grad school: every student’s safety net

Hello Aska,

I will be graduating next week from UTM and have a few questions. I would really love to pursue a Masters in Psychology, preferably in counselling. The problem is my GPA is 2.3, (my average from the last two years is 72%). Basically my first year is bringing my average down.
I know Master in Psychology programs are crazy competitive and require insane GPAs, research experience and GRE scores, etc. The most important thing for me to do right now is be realistic with myself and with my abilities. I’m contemplating returning to UTM in the fall to do an individual research project (I spoke with the Psych. department and I will most likely be able to do one), and maybe raise my GPA (however I’m not too keen on taking extra courses. It costs too much money, and I can’t even guarantee it will raise my GPA).

I think Western uni is my best shot at the moment. They have a masters in counselling psychology, that requires a 70% average from the last two years, and an individual research project. That application is in feb. of next year. Should I go back and complete an IRP? I know the admission says 70% minimum, but the reality is that the competitive average is probably a lot higher. They accept 24 people for interviews, and probably only accept a fraction of them. Should I even bother going back? I don’t want to waste my time and my parents money..
(Also, they don’t require GRE scores, but would this be a good idea to submit anyway?)

I’ve already had this semester off and am waiting for graduation, but I don’t know what to do next. I’m having difficultly finding a full time job (my major is in Psychology). I am applying to teachers college this december but am not to keen on pursuing that anymore (and even if I do get accepted, its another whole year I’ll have to wait). Please help me! What should I do? Do I even still have time to get in to UTM for the fall (as I realize there’s an online application process?)

Thanks for your advice, its much appreciated!! 🙂

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Yo yo

So as you might know, when it comes to grad school questions and their specific requirements, my answers don’t really stray far from it depends on the specific school.

Now for this situation and for the sake of your wallet, I’m going to be completely honest with you.

You’re asking the student and the student is answering that if I was in your shoes, no, I would not go back. Realistically, one year back isn’t going to have a huge effect on your CGPA. Likewise, you’re most likely going to follow the same patterns and just maintain your current CGPA so unless you plan on ignoring the world in favour of studying, nothing’s going to change.

If I were you, I’d nix the grad school dreams for now out of practicality and get a job.

Yeah, yeah, I know. It’s easy to say that it’s just sooooo hard to find a job, but I mean lezbehonest — if you were desperate, you’d find one. And if you’re like me and swimming in an ocean of student debt, you’d learn how to settle for working at a children’s shoe store and dealing with loud smelly brats > finding a job that you love. I mean it’s just to pass the time and pay the bills. You don’t have to be there permanently.

But take a look at what the career centre lists for you. They honestly have some pretty awesome job posts there!

Now that’s me. For YOU…

What you do all really depends on just how badly you want to go to grad school.

Do you REALLY want to go? Because everyone “wants to go to grad school” at some point in university, but for the most part, I’d say that’s just some excuse to avoid entering Real Life. If grad school really is your dream though, then yeah, of course go back to school and do what you must. I don’t think one year of 90s is going to raise your CGPA enough for consideration (a lot of places require at least a 3.0), but at least you’re trying. Just keep in mind that grad schools, for the most part, are competitive for students in the A range sooooooo.

Yeah.

I mean there are other options. You can do a post-graduate certificate at a college, you can, again, get a job and think about things, you can do some volunteer work in your field to be suuuuure grad school/that program you like is actually for you, yada yada yada.

tl;dr = only go back if you’re honestly sure grad school — work-your-ass-off, expensive-as-balls, time-consuming grad school — is actually what you want and you’re not just trying to prolong student living.

And no, don’t bother with the GRE scores.

xoxo,

aska