McMaster University Student Centre (MUSC) Atrium
Everyone’s career and education journeys are different — come explore your options with help from program reps
Explore your further education options by attending the Graduate and Professional Schools fair, where you can explore programs and find helpful information to guide your application process. Connect face-to-face with school reps, pick up brochures and expand your network while gaining insights to support what’s next.
Even if you haven’t made the final decision to continue your education after your undergrad, we still recommend attending the fair to explore your options and find out what opportunities may be available to you. This is a chance to gather information, ask questions and discover the paths you can pursue.
Three days full of opportunities to explore your options
September 22, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.: Want to pursue further education at Mac? Attend a full day for McMaster programs.
September 23 and 24, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.: Discover opportunities and programs from other schools and institutions.
Why attend?
- Explore a range of further education options, from graduate, medical and professional schools to postgraduate certificate programs.
- Ask school reps questions about applications and admissions.
- Connect with SSC career counsellors and staff who can help guide you through the process.
How it works
- The fair is taking place in the McMaster University Student Centre (MUSC) Atrium.
- Review participating organizations and register in advance through OSCARplus (registration link coming soon).
- Drop in at any time during the event to browse booths. Learn about different programs, chat with school reps and ask questions to help improve your application.
- Remember to collect brochures, contact information and additional details from the schools and programs that interest you. This way, you’ll be prepared when it comes time to apply.
- Tip: It’s normal to feel nervous or intimidated. The school reps are there to connect with you, answer your questions and share more about their programs, so they’re eager to meet you!
Not sure what to ask a representative? Here are some ideas
General
- What do you wish more students would know about your program or the application process?
- Can I follow up with you if I have more questions? What is the best way to reach you?
- Are there any information sessions I should be aware of?
Grades
- What advice can you give to students who are concerned with their GPA?
- Besides my GPA, what else can I do to prepare a strong application?
- Sometimes students experience a term of low marks for various reasons. Is there an area on your application that provides a space to explain extraordinary circumstances?
- How do I know if my courses meet a prerequisite requirement?
- How do you calculate the GPA? Is there a minimum GPA versus the reality of those accepted?
- Will the spring/summer course grades be counted towards my admission average calculation?
- How are second degrees or courses taken as a continuing student considered?
- When I drop a course and/or withdrawn and/or cancelled, how is this considered?
General Application
- What are some tips you have for selecting references?
- At what stage do references become part of the selection process? How important is a strong reference?
- What if I don’t have an academic reference?
- Does my academic reference need to be from a subject area that aligns with my grad application?
- How are my extracurricular and volunteer experiences considered in my application?
- Do you accept applications after the deadline?
Diversity Recruitment
- Do you have any access strategies that students might want to know?
- What are your diversity recruitment streams? Can you share the advantages (or disadvantages) of applying through a particular stream?
- Do you have resources (e.g., webinars, peer conversations) to assist me with my application process?
Internationally-focused Programs
- For professional programs abroad, what are some advice you’d give to students who want to return to Canada? What due diligence should be done?
Employment Opportunities
- What is the employment outlook for graduates from this program?
- What kinds of career pathways do your grads end up pursuing?
- Are there career services available?
Program Specific
- What are some of your most popular programs?
- How is the program structured (classes, projects, research, etc.?)
- What is unique about the way the program is run compared to similar programs at other schools?
- Does your program meet the requirements of the regulatory or licensing body (for regulated professional programs)?
- Is there an opportunity for co-ops, placements, or internships as part of this program? What supports are offered to help students gain practical experience?
- Do you have multiple start dates for program(s)?
- Do you have any tips or advice for applicants?
Are you unsure about your options or suitability for career paths?
- We have career counsellors that can help you navigate the career planning process.
- Check OSCARplus for events, company recruitment sessions, workshops and job and volunteer postings to support your professional development.
Considering Grad School?
September 17 | 11:30 a.m. to 12:20 p.m.Join us for an overview of what you need to know and how to explore your options. Learn about resources and a strategy to approach your graduate school decision.
Alternatives to Grad School
September 17 | 1:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.Discover programs and possibilities that align with your career aspirations. Join this session to explore a range of further education options available.
The Financial Side of Grad School: How To Prepare for Success
September 22 | 3:30 p.m to 4:30 p.mJoin us for an overview of the costs, how to budget effectively, and income sources which can support you in the next steps of your academic journey.
Grad/Professional School Applications
October 1 | 11:30 a.m. to 12:20 p.m.Join us to learn about how to plan, prepare, and apply to graduate/professional or other further education programs. We will provide an overview of common application requirements, strategies to stay organized, and tips for effective application.
Asking for References
October 1 | 1:30 p.m. to 2:20 p.m.Join this webinar to learn when, who, and how to ask for references-and what to provide to make the process smooth and successful.
Writing Personal Statements/Letter of Intents
October 8 | 11:30 a.m. to 12:20 p.m.Join us to learn how to write effective personal statements and letters of intent. Strategize how to convey your ‘why’ when writing personal statements and letters of intent to apply to graduate and professional school programs.
Creating a CV
October 8 | 1:30 p.m. to 2:20 p.m.Join this session for an overview of the essential components of an effective CV, emphasizing how to highlight your academic achievements, research experience, and extracurricular involvement.
Volunteer Experience and Medical School
September 15 | 1:30 p.m. to 2:20 p.m.In this session, we will discuss the ways in which volunteering can develop skills and abilities and add value to your application. We will also go over what types of volunteer experiences are out there and where you can find them.
Collective Mentorship: Medical School
September 23 | 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.Have questions about medical school? What a day in the life looks like as a student in Medical School? Register for this mentorship session and listen to the stories of those who have navigated the process!
Finding Research Opportunities
October 7 | 11:00 a.m. to 11:50 a.m.Explore what research looks like across different disciplines, discover ways to build relevant skills and experience, and learn practical strategies for finding opportunities.
How to find Experience Building Opportunities
October 12 | 11:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.This session provides you with clear steps and resources and helps you build an appreciation of the experiences and skills you already have!
Collective Mentorship: Law School
October 27 | 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.Have questions about law school? What a day in the life looks like as a student in law school? Register for this mentorship session and listen to the stories of those who have navigated the process!
Collective Mentorship: Rehabilitation Sciences
November 5 | 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.Have questions about careers and education in rehabilitation science? What a day in the life looks like as a student? Register for this mentorship session and listen to the stories of those who have navigated the process!
One-on-one appointments
Do you want help with your further education decisions? Do you need help exploring program options and preparing applications? SSC’s Career Development Professionals provide 1-1 appointments to help you with your career and educational goals. Book an appointment on OSCARplus > Student Success Centre > Appointments > Career Counselling & Job Search Coaching.
Have just a few quick questions?
Our career drop-ins can provide answers to most simple further education questions. Drop-in chats: Tuesday and Thursday, 1:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. in person (Gilmour Hall 110).
Further education support
Researching and applying for programs can be a lot to deal with — but you’re not in it alone. We offer workshops, one-on-one appointments and resources to help you with research, planning and program applications. Further Education | Student Success Centre | McMaster University
Visit our tips and resources page and filter by Further Education for a complete list of helpful resources. Student Success Centre > Tips and Resources