KNOW YOUR FACTS

What a Student Should Know When Applying to Graduate School

Many students like to look beyond the first few years of post-secondary education to more advanced schooling and degrees. Graduate school isn’t necessary for everyone, but some need it as part of the education for their chosen career field, and some just want that added prestige that going to graduate school brings. Whatever the reason, there are certain things a student should know when they decide to apply to graduate school.

What Is Graduate School?

For anyone who doesn’t know, graduate school is where you go to get your Master’s degree or PhD. after you’ve already received a Bachelor’s degree. You can pursue advanced degrees in many Canadian universities, all across the country.

Which Direction?

The direction in which you plan to go is one thing you should know when you apply to graduate school. Not all Canadian universities offer the same advanced degree programs, so you may end up in a province you didn’t even consider, depending on what type of degree you want and how you want to achieve it.

Choosing a research intensive program will send you on much different path than a professional graduate program. Research intensive type programs tend to focus on filling the gaps in conceptual or theoretical knowledge, while the professional programs will help you find solutions to problems in professional settings.

The Pros and Cons

Like with anything, it’s wise to know the pros and cons of graduate programs before you go through the application process.

Pros

Some of the pros include:

Increased earning potential. Enhanced research opportunities. Faster career advancement. Possible travel opportunities. Possible teaching opportunities.

Check into the specific benefits from programs at all of the Canadian universities you end up applying to.

Cons

Some of the cons of graduate school include:

High stress levels and heavy workloads. High competition to get in at most Canadian universities. Heavy financial burden.

Application Process

It makes sense to familiarize yourself with the application process from all the various Canadian universities you apply to. The process can be quite complex and involved, and you’ll want to have it all done correctly and have everything in order when you send it in. Take your time with the applications to make it easier for the person who ultimately reads them. This won’t guarantee you a spot in your program of choice, but it can’t hurt.