Social Welfare and
Social Development
2014
By
NJB/CDT/Litalien/Patriquin/Kataoka/Chen

Application
Forms
Statement of Purpose
Letters of
Reference
Writing
Sample
Supporting
Docs &
Submission
Seeking
Funding

Application
Forms
Statement of Purpose
Letters of
Reference
Writing
Sample
Supporting
Docs &
Submission
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
Reference
Writing
Sample
Supporting
Docs &
Submission
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
Reference
Writing
Sample
Supporting
Docs &
Submission
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
Reference
Writing
Sample
Supporting
Docs &
Submission
Seeking
Funding
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
Reference
Writing
Sample
Supporting
Docs &
Submission
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
Reference
Writing
Sample
Supporting
Docs &
Submission
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
Reference
Writing
Sample
Supporting
Docs &
Submission
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
Reference
Writing
Sample
Supporting
Docs &
Submission
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!

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

Application
Forms
Statement of Purpose
Letters of
Reference
Writing
Sample
Supporting
Docs &
Submission
Seeking
Funding
 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
Reference
Writing
Sample
Supporting
Docs &
Submission
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
Reference
Writing
Sample
Supporting
Docs &
Submission
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
Reference
Writing
Sample
Supporting
Docs &
Submission
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
Reference
Writing
Sample
Supporting
Docs &
Submission
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
Reference
Writing
Sample
Supporting
Docs &
Submission
Seeking
Funding
 Ontario Graduate Scholarships
 Social Science and Humanities Research
Council (SSHRC)
 University & Program Scholarships
 Teaching Assistantships
 Research Assistantships

 http://www.law.georgetown.edu/academics/academic-programs/legalwriting-scholarship/writing-center/upload/writingsample.pdf
 http://www.mcgill.ca/study/2014-
2015/university_regulations_and_resources/graduate/gps_gi_grad_admi ssions_and_application_procedures#topic_0C372AED486A4E09B508C3
08F6B4B294
 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/gr aduate/Application%20Information.html
 http://blog.creative-capital.org/2012/06/tips-tools-choosing-worksamples-for-your-applications/