OGS Application and Information
Successful OGS Applicants will be notified in January 2014
Those of you who are planning on applying for admission into the MAcc program beginning January
2015 can now apply to OGS.
The OGS application deadline is Friday, October 4, 2013 – all applications should be dropped off at HH
3159 by noon. This deadline may be subject to change.
For details on the Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS), and application, instructions and reference
forms, please visit the GSO (https://uwaterloo.ca/graduate-studies/awards-funding/externalawards/ontario-graduate-scholarship) website.
I recommend that you immediately start approaching faculty for recommendation letters. As we get
closer to the OGS application deadline, faculty will be inundated with similar requests from other
students.
Listed below are some frequently asked questions you may find useful:
What is the School of Accounting and Finance deadline date for OGS applications?
The SAF deadline is Friday, October 4, 2013. Applications should be handed in to Karen Schooley at HH
3159 by noon. Math and Science students must check with their respective departments for OGS
application deadlines.
Who is the School of Accounting and Finance OGS Scholarship Coordinator?
Karen Schooley will be handling all OGS applications for students entering MAcc.
Jenny Rothwell will be handling all OGS applications for PhD students.
Who am I competing with for OGS?
Current domestic UW graduate students (research-based masters and PhD) who are ineligible for tricouncil scholarships , or are in a professional master’s program.
What is the required minimum GPA?
You must have a minimum GPS of 80% in order to apply for OGS – only the last twenty courses that you
have taken are counted. Historically, OGS recipients have GPSs that range from high eighties and
above.
Is there any additional documentation I need to provide the department?
You must provide the department with a transcript request and a list of your referees as soon as
possible. You can email this information to Karen Schooley at kschooley@uwaterloo.ca
Can I send in a fax or photocopy of the application?
All original forms must be submitted. The OGS review committee DOES NOT accept scans, photocopies,
or faxes.
Where are the applications sent?
The university is responsible for processing your application and supporting documentation. You must
submit your application to your current undergraduate department. If you are an AFM student, OGS
applications should be dropped off at the School of Accounting and Finance; Math CA students should
give their applications to the Math department co-ordinator; Science CA students should give their
applications to the Science department co-ordinator.
The MAcc is a two term program, how much of the total award will students be paid?
As students will only hold on to the OGS for two terms, the award sum paid out will be pro-rated.
Should transcripts be ordered by the student or by the department assessing the application?
You must inform your department scholarship coordinator of your intent to apply for the OGS as soon as
possible so that arrangements can be made to have your UW transcripts ordered before the department
deadline.
Do I need to write a Research/Program statement?
Yes.
What are some of the things I could include in my Research/Program statement?
 Reasons for your interest in studying accounting
 Why do you want to study accounting
 What specific area are you in interested in studying/doing research on
 What is its relevance to the accounting field
 What is your field’s relevance to the world at large
 How is this going to change you/improve you/ what are your goals by virtue of the MAcc
program?
Please make sure your statement has been carefully edited before handing it in.
How many reference letters are needed?
You are required to submit 2 Academic Assessment Reports.
Note:
1. Do not ask more than 2 people for a reference. Only two references will be accepted.
2. Chose references who know you and can speak positively to your attributes and potential.
3. Be direct and ask you potential referees if they have the time and are able to provide a
supporting reference letter that will speak to all aspects of the particular strengths of the
application
4. Provide them with a package of information that will assist them with writing the letter. This
package should contain the student’s:
a. current curriculum vitae
b. transcripts
c. a list of research contributions, conferences, presentations etc.
d. a copy of the written/research statement, and
e. a list of community involvement or other extracurricular activities that demonstrate
leadership qualities
5. Reference letters will be sent directly to Karen Schooley, HH 3159.
Where can I get help with writing my Statement of Interest?
The Writing Centre provides help to students who need to improve the quality of their writing. Services
provided are free. You may also approach faculty for their advice.
Can I staple the forms together?
Please do not staple the forms.
Note: If you have any questions or concerns, you can write to Jenny Rothwell at
jrothwell@uwaterloo.ca or Karen Schooley at kschooley@uwaterloo.ca