Nutrition Grad School Application Essentials

PDAP: Career Development Workshops

Get ReadyKnow yourself and what you

want

Get SetPresent yourself with style

GOMake your move

• Discovering Your Nutrition Career Passion

• The “Wow” Factor: Resumes & Cover Letters that Stand Out

• Job Search Strategies that Maximize Results

• Interview Techniques that Land the Job

• LinkedIn: Developing Career Connections & Effective Profiles

• Nutrition Grad School Application Essentials

Agenda

1. Introduction2. Resume3. Personal Statements4. References5. “Kisses of Death”6. Summary

Disclaimer

Graduate school requirements and applications will vary depending on the program and school

Introduction

• Undergraduate degree • Academic achievement

• Minimum “B” GPA or higher• Often emphasis on 3rd or 4th year

• Relevant experience• Grad school application

Graduate school admissions requirements:

• http://www.ryerson.ca/nutritionandfood

Education Pathways:

Introduction

• Curriculum vitae (CV) or resume• Post-secondary transcripts• Personal statement / Letter of intent• References

Grad school application components:Curriculum vitae

Personal statementReferences

CV vs. Resume

CV Resume

Length

Content

UseFor employers

outside of academia or research

No page limit

Emphasis on academic experience (e.g. research,

teaching, publications)

Skills, experience, education

1 or 2 pages

For academic or research positions, grad school,

fellowships, grants

Duty vs Accomplishment Statements

Which statement has more impact?• Counselled diabetic youth on different topics

OR

• Increased diabetes management and awareness by providing nutrition counselling to 20+ youth on treatment strategies, such as diet and exercise

Personal Statements

What is a personal statement?

Personal Statements

• Why you? • What makes you unique?• Highlight relevant experience, skills,

qualifications, achievements• Research interests? (If applicable)• Academic background – how have you prepared?• Why that program?• Why that school?• Career goals (short and long term)• Address discrepancies (e.g. grades, program change)• How would you be an asset to the program?

Topics usually addressed:

Personal Statements

• Research schools and programs- Education Pathways • Look up research interests of potential supervisors

• Ensure good fit with your own interests• Contact / speak to potential supervisors in advance

(esp. for thesis based programs)

Additional tips:

Personal Statements

• Interesting intro paragraph with a “hook”• Details, details, details – use specific examples / stories• Write clearly – avoid run on sentences and jargon• Proofread! No spelling or grammar errors• Avoid clichés• Avoid controversial subjects (e.g. religion or politics)• Get feedback from career centre, professors, individuals

in field

Additional tips (Cont’d):

References• 2-3 references usually required• Notify references as early as possible• Letters from professors or professionals who can

attest to your academic ability and fit for a program• Get reference letters from individuals who can give

you a STRONG reference• Provide gentle reminders about application date• Send thank you once letter sent

“Kisses of Death”

• Damaging personal statements• Discussing personal mental health• Excessive altruism• Too much self-disclosure / unprofessional

• Harmful letters of recommendation• Unsuitable applicant characteristics• Inappropriate references

• Lack of program focus / fit• Poor writing and grammar• Tacky attempts to impress

Major grad school application turn offs:

Source: Appleby, D. & K., Kisses of Death in the Grad. School App. Process

Ontario Graduate Scholarship Program (OGS)

Ontario Graduate Scholarship Program (OGS)OGS awards are merit-based scholarships available to students in all disciplines of academic study valued at $15,000 per year. It is funded by the Province of Ontario and by Ontario universities.

Duration of the AwardEach OGS is tenable for a maximum of one year (three terms) and a minimum of two consecutive terms. Eligible students can reapply.

Standard Eligibility Criteria- Plan to be enrolled full-time in a graduate program- Canadian citizen, permanent resident or an international student (visa)- Grade point average A- and above or equivalent, in the last 20 one-term/semester courses completed

Application Procedure & DeadlineAdjudicated by Universities, please check program website

SummarySubmit a strong grad school application by preparing well in advance, conducting research, and getting feedback from trusted sources.

Resources

Career Resource Centre – POD60A

Connect With Us!www.facebook.com/RyersonCareer

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www.youtube.com/RyersonCareer

Ryerson University Career Development & Employment Centre

www.ryerson.ca/career

Contact Information:

Location: POD 60

Phone: (416) 979 – 5177

Email: career@ryerson.ca

Hours: Mon. – Thurs.8:30 am – 6:30 pmFri.8:30 am – 4:30 pminstagram.com/ryersoncareer