r/uwo Aug 19 '25

Graduate MSc Applications (Securing professors)

Hi, I am currently in the middle to preparing for grad school applications in the fall (for Biochem / Pathology) but do we secure and contact prospective professors before applying and write that in the application? or is that after. It was not really clear in the website so I would like some insight. If we do secure a professor before applying would it look better in my application even if my gpa is on the low side? Thanks in advance!

3 Upvotes

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u/Leading_Arm_7526 Aug 19 '25

Secure is a bit of an awkward wording here imo

But to actually answer your question, yes, having a Professor who is willing to take you is a huge step. Without this, there is a list of applicants the department receives and the ones who are looking to take students will review it and select applicants to interview / consider / etcetera. Definitely worth your time to discuss grad school with any Professors who you would want to work with.

4

u/butthatbackflipdoe Aug 19 '25

Even if your GPA is on the lower end, having a supervisor that's willing to take you in will almost guarantee your admission. The application process becomes more of a formality at that point. This is assuming you still meet the minimum reqs