transcripts through the Service Laurier
Graduate Admissions Tests Graduate Record Exam (GRE) General and/or Subject tests Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) Law School Admission Test (LSAT) Veterinary College Admission Test (VCAT) Dental Aptitude Test (DAT) Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT)
Statement of Interest/Letter of Intent Introduction to the admissions committee Tailor each statement to the specific program Focus on accomplishments and experiences be positive Discuss what value you will add to the program Make your statement stand out from the rest make it personal If answering specific questions, look at the wording of the question
Statement of Interest / Letter of Intent Questions to consider: Why are you applying to this program? Why is this school/program a good fit? What are your career goals? What are your research interests? How to address any weaknesses in your application? **Ensure your statement is free of spelling/grammatical errors
Resumé or CV CV = Academic Resumé Highlight academic achievements, awards, related courses, research (including undergraduate thesis or directed studies) and teaching experience Leadership/volunteer experience is also important
Sample of Written Work/Portfolio Many academic programs ask for a sample of written work For programs such as design, journalism, etc., a portfolio may be required
Letters of Reference How to best prepare for requesting a strong letter of reference? Who should you ask? Asking for a supportive letter Importance?
How much does it cost? At Laurier: MA/MSc/PhD: $2857/term MMT/MSW: $3765/term MFin: $7949/term MBA: $9537/term Remember: you will be enrolled all year (3 terms) for at least one year for a master s; 3 or 4 for a PhD
Financial Aid Laurier guarantees a minimum level of support for students in certain types of programs: in research-intensive master s programs: average of $14,500 in doctoral programs: $19,000 (average=$25,000+) Check guarantees of other universities carefully and get funding commitment in writing: wide variation Get clarity on what components factor into funding (TA, RA, studentships, etc.)
Components of Financial Aid Teaching Assistantships (TAs) helping professors with undergraduate pedagogy (course design, classroom teaching, grading) maximum of 10 hours/week (on average) up to 130 hours total/term on campus work Scholarships (internal university & external: SSHRC, NSERC, CIHR, OGS) Research Assistantships (RAs) professors pay from a research grant for help with research project Studentships (Training Stipend) professors provide training support from a research grant to a student working on a research project; student makes intellectual contribution to project
Think about Laurier: Graduate Programs FGPS Prospective Student Page : wlu.ca/gradstudies/whylaurier Apply here? Absolutely! We have great programs & it may give you a leg up if you are already involved in some research. Applied Politics MAP Biological and Chemical Sciences PhD Business Administration MBA Business Economics MA Chemistry MSc Communication Studies MA Community Music MA Criminology MA Cultural Analysis and Social Theory MA Divinity MDiv Education MEd English MA, PhD Finance MFin
And more Geography MA, MES, MSc, PhD Global Governance PhD History MA, PhD Human Relationships PhD Integrative Biology MSc International Public Policy MIPP Kinesiology MKin, PhD Management MSc, PhD Mathematics MSc Music Therapy MMT Philosophy MA Psychology MA, MSc, PhD Religion & Culture MA, PhD Social Justice & Community Engagement MA Social Work MSW, PhD Sociology MA Theology including Spiritual Counselling MA
Further Education Fair Grad Studies, Teacher Education, College Programs, Study Abroad, Business, Law List of participating institutions on Career Centre Event Calendar at www.wlu.ca/career Waterloo Wednesday, Oct 28 th 11 a.m. 2 p.m. Paul Martin Centre Concourse Senate & Board Chamber Brantford Thursday, Oct 29 th 11 a.m. 2 p.m. Research and Academic Centre West Wilkes House Gym
Questions? Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies 519.884.0710 x3127 gradstudies@wlu.ca wlu.ca/gradstudies/whylaurier wlu.ca/gradstudies/programs wlu.ca/gradstudies/contacts Career Development Centre www.wlu.ca/career Waterloo: 192 King St. N. 519.884.0710 x4495 careercentre@wlu.ca Brantford: SC Johnson Building, room 112 519.756.8228 x5726 careerbrantford@wlu.ca