Grad School Application Essentials

Location: POD 60Phone: (416) 979 – 5177Email: career@ryerson.caHours: Mon – Thu 8:30 am – 6:30 pm/Fri 8:30 am – 4:30 pm

Career Development WorkshopsGet Ready

Know yourself and what you want

Get SetPresent yourself with style

GOMake your move

• Discover Your Career Passion

• The “Wow” Factor: Resumes & Cover Letters that stand out

• Job Search Strategies that Maximize Results

• Pinpointing Resources for Career Planning

• Interview Techniques that Land the Job

• Leveraging Social Media for Your Job Search

• Grad School Application Essentials

• LinkedIn: Developing Career Connections & Effective Profiles

• Keep It Pro: Business Etiquette & Dress

• Make it a Breeze: Transitioning from School to Work

• Don’t Slurp the Soup! Tips for Dining Etiquette Success

• Showing Achievements: Crafting an Engaging Portfolio

Agenda

1. Introduction2. Curriculum Vitae (CV)3. Personal Statements4. References5. Admissions Exams6. “Kisses of Death”7. Summary

Introduction

So you’re thinking about grad school? First things first…

Disclaimer

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

Introduction

• Undergraduate degree • 3 or 4 years• Often pre-requisite courses

• Academic achievement• Minimum “B” or “B+” GPA or higher• Minimum GPA usually higher for professional

schools• Often emphasis on 3rd or 4th year

• Relevant experience• Admissions exam (if applicable)• Grad school application

Graduate school admissions requirements:

Introduction

• Curriculum vitae (CV) or resume• Post-secondary transcripts• Personal statement / Letter of intent• References• Admissions exam score (if applicable)• Other supporting documents (if applicable)

Grad school application components:Curriculum vitae

Personal statementReferencesAdmissions exam

Curriculum Vitae (CV) 

What is a Curriculum Vitae or CV?

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

CV: Tips & Formatting 

• Clear, well-organized and logical• Relevant and necessary info (concise)• Full name and page #’s on every page • Professional font, size 11-12 (body)• 1 inch margins• Consistent formatting• Reverse chronological order

When writing your CV, aim for:

CV: Possible Sections Applicant Information Presentations

Education Professional Experience

Honours and Awards / Grants / Fellowships / Patents

Professional Affiliations / Associations

Research Experience Conferences / Seminars Attended

Teaching Experience Travel / Study Abroad

Academic Experience Languages

Publications References

CV: Academic Experience 

Combine research and teaching under “Academic Experience”, if you have less experience.

CV: Publications & Presentations Publications section can be divided into:•Books•Book Reviews•Abstracts

•Peer-Reviewed Articles•Work Submitted•Work in Progress, etc.

•Include dates, locations, presentation titles

For publications and presentations, use appropriate citation form for your field.

Presentations

Personal Statements

What is a personal statement?

Personal StatementsPreparation:• Start early! • Think about your achievements, challenges, or

obstacles – what makes you unique?• Speak to family and friends to get their views on

your achievements/challenges• Brainstorm and write freely• Review the Q’s you need to answer• Pen your 1st draft – content over style• Edit and write several drafts, make sure you

answer the Q’s that are asked

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• Look up research interests of potential supervisors –

ensure they are a good fit with your own• 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

ReferencesMaterials to give to (potential) references:• Transcript • CV or resume• Written sample• Correspondence with grad programs• Personal statement draft• List of other perspective references • Stamps, envelopes, forms (if applicable)• Suggestions for letter

Source: Donald Asher, Graduate Admissions Essays

ReferencesQ’s to ask references:

“Dr. _______, would you be comfortable giving me a strong recommendation for graduate study in _______?”

“Dr. _______, what will you be able to say about me?”

“Dr. ________, I’ll be applying by (date). Will you be able to have the letter ready by then?”

Source: Donald Asher, Graduate Admissions Essays

Graduate School Admissions ExamsExam Type

Dental Admission Test (DAT) Dental School

Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) Business School

Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) Graduate School

Law School Admission Test (LSAT) Law School

Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) Medical School

“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

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

Resources

Career Resource Centre – POD60A

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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. – Thur. 8:30 am – 6:30 pm Fri. 8:30 am – 4:30 pm