Post on 15-Dec-2015
Nutrition Grad School Application Essentials
Agenda
1. Introduction
2. Resume
3. Personal Statements
4. References
5. “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? • 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
Step-by-Step Guide
• Research into program(s) and school(s): • Website• Information sessions, chats with faculty members
• Check deadline(s) for submitting application• Prepare application package: Forms, CV/Resume,
Transcript(s), Personal Statement/Letter of Intent, References, etc.
• Research into funding and scholarship opportunities, and associated application deadlines
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!
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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
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