October 24, 2023
We also encourage you to research each program to find the specific document guidelines and
suggestions.
Good applications are:
- Have a clear understanding of the program
- Know the skills and knowledge needed for the profession or research area
- You’ll also need a strong understanding of yourself
- Ask yourself questions to get to a level of insight expected.
- What do you want to learn and why?
- Why do I want x program or profession? … Then ask “why” again
- Provide examples, evidence, stories
- Think of the 3 R’s when considering which stories to use: Relevant, Responsibility level and Recent (as possible)
- Include enough details so the readers get a picture of the situation or experience.
- Don’t assume the reader knows
- Review and fine tune your writing
- Should be well organized, easy to follow and engaging to read.
- Vocabulary, grammar, essay structure, etc.
- Check and double check for grammar and spelling mistakes.
- Give the committee a glimpse into the person you are and/or your interests and motivations.
- Ask yourself if this could be anyone’s statement or is it uniquely yours – based on your perspective, attitudes, viewpoint.
- Start early. Give yourself ample time to make many revisions.
- Demonstrate your motivation and preparation.
- Target your writing to each school(s) and/or program(s) using your research about what they offer and how your skills, interests, and experiences align.
- Most importantly – ensure it is focused on the program and follows instructions/guidelines provided (ex. Word or character count, page limit, spacing, font size/style). Some may be specific while others are vague.
Resources
Additional Guides and Tips
https://cloudfront.ualberta.ca/-/media/careercentre/documents/publications/personal-statement-guidebook.pdf
https://grad.unm.edu/resources/gs-forms/letter-of-intent.html
https://www.grad.ubc.ca/prospective-students/application-admission/statement-interest
https://advice.writing.utoronto.ca/types-of-writing/admission-letters/
https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/642/01/
Writing Supports
https://studentsuccess.mcmaster.ca/tools/tips/#fyiWRITING
https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/section/1/
- Application support is available through the Student Success Centre – appointments available through OSCARplus.mcmaster.ca