Navigating Your Path to Grad School
Thinking about grad school? It’s a big step with plenty of opportunities—and some challenges, too. The OPA is here to make the process easier, from finding the right program to securing funding and recommendation letters. In this section, you’ll find advice from those who’ve been through it, along with useful links and resources to support your journey toward a career in psychology.
Graduate Student Contributions
Hearing from those who have recently navigated the application process can offer invaluable perspectives. The Canadian Psychological Association (CPA) has compiled experiences and advice from graduate students, detailing their journeys and offering tips for prospective applicants.
Resource Links
Application Guidance: The CPA provides a comprehensive fact sheet titled "Applying to Canadian Graduate Schools," which offers detailed advice on the application process, including crafting personal statements and understanding admission requirements.
Funding Opportunities: Information on scholarships, bursaries, and awards is available through the CPA's student resources section, helping students explore financial support options for their graduate studies. View here.
The CPA also offers a “Psychology Works” Fact Sheet for applying to Canadian Graduate Schools. Check it out here.
Additional Support Resources
- Test Preparation: While the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is not universally required for Canadian psychology programs, some institutions may request it. The Educational Testing Service (ETS) offers official GRE preparation materials to assist in exam readiness.
- Securing Reference Letters: Strong letters of reference are crucial for graduate applications. The CPA's student resources provide guidance on how to approach potential referees and what information to provide them to ensure comprehensive and supportive letters.
- Link: CPA