Graduate Studies Workshop no2

Social Welfare and Social Development

2014By

NJB/CDT/Litalien/Patriquin/Kataoka/Chen

Application Forms

Statement of

Purpose

Letters of Referenc

e

Writing Sample

Supporting Docs & Submissi

on

Seeking Funding

MA/scholarship applications are due early autumn.

Decide what you want to apply to during the summer following your third year of undergraduate studies.

Application Forms

Statement of

Purpose

Letters of Referenc

e

Writing Sample

Supporting Docs & Submissi

on

Seeking Funding

Pre-application Statement of purpose/letter of intent (1 to 2 pages)

Research: Faculty of Graduate Studies Program Admissions Committee

Same application typically used for university and program financial awards/placements

Application Forms

Statement of

Purpose

Letters of Referenc

e

Writing Sample

Supporting Docs & Submissi

on

Seeking Funding

What graduate studies do you want to pursue?

How do your current program and possible graduate studies (and personal experiences) relate to each other?

Different programs may ask specifically for additional components.

Application Forms

Statement of

Purpose

Letters of Referenc

e

Writing Sample

Supporting Docs & Submissi

on

Seeking Funding

Consider:

1. Format adopted for the statement: research proposal (see the graduate scholarship application NSERC, SSHRC, CIHR)

2. Usually mandatory to have statement of purpose approved by potential program advisor before online submission

3. Describe your intended research project:a) previous research or experience, the proposed topic, preferred

methods, and potential contributions

b) demonstrate your personality and communication skills

4. Be informative, scholarly, professional, and persuasive.a) This may be the most important part of your application

package

Sources: University of Manitoba; Wiki How; SSHRC

Application Forms

Statement of

Purpose

Letters of Referenc

e

Writing Sample

Supporting Docs & Submissi

on

Seeking Funding

Points to include: Why you are interested in this program and not

other competitors Your credentials and accomplishments Why they should consider you for this

university/program (do not overdo this section) Reasons you find the program appealing How your strengths and interests make the

program “match” with you

PROOFREAD BEFORE SUBMITTING!

Application Forms

Statement of

Purpose

Letters of Referenc

e

Writing Sample

Supporting Docs & Submissi

on

Seeking Funding

Your references should be: Academic (almost always) Tailored to the program to which you are applying, and

tailored to you Professors who know you and your academic work well

You need to provide your referees with: Information on the program Your transcripts Your statement of purpose A sample of work created in the referee’s class Time: at least two weeks to prepare a letter. (More

time is better!)

Application Forms

Statement of

Purpose

Letters of Referenc

e

Writing Sample

Supporting Docs & Submissi

on

Seeking Funding

Choose carefully!

Show your interests and ability to write: make sure it is clearly written!

Evaluators will use this to look into your past efforts

Choose recent work (as much as possible)

Application Forms

Statement of

Purpose

Letters of Referenc

e

Writing Sample

Supporting Docs & Submissi

on

Seeking Funding

Choose completed work (nothing in progress)

Show what you are really capable of, what you are worth

First impressions count. Your sample is not the only one the evaluator will be reading!

Questions? Call the Admissions office, your potential supervisor, Graduate Studies office, etc. Don’t hesitate!

Application Forms

Statement of

Purpose

Letters of Referenc

e

Writing Sample

Supporting Docs & Submissi

on

Seeking Funding

First impressions count. Your sample is not the only one the evaluator will be

reading!

Like we said…..

Brush it up a little before submitting it. Did your professor make recommendations for

improvement?

You must feel confident and comfortable with sharing this piece.

Think about your reader when you select your work. Should be as relevant as possible

Application Forms

Statement of

Purpose

Letters of Referenc

e

Writing Sample

Supporting Docs & Submissi

on

Seeking Funding

Think carefully about your sample’s content

Don’t assume the reader will know your area in detail Revise your piece for general understanding

Consider the sample’s length (too long does not mean better: on the contrary!) Better to explain that you sent only a portion than to

submit something too lengthy

Be sure you’re familiar with the topic Your potential supervisor might ask you questions about it

Application Forms

Statement of

Purpose

Letters of Referenc

e

Writing Sample

Supporting Docs & Submissi

on

Seeking Funding

Arrange for all materials to arrive before the deadline Send the required number of copies Keep a copy of non-confidential materials Be sure your application looks professional Include your e-mail address and phone number Keep it neat, simple and consistent Have headers/footers with page numbers and your

name Don’t have a cover letter (unless specifically

requested)

Application Forms

Statement of

Purpose

Letters of Referenc

e

Writing Sample

Supporting Docs & Submissi

on

Seeking Funding

Application form(s)

Scholarship/financial aid forms

Résumé or C.V.

Transcripts (official, not photocopies) order well in advance

of the application deadline

Application Forms

Statement of

Purpose

Letters of Referenc

e

Writing Sample

Supporting Docs & Submissi

on

Seeking Funding

Statement of Purpose

Sample of written work

Letters of reference (usually sent in directly by your professors)

Additional test scores, if necessary (e.g. GRE, TOEFL)

Application Forms

Statement of

Purpose

Letters of Referenc

e

Writing Sample

Supporting Docs & Submissi

on

Seeking Funding

Ontario Graduate Scholarships

Social Science and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC)

University & Program Scholarships

Teaching Assistantships

Research Assistantships

Application Forms

Statement of

Purpose

Letters of Referenc

e

Writing Sample

Supporting Docs & Submissi

on

Seeking Funding

References http://www.law.georgetown.edu/academics/academic-progra

ms/legal-writing-scholarship/writing-center/upload/writingsample.pdf

http://www.mcgill.ca/study/2014-2015/university_regulations_and_resources/graduate/gps_gi_grad_admissions_and_application_procedures#topic_0C372AED486A4E09B508C308F6B4B294

http://www.sshrc-crsh.gc.ca/home-accueil-eng.aspx

http://www.wikihow.com/Sample/Letter-of-Intent-for-Graduate-Program

http://umanitoba.ca/faculties/environment/departments/geography/graduate/Application%20Information.html

http://blog.creative-capital.org/2012/06/tips-tools-choosing-work-samples-for-your-applications/