1. Graduate School Information Session Dr. Gayle MacDonald Dean of Research Fall 2011 St. Thomas University

2. Plan your path • Choose a School (Canada, UK, US, Other) • Check out the Program (requirements: Honours thesis, GRE/MCAT/LSAT scores, entrance average grade) • How to Get Funding • Get Organized • Choose a MENTOR

3. What’s Out There?Some Resources… • Canada’s Higher Education and Career Guide http://www.canadian-universities.net/Universities/index.html • Schools in Canada http://www.schoolsincanada.com/Choosing-a-Grad-School-in-Canada.cfm • AUCC’s Find A Study Program (searchable database) http://www.aucc.ca/canadian-universities/study-programs/ • UK Graduate Schools http://www.ukgradschools.com/?gclid=CLnO78XNlKUCFeh25QodlzZlPw • Graduate Study in Europe http://www.internationalgraduate.net/country/europe.htm • “The #1 Grad School Directory on the Planet” http://www.gradschools.com/

4. How to Choose a Graduate SchoolConsider…… • The Reputation of the Graduate School • Faculty Expertise • Location • Cost • Residency Requirement • Length of Program

5. Make a Short-List Then do some research… • Meet with your Mentor • Talk to recent grads • Research the school webpages • Talk to Professors that studied or taught there • What funding do they offer? • Know yourself!

6. Faculty of Graduate Studies vs. DepartmentWhat’s the difference? • Graduate school AND Department or programme (which faculty) • The Departmental D.O.G.S. is your new best friend • Level of flexibility in study/work schedule • Deferring acceptance • Employability (here at STU and at Grad School) • Residency requirement

7. Preparing to ApplyStart Early Typical applications consist of: • Application form and fee • Official Transcripts • Letter of Intent or Cover Letter • Sample of your writing • Reference Forms Make a realistic timeline – plan out the entire application process

8. Asking for ReferencesDo it right • Email the Referee or ask them directly. If they say they don’t know you well enough – take that as a no and thank them politely. You do NOT want a lukewarm letter! • Give the Referee a brown envelope with the application form, a recent transcript, resume, letter of intent, and the deadline. • DO NOT fill out self-addressed envelopes. Letters must be on St. Thomas letterhead, which you do not have access to. • Given them the full envelope AT LEAST A MONTH in advance. You are not their only reference request! http://www.universityaffairs.ca/how-to-ask-for-a-reference-letter.aspxSource: University Affairs

9. Tips • Think of Grad School as “your job” for the next few years. • Do your application carefully. If there is an early deadline, meet it, as it usually puts you in the running for $$$. • Funding is EVERYTHING…explore funding for which you are eligible

10. Federal FundingThe Big Three • Social Science and Humanities Research Council http://www.sshrc-crsh.gc.ca/funding-financement/programs-programmes/fellowships/cgs_masters-besc_maitrise-eng.aspx • Canadian Institutes for Health Research http://www.researchnet-recherchenet.ca/rnr16/vwOpprtntyDtls.do?prog=1314&&view=currentOpps&org=CIHR&type=AND&resultCount=25&sort=program&all=1&masterList=true • Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canadahttp://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/Students-Etudiants/UG-PC/USRA-BRPC_eng.asp

11. Applying for FundingAnd you thought the application for Grad School was tough! • Talk to your mentor • Apply for funding through the Research Office at STU (SSHRC, CIHR and NSERC) • Start writing early See Handout (lists over 100 funding opportunities)

12. Points to Remember • Plan ahead – make timelines, set goals • Find a suitableMentor • Ask for References early • Maintain a healthy balance – this process isn’t supposed to be painful

13. Any Questions? Thank you. Dr. Gayle MacDonald, Dean of Research & Danielle Connell (Office Assistant) George Martin Hall suite 201 & 202 research@stu.ca 452-0647