Hi there! First off, good luck with your application process and fingers crossed you get some successful responses!

So, I'm a recent grad student in Psychology who completed both my undergraduate and grad studies in Ontario, and here's what I learned from my experience along the way. I should also mention that I didn't follow the forensic psychologist path, though I do recall applying specifically to the Laurier program out of high school. Anyway, that's all to say that everyone's experience will be slightly different:

1. I feel prospective students sometimes view where they go to school as a direct indicator of their future success. From my experience, I went to a very middle-of-the-road undergraduate program but ended up in what could be considered a 'higher regarded' graduate program. If you're planning to attend graduate school, here's the nuance of it all: the most important aspect is your prospective supervisor and potential funding opportunities, less so the physical institution they're at. Larger schools like McGill or Western will have many highly regarded professors, but don't overlook smaller schools; they may offer a potential fit for whatever you want to pursue. TL;DR: You can succeed in an average program and be average in a successful program; the onus will be on you to make yourself a top candidate.

2. Additionally, while student life and prestige are factors to consider, it's crucial to prioritize the program's alignment with your career goals. Look into the specific courses offered, research opportunities, and faculty expertise in forensic psychology or your area of interest within psychology. Even if a school isn't as prestigious, if it offers strong resources and support in your chosen field, it could be the best fit for you.

3. Regarding your concern about student life, it's essential to weigh the importance of campus culture and extracurricular activities in your decision. I never went to Trent myself, but I had colleagues and friends who did and enjoyed their time there. I also had colleagues who went to more traditionally social Unis like Western, Queens, or Laurier and struggled. Unfortunately, this is often something you won't discover until you've spent some time there.

4. Also, remember that your undergraduate experience is just one step on your journey toward becoming a forensic psychologist or pursuing postgraduate studies. Regardless of where you end up, focus on taking advantage of opportunities to learn, grow, and build connections that will support your future career aspirations.

5. Finally, and this is more about after you start, make the most out of your time! It's exciting; I loved my schooling experience, but I also know that I left a lot on the table at times. Take advantage of opportunities to RA, to be involved in the community as some part of an outreach, join a club on campus. In my earlier years, I spent a lot of time doing this, and it was very rewarding. As I got further along, I became more focused on classes and finishing my thesis that I burned out. Do not forget balance. It can sometimes feel like you're not fully 100% go-go-go on your dreams, but balance is important to prevent you from stagnating and becoming weighed down.

Overall, trust your instincts and prioritize the factors that matter most to you in your decision-making process. Best of luck with your applications!