APPLYING
How to apply
The competition for grad schools can be fierce so its best to apply as soon as possible. Here are a few tips on getting in:
Make the grades
Most schools wont even consider applicants who have a grade point average below a B+. Why? Because most schools have limited spaces in their programs, as class sizes are considerably smaller. Yet grad programs receive thousands of applications every year. Take Osgood Hall Law School at York University in Toronto, for example. Osgood Hall receives about 2,500 applications a year, but only accepts about 290 students. Bottom line? Grades count. write about your life experience.The OWL (Online Writing Lab) at Purdue University in West Lafayette,Ind.encourages students totell a story. If the meaning of telling a story eludes you, watch the movie Spanglish, which includes a scene depicting grad school faculty reading the personal statement of the films main characters. Your story should include an account of your travels, projects and work-related experience, as well as any volunteer work youve done. Extracurricular activities demonstrate your ability to manage your time and be a team player. Highlight how your experiences relate to your chosen field of study. Talk about why youre interested in the field, what sparked your interest and what youve learned so far. Your personal statement is your opportunity to really sell yourself, your skills and your personality, and to prove that youre a great match for your chosen program.
What if I dont get accepted?
Apply again and everywhere. Ask an advisor at your campus career centre to help you tweak your documents and/or reference letters. Take a year off and get as much experience in your desired field as you can. This will really show the schools that youre determined and serious about your career aspirations. Apply for a diploma in your field.
Tips courtesy of University of Toronto
Pass exams
Certain types of schools require that you pass an exam prior to admission. Exams include the LSAT for law school, the MCAT for medical school, the GMAT for business school and the GRE if youre applying to a grad school in the United States. Exams such as these measure your verbal, problem-solving and written skills. They tend to include essay-type and multiple choice questions. Entrance exams may require several months of study. Check out exam websites to find out where you can register to take them and for online tips and tutorials.
Meet deadlines
Preparing all the documents necessary for grad school applications takes time. Being late for submission deadlines is not an option. So give yourself plenty of time to prepare. Different grad schools have different deadlines, but if youre graduating in the spring and hope to be accepted in time for the next school year you should have your application(s) ready by mid-fall of your last undergrad year. Double and triple check all your documents for accuracy. Then fire away and good luck!
Provide reference letters
Reference letters can make or break your chances of acceptance to grad school. Most grad schools require anywhere from two to four reference letters. Reference letters from professors or school advisors are preferred, because academics are best suited to assessing your skills and potential in an academic context. Letters should describe your academic accomplishments and why you are destined to succeed in grad school and in your chosen field.
Exam websites:
www.lsat.org www.aamc.org/mcat www.mba.com (GMAT) www.gre.org For application inquiries visit: www.ouac.on.ca/prof/prof.html
Perfect your personal statement
Applicants may also be required to write a personal statement or essay explaining why they should be accepted. One way to stand out is to
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FALL 2008 jobpostings magazines Graduate School Planning Guide
