• Master's Program: Hone your field of interest; if you are still in an undergraduate program, choose your required and elective courses carefully, keeping in mind the topic(s) you’d like to pursue during your graduate studies, and requirements for that program.
• PhD Program: Attend conferences and events where you can network with students and faculty from the schools you are interested in attending.
• All:
  • Find out what school(s) are the best fit for you based on programs, faculty members, and various personal factors. Attend Graduate Studies Information Fairs, such as Experience Grad York.
  • Visit and/or contact each school and connect with programs for more information.
  • Take note of requirements for each program.
  • Take any standardized test required for admission (GRE, GMAT, etc)
  • Continue to build strong relationships with both academic and professional contacts, keeping in mind that you will need to ask for letters of recommendation.
  • Research both Funding and Studying in Canada if you are an international student.

• Prepare your Statement of Interest. A guide to writing a great statement can be found on our YouTube Channel.
• Update your Resume/CV.
• If applicable, update your Portfolio.
• If applicable, choose a Writing Sample.
• Contact your potential referees to ask if they would be willing to provide you with a good reference. Ideally, send each referee an updated copy of your resume and transcript.
• Begin to contact potential research supervisors, if applicable for your program. Note: each program should list on their website whether they require applicants to arrange a supervisor prior to applying, or if this process happens after an applicant is accepted to a program.
• Begin applying for both Funding and Scholarship opportunities.

• Perfect your Statement of Interest.
• Polish off your resume/CV, Portfolio, Writing Sample, or any other miscellaneous supporting documentation.
• Confirm the letter of recommendation process with your referees.
• Reach out to the school/programs with any last questions or concerns.
• Gather transcripts from all universities that you have ever attended (excluding York – if you’ve attended York, we will source the transcript for you). We usually* accept unofficial copies of transcripts at the point of application; if you are accepted, an official copy of a transcript denoting degree conferral will be required.
• Submit your application early or on time. Do not miss the deadline.

*The Office of Admissions reserves the right to ask for an official transcript at any point.