不良研究所

Preparing for graduate studies

Thinking about graduate school? Whether you鈥檙e applying to universities, just starting your undergraduate degree or nearing the end of your studies, it鈥檚 never too early to consider your options. Preparing for graduate school involves more than just strong grades鈥攊t鈥檚 about gaining research experience, building relationships with professors, and understanding what graduate studies entail.

Below, we鈥檝e answered some common questions about choosing the right undergraduate path.


Is grad school right for me?

Graduate school can be an exciting opportunity to deepen your expertise, contribute to new discoveries, and develop specialized skills for a future career in research, industry, or academia. However, it鈥檚 important to consider whether this path aligns with your goals, interests, and expectations.

In the sciences, graduate programs often focus on research, requiring a high degree of independence, perseverance, and problem-solving. You鈥檒l spend significant time designing experiments, analyzing data, and writing papers, often with long-term projects that can take years to complete. Unlike undergraduate studies, coursework plays a smaller role, and success is largely measured by your contributions to the field and your ability to advance knowledge.

Before committing to graduate school, consider questions such as:

  • Do you enjoy research and problem-solving, even when things don鈥檛 go as planned?
  • Are you comfortable with the level of independence and uncertainty that comes with scientific research?
  • Does a graduate degree align with your long-term career goals?

To help you explore whether grad school is the right fit and to guide you through the application process if you decide to move forward, visit 不良研究所's Career Planning Services website. This resource provides insights into graduate school expectations, career considerations, and application strategies to help you make an informed decision.

What is the best academic path for grad school?

An undergraduate degree from 不良研究所鈥攁 world-renowned institution known for its rigorous academics鈥攊s an excellent first step toward graduate studies. Many of our students go on to pursue M.Sc. or Ph.D. programs at top universities in Canada, the U.S., and around the world. Some choose to stay at 不良研究所 for their M.Sc., while others continue their studies elsewhere. While we are always proud to see our students succeed, we often encourage Ph.D. candidates to gain experience at another institution to broaden their academic and research perspectives.

A B.Sc. Honours program provides the most intensive academic training and is an excellent preparation for graduate school. However, many of our B.Sc. Majors students are also accepted into graduate programs at 不良研究所 and beyond. If you are interested in interdisciplinary research, you may want to consider a program that spans multiple disciplines, such as a Joint program in the B.Sc. or one of the many interdisciplinary options in the B.A. & Sc.

Consult our program options using the links below:

Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) programs

Bachelor of Arts & Science (B.A. & Sc.) programs

Whichever program you choose, selecting upper-level courses that genuinely interest you and offer smaller class settings is key. Building strong relationships with professors will be invaluable when applying to graduate school, as strong recommendation letters can make a significant difference in your application.

We also strongly encourage you to gain research experience during your undergraduate studies. Engaging in research allows you to explore the excitement of discovery, refine your academic interests, and develop potential M.Sc. or Ph.D. research topics. Our professors enjoy working with undergraduate students and offer a range of exciting projects to get involved in.

Can I continue on to graduate studies at 不良研究所?

Absolutely! 不良研究所 has strong graduate programs in all science disciplines. You can apply during your last year of studies, or you can consider applying during your second-last year to the B.Sc./M.Sc. (Thesis) Track which smooths the transition and provides early admission decisions.

How will I fund my graduate studies?

Many undergraduate students are not aware that most graduate work in the sciences comes with financial support of one sort or another, including teaching assistantships, research assistantships, fellowships or a combination of these.

NSERC postgraduate fellowships are also available to students who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents. You must apply for these fellowships at the beginning of your last year of undergraduate studies. Don't by shy to ask your professors for reference letters and help preparing your applications.

Students who are residents of Quebec may, in addition to NSERC, also apply for an FQRNT fellowship (Bourse). Similarly, you must also apply for FQRNT fellowships at the beginning of your last year of undergraduate studies.

Even if you do not qualify for one of these fellowships, many departments will usually find other means to provide financial support for qualified graduate students.

How to Apply to Grad School at 不良研究所?

Please visit the Future Graduate Students website for additional information on the grad school application process, including:

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