To start off, say a little about yourself, your interests, your undergraduate degree and what you are doing now.
I graduated in 2022 with a BSc in Psychology (Hons.) and a minor in Biology and Criminal Justice. I am enrolled in the Masters of Applied Psychology, Research, and Evaluation (MAPRE) at UNB (Saint John). In the future, I hope to be involved in the mental health sector of the healthcare system. I have spent my time at UNB in several research labs across various disciplines, and I hope to incorporate my passion for research into my future career. Outside of this, I enjoy soccer, reading, and painting. In the fall, I will continue my graduate studies at a different institution to obtain my Ph.D.
What would be your best experience during undergrad?
My best experience during my undergrad at UNB was being involved in research. Having this hands-on experience in the field and being able to apply theoretical concepts learned in class allowed me to feel confident about choosing to pursue a career in psychology.
What do you wish you had done to prepare for grad school?
I wish I had started the application process sooner. Hearing you have months to write a personal statement makes it seem like you have all the time in the world, but when you have to write 5-10 applications for different schools on top of your regular coursework, it is easy to push it off until the very last minute.
How did you prepare for the application process?
I took a lot of time to understand the program and how it would help me achieve my future goals. I also spoke to several faculty members about the program and if they felt it was a good fit for me.
What was the thing that surprised you the most during the application process?
I wish I had spent more time understanding the factors in applying for grad school. Yes, grades and experience are important, but having something to show for it is crucial. As somebody who had spent her undergrad making sure to get the highest grades and most experience possible to increase the competitiveness of my application, I hadn’t realized how important things like publications and conferences were until I had already submitted several applications.