Why and How to Apply for a Masters Degree

My MA Journey — Part I

Cape Town so beautiful

I completed my Bachelor of Arts degree in 2016 and then I went to Cape Town to wind down as gift from my dad. I had a wonderful time. I had focused on completing my undergraduate degree and I had not given much thought to my next steps. I had the option to do an MA, get a job, or go for NYSC. I do love school and new experiences and I was honestly still attached to academia.

I applied to do an MA at the same university I had just graduated from (University of Botswana), and two Canadian Universities. Then I went to Nigeria for three weeks and NYSC seemed appealing. My dad disagreed with me and was adamant about me doing an MA and not wasting my time on NYSC. I remember feeling overwhelmed one afternoon and sobbing my eyes out, my brother came in and rubbed my back. He said, “you feel overwhelmed right?” and he let me cry.

Upon return to Botswana from Nigeria, I discovered that I had gotten into the University of Botswana, but not the Canadian universities I had applied to. I did some research work with my friend, Dotun, and for a professor. Soon the semester started at the University of Botswana, but I was determined not to start MA classes there. I was sure I wanted to leave home, spread my wings, and embrace change.

Choosing my location

I wanted to go to the UK initially, but I lost interest after Brexit. USA was a no no because Trump seemed weird and I was unsure about the state of the place. I then thought of Denmark and Australia, but something about Canada stood out to me. The thing was that I knew people who had moved or studied there, and they seemed to be doing well. I had wanted to go to Ontario or British Columbia, but both are pretty expensive provinces to live in and my applications were rejected.

In October 2016 after missing one month of MA classes at the University of Botswana, I went for my graduation. That day, loads of people wanted to know what my plan was. It was too late at this point to start an MA at the University of Botswana. I was galvanized to look up the top 10 English Departments in Canada — https://www.mastersportal.com. The first few where in popular cities and I had learned from my mistake. I decided to look for a smaller location. I saw a school in a seemingly small city, and I decided to apply. A month later, I got an acceptance letter.

My application

I went through the requirements and took my time understanding what I needed to do. I spoke to my professors about references and had to sit in one’s office to get him to complete it so I could send everything off the same week. I sent my documents through DHL the day after I sent in my online application. I believe that that helped expedite things. Then the waiting begun. I needed an acceptance letter to apply for a visa and know what my next step is.

I learned

1. Patience
2. Rejection does not mean to stop trying
3. Good things take time
4. You can apply for schools on your own and without an agent
5. The fact that I can be very determined was reinforced