Grad Schools

Applying to graduate schools is not as scary as you may think. Lots of us have done it and we are here to tell the tale.

Start thinking about where you want to apply early. Your third year it is not too early to start researching universities and finding out about professors at other universities who are doing research in an area you are interested in. If you plan on going to grad school the fall following graduation, you need to start the application process in the summer before your fourth year. Many schools have application deadlines in late January or early February.

It would be a good idea to spend the summer researching potential universities and speaking to grad supervisors. Once you have your top choices for schools (3-5 is a good number), reach out to the supervisors you are interested in over email. Let them know who you are, tell them your interests, and that you know what their current research focuses are (most professors have websites listing their graduate students projects and a description of their own current research). Ask if they are accepting new graduate students and thank them for their time.

First impressions are everything. Make sure you craft a detailed, yet concise email. You could say something like:

SUBJECT: Prospective Graduate Student for Fall 20XX

Dear Dr. X,

My name is X and I am a student at the University of Alberta, completing a BA in Anthropology. If possible, I would be grateful to speak to you about SCHOOL NAME University’s Anthropology program, and your lab specifically, as a potential avenue for graduate school. Will you be accepting new graduate student advisees in Fall 20XX?

My primary research interests are in the BLANK, which has led me to the great work currently being conducted in your lab. While I was conducting preliminary research for a possible master thesis topic, I read your publication BLANK with great interest. I believe I would complement your team and that I would benefit as a student under your advisement.

I have attached my CV below but please let me know if you need other documents.

Thank you for your time and I look forward to hearing back from you!

Sincerely,

X

After receiving a response, however brief it may be, it is helpful to set up a zoom meeting with them so they can get to know you a little better. This gives you a chance to see if you click with the supervisor (which is extremely important). The next steps are the actual application process: this usually means you need to write a letter of intent, submit academic references (usually 2-3), and submit a writing sample. As these are typically due in January, it is good to spend the fall preparing for it. That means speak to professors that know you well and ask if they would be your reference. Also, write your letter of intent early! You should personalize it for each school so you may end up having to write more than one.

Watch out though! American graduate schools will often require you to write an exam called the GRE and submit your score. This is why it is important to plan ahead and start early.

Wait... what is an Academic CV?

Academic CVs are like resumes but for school. Instead of highlighting your work experience, it shows all the things you have completed academically! They include publications, research experience, conference presentations, and any relevant experience (like field schools).

Do I need an Academic CV?

Depends. If you are applying to any graduate schools, then 100% yes! If you are applying to jobs, probably not (but always double check). Graduate schools want to see what you have done to check if you would be a valuable student for them.

What makes a good Academic CV?

It is important to be an involved student straight from the get-go, but especially in your last two years. This means you should join clubs, volunteer in labs, participate in conferences, go to field schools, and if you have time, put out some publications! Now all of this is easier said than done so don't stress over doing everything. Try to think of the CV as a way to show you are a well-rounded student who has some basic experience.

There are a few things that should be in a CV. Here is a basic template for what should go in it:

1. Name

2. Contact Information: email (required) and phone number (optional)

3. Research Interests (just keywords)

4. Education

5. Awards

6. Field Experience

7. Work Experience (only what is relevant!)

8. Volunteer Experience (only what is relevant!)

9. Professional Memberships

10. Conference Presentations

11. Languages (only include if you speak more than one)

Be sure to only add relevant experience. If you are applying to an archaeology grad school, they won't care if you coached soccer for a few years. Formatting is also important so keep things clean, organized, and easy to read.

Check out our master list for information on grad schools, volunteer opportunities, internships and jobs, and ways to get more involved in anthropology on a broader scale. These are great ways to find opportunities to enhance your CV!

Where can I get help with writing one?

The UofA Career Centre offers resume reviews which includes Academic CVs! You can sign up and send them your CV to get feedback and advice. Be sure to check them out to really make your CV a solid one.

If you are ever uncertain, there a lot of great resources online! Most professors also have their Academic CVs online if you want to use as a reference. Their CVs will have way more experience than you could ever have right now, so don't worry about having yours the same as theirs. It is just a good way to look at ideas for what to add.

The American Anthropological Associations Guide to Departments is a yearly publication and helpful source for quick access to info on many universities. It is available online to AAA members.

Database of some Canadian Grad Schools http://anthropology.uwaterloo.ca/departments.html

Trent University (Peterborough) http://www.trentu.ca/anthropologyma/

University of Alberta (Edmonton) http://www.anthropology.ualberta.ca/

University of British Columbia (Vancouver) http://www.anth.ubc.ca/

University of Saskatchewan (Saskatoon) http://artsandscience.usask.ca/archanth/index.php

University of Toronto (Toronto) http://www.anthropology.utoronto.ca/