Debra
What do graduate schools focus on in the admissions process?
I have heard that graduate programs will first look at GPA, which will then remove the unqualified students. #graduate-school #college-admissions #masters #college-recruiting #graduate-recruitment #graduate-programs
2 answers
matthew adeleye
matthew’s Answer
Depending on the school, but most universities in Canada will first check if you've contacted a potential supervisor, and if the supervisor has agreed to supervise you and provide research funding. Once a professor has accepted you, the university will certainly give you admission (100% assurance). So, the question should be how do find a potential supervisor? Potential supervisor is the key to the door of grad school.
Jeff Sloan
Jeff’s Answer
Debra,
Great question! First and foremost is your performance in your undergrad program. That shows how you handle the challenges of academia. Next is usually GRE/GMAT scores. Beyond that, some programs will look at subject related extra curricular activities. For example, if you are looking at a computer programming related degree, it would help to have a portfolio of open source and/or academic software contributions. It always helps to be published in a peer reviewed publication but that's quite rare for an undergrad so no pressure!
You might want to talk to the graduate advisor for the program you will apply to. They know better than anyone what really matters to that program.
Best of luck and I hope you get accepted to the program you want!
Jeff
By the way, another factor is how popular the program is. I looked into University of Texas grad program and they actually had a recording that said even though the catalog says a GRE score of 1250 is required, don't waste their time by applying unless you have at least 1350. It's a very popular program...
Jeff Sloan
Thank you!
Debra