Applying to Graduate School: Real Talk

Hi, it's Micah, One Psychology Clinic's intern! This week we are focusing on what it's like to start to apply to graduate school programs, especially in the fields related to social work, counselling, clinical psychology and psychotherapy.

The whole process of graduate applications are daunting and more emotionally demanding than expected. Online advice highlights the perspective that students should already have everything figured out prior to applying.

Although there are many factors to think through, the idea that one must be fully prepared for graduate school is often overwhelming and, ultimately, unrealistic.

There is no “one perfect way” to prepare yourself for graduate applications. It’s common to feel underprepared during this stage. What matters most is your decision to apply and your determination to pursue such studies. 

Deciding to Apply: The Question Beneath the Question

When applying, there is rarely a single “aha!” moment, but more of a gradual realization over time. The decision to apply eventually becomes ingrained in your ideal future, and at the end of it, pursuing graduate studies just feels right. 

Some common motivators for pursuing graduate studies, especially within psychological spheres, often include gaining experience in clinical settings, a desire for more complex training and career alignment. However, with common motivators, there also come common doubts.

Some doubts can include:

1. Timing

   1. Deciding to apply a year or two later after undergrad can feel like you’re behind and won’t remember core concepts anymore.

      1. Often leading to peer comparison and decreased individual readiness.

   2. On the flipside, applying immediately after undergrad can feel daunting and may lead to overworking yourself.

2. Finances

   1. Having the financial stability to pursue graduate school is a factor we should consider.

   2. Comparing programs and tuition prices can be a useful tool before deciding to apply.

3. Readiness

   1. It depends on how ready you feel apply to graduate studies.

   2. If you feel that it does not align with your future endeavours, that is completely okay.

   3. Everyone has their own path, and the main importance is whether or not you genuinely want to apply your studies further.

At the end of the day, having this individual readiness and personal intention is what matters most over the urgency to apply. Non-linear paths are more common than you might think.

What the Application Process is Actually Like

The whole process of applying can include a large mix of emotions, including excitement, self-doubt, stress and hopefulness.

At times, managing the application process with life constraints such as work, school and overall responsibilities can make it feel like another part-time job. A lot of time and effort must go into applying and feeling overwhelmed during it is highly expected.

What is even more daunting is waiting for responses after the application process, heightening anxiety and overall comparison to other peers.

Ultimately, emotional reactions are a part of the process, not signs of failure.

Stress and self-doubt will come into play, but just because they appear does not mean it defines your application. Managing these heightened emotions will come in handy when deciding whether it is the right time to apply.

Don’t be afraid when these feelings happen; not only do they show how much care you are putting into your applications, but they are also a sign that this is truly something you want to pursue. These emotions wouldn’t occur during the application process if you knew that this path was not right for you.

Reframing Outcomes and Expectations

A big fear surrounding graduate applications is rejection and uncertainty. If there is one thing that you should keep in mind when applying, it is this:

Rejection decisions never imply that you are not suited for the field. 

Deciding to apply in general is a meaningful step in one’s own professional development, and there will always be many strong applicants who may take a different path. While we all hope for acceptance from every program we choose to apply to, rejection is ultimately a part of the process.

Finding your fit will come throughout; never let rejection letters stop you from pursuing what you desire. While that path may have closed, there are multiple other directions you may walk to take you to your professional endeavours.

Final Thoughts

If you have experienced any of these struggling emotions, you are not alone, and it is okay to ask for reassurance and guidance in this process. If you’d like to reach out for 

support during this time, we’re here to help.

Check back on this page for more information surrounding the graduate process, or please feel free to reach out to us at info@onepsychology.ca.