dr. kim fenwick, dean of social sciences dr. michael dawson, associate vice-president (research) st....
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Graduate School & Scholarship
Information SessionDr. Kim Fenwick, Dean of Social Sciences
Dr. Michael Dawson, Associate Vice-President (Research)St. Thomas University
2 October 2015
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Benefits◦Educational◦Financial◦Social
Costs◦Financial◦Social
Why go to graduate school?
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Independent Research (varies by subject)
Coursework
Thesis or cognate essay
What is expected?
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Select potential schools (Canada, UK, US, Other)
Check out the Program (requirements: Honours thesis, GRE/MCAT/LSAT scores, entrance average grade)
Investigate Funding opportunities Choose a STU faculty MENTOR (or two)
Plan your path
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YOUR interests
Potential Supervisor
Size of student/faculty cohort
Cost/funding
Length of Program
Location
Residency Requirement
How to Choose a Graduate SchoolConsider……
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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
Universitystudy.ca (searchable database)
http://www.universitystudy.ca/search-programs/
UK Graduate Schools
http://www.ukgradschools.com/?gclid=CLnO78XNlKUCFeh25QodlzZlPw
“The #1 Grad School Directory on the Planet”
http://www.gradschools.com/
What’s Out There?Some Resources…
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◦ Meet with your mentor(s) ◦ Talk to recent grads◦ Research the school webpages ◦ Talk to professors that studied or taught there (or
who can help evaluate potential supervisors)◦ What funding do they offer?◦ Compare programmes/schools◦ Think about what makes the most sense for YOU.
Make a Short-List Then do some research…
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Typical applications consist of:
• Application form and fee• Official Transcripts• Letter of Intent or Cover Letter/Research Proposal• Sample of your writing• Reference letters/forms (quantitative & qualitative)• GRE/LSAT/MCAT results (if applicable)• Curriculum vitae
Preparing to ApplyStart Early
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Don’t be shy. We do this ALL THE TIME. But give us plenty of time (1 month).
Who should you approach? Arrange an appointment. Give us enough information. Take “no” for an answer. Seek our input. Ask us to be involved in the application process
More advice on asking for references: http://www.universityaffairs.ca/how-to-ask-for-a-reference-letter.aspx Source: University Affairs
Asking for References
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Grad School, like dinner, is more enjoyable if someone else is paying for it.
Funding deadlines often PRECEDE final application deadlines.
Securing Funding
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Internal Funding◦ RA/TA jobs◦ Fellowships & awards
External Funding◦ Federal (Tri-Council)◦ Provincial (Ontario Graduate Scholarships/O’Brien
Foundation/etc.)◦ Others
Types of Funding
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1. Social Science and Humanities Research Councilhttp://www.sshrc-crsh.gc.ca/funding-financement/programs- programmes
/fellowships/cgs_masters-besc_maitrise-eng.aspx
2. Canadian Institutes for Health Researchhttp://www.researchnet- recherchenet.ca/rnr16/
vwOpprtntyDtls.do?prog=1314&&view=currentOpps&org= CIHR&type=AND&resultCount=25&sort=program&all=1&masterList=true
3. Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canadahttp://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/Students-Etudiants/UG-PC/USRA-BRPC_eng.asp
Federal FundingThe Big Three
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Apply to up to five institutions Each “host” university has an allocation Deadline: December 1st -- or earlier
depending upon the institution(s) you choose
Amount: $17,500 for the year
Canada Graduate Scholarships – Master’s Program
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Online application with Canadian Common CV
Must be Canadian citizen or permanent resident
Apply via SSHRC, CIHR, NSERC Normally, scholarships are tenable at
Canadian universities only Key components:
◦ Research Proposal◦ Reference Letters◦ Transcripts
Canada Graduate Scholarships – Master’s Program
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The Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada – Many funding options available to Canadian Students.
Other Funding - Canadian
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Plan ahead – make timelines, set goals
Find (a) suitable faculty mentor(s)
Ask for References early
Focusing on your applications now will pay off in the future.
Points to Remember
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Thank you.
Any Questions?
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Are you interested in a research proposal workshop c. late October? If so, send us a quick e-mail at [email protected]
If you have specific questions that you think we can help with, contact us directly:◦ For Humanities queries: [email protected]◦ For Social Science queries:
Contact Us & a Research Proposal Workshop