How to Get Into Graduate School

So you want to go to graduate school?

Maybe your undergraduate degree is coming to an end and you want to learn more. You may be in the middle of your undergrad contemplating your future, or have been finished school long ago and are looking to build a new career. In either case, graduate school is a major milestone and fiercely competitive. How do you even get started?

I spent my first year of university trying to decide what I wanted to major in. After taking PSY100, I knew there were no other alternatives. I wanted to be a psychotherapist. My second year and third year I spent researching graduate schools extensively. I looked at ones in Canada, the United States, the UK, and more. I often felt overwhelmed and daunted and I hadn't even began the application process. In my fourth year, I applied to the graduate schools I had my eye on. It was exhausting, exciting and I couldn't have been happier when I sent in my final application package. After months of waiting in anticipation, I can finally say that I will be starting my masters in clinical psychology this August.

Here's my advice on getting into a (psychology) graduate school:

1. Know your end-goals

What career do you envision for yourself? Does job stability matter for you? Graduate schools often conduct surveys of post-graduates to see what employment opportunities are out there for graduates of their program. Get in touch with the registrar of your desired program and find out how many graduates graduate with a job or find a job within a few months of graduating, and in what positions. If they have great post-graduate employment statistics to back up their program, it might be a better fit for you. If you're looking for a masters degree that will set the foundation for a PhD or PsyD, find out how many graduates are admitted to doctorate level programs post-graduation. Remember that a masters degree does not come with any promises! You will have to work hard to get the position you desire once you're done.

2. Get involved in your aspirational profession

Volunteer as an undergraduate research assistant as much as possible. Usually once you have volunteered in one, opportunities for more research positions come pouring in! This is a great way to become acquainted with your field of interest, and see if it is really right for you. You'll likely meet some incredible people in the process who are working towards similar goals, so you might meet some lifelong friends in addition to gaining experience!

3. Create meaningful relationships with professors and leaders

As an undergraduate your greatest resource are your professors. Let your professor know that you're interested in graduate school, and they might have some great advice. If you are a science student, ask your professors if they have any positions available in their labs. Many professors have research labs of their own, or may be able to direct you to a lab they feel is suitable to your interests. Independent research projects are also an incredible way to learn and cultivate great relationships with professors, who act as your supervisors. If you ask them to write you a letter of recommendation and they agree, they will be able to give meaningful anecdotes backing up why you will be an incredible researcher in graduate school.

4. Know your budget and work within it

There's no getting around that graduate school is expensive. You'll be paying for school, living expenses, books, food, drinks, and the travel expenses of going back home. It adds up! Find out exactly how much the programs you want to attend cost, and factor in the price of all these additional expenses. How much is it going to cost you per year? Do you have family members who are willing to financially contribute to your education? Are you going to be able to work part-time in addition to your schooling? These are major questions that deserve as much time as researching the programs themselves. Start looking for scholarships early!