Important points to consider when writing an Admission or Scholarship essay - by Prof Diane Thomson
Are you a prospective graduate student writing Statement of Purpose/Research Statement (or Emailing Professors)?
This thread will provide some tips on essay writing.
1/n
At the end of this thread, there's a sample essay titled- The graduate school essay I wish I'd written (although I got in anyway) by Prof Diane Thomson (Associate Prof at the Claremont Colleges Joint Science Department)
NB: Much emphasis on research programs in this thread.
2/n
Things NOT to do
1. No need to spend time talking about personal stories, or even grades. If you've won a scholarship before (eg- MTN/Dean Scholarship), mention it straight, else be brief (I graduated with 1st class degree is okay). Such record(s) will grant you attention
3/n
It's important to note that If the review committee (mostly Profs) are not convinced in what you say about RESEARCH interest, they won't care & may not review your docs further. But if they are interested, they'll check your CV & transcripts- & they see your achievements.
4/n
2. Don't be too focused on a particular study system or limit your research interest (at least not at the beginning of your career). E.g: I want to do my MSc to study DNA sequencing, rather come up with research ideas (questions) that will likely lead to something good.
5/n
3. No need to stress how your interest in research developed-E.g.- loving science from child (if you don't have any interest, you wouldn't be applying after all), talk more on how you'll apply your knowledge to advance your field or solve a problem (important to you).
6/n
Things to Do
1. Be SPECIFIC in why you're applying for that position, in that lab- remember you're working directly with a Prof. Please take this as though you're applying for a job. Why do you want to work with this Prof & not another Prof? Why should you be considered?
7/n
2. Be explicit about your research questions. What do you want to study? E.g- Your interest might be in understanding "How flooding & other disasters affect the livelihood of people living in the urban slum?".
8/n
3. Customize your application to each department- The essay you submitted for School A might be out of place for (similar) program in school B- This is because you might be applying under a different research theme, or the program aim is different- it may be tricky.
9/n
4. Write about the Prof you want to work with- why do you want to work with this Prof? Draw a line between what they do & yourself (your background or interest)
5. Lastly (for now), describe your previous projects, even if not published (esp. the significance of the study)
10/n
I'll keep updating as they become available. See another thread on writing Statement of Purpose and Personal Statement 👇
Sample draft & Reference: The graduate school essay I wish I had written (although I got in anyway)- Diane Thomson, Ph.D. Associate Professor, Claremont Colleges Joint Science Department
N.B- Please this is ONLY a guide & should be used as such, please don't copy verbatim
LIST OF CHEAP (GOOD) SCHOOLS IN CANADA FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
Most times Prof wants to accept you, but when they think of the associated cost😒- they give up!
Listed below are some schools you should prioritize emailing Profs there.
(N.B: Cheap is RELATIVE)
1/n
In an avg. Uni in Canada, Int students need ~$ 20 to 30K/year (CAD) for tuition fees. Too high & might even be the total amount Prof wants to give you- Perhaps clarifies why you're not getting a response when you email and not necessarily because of your profile?
2/n
So, by emailing schools with lower tuition fees, you stand a better chance of getting a response (and possibly acceptance).
Need help on writing an email to Professor? Check this thread
FAQ on Mastercard Scholarship at McGill University🇨🇦.
Have you been nominated by McGill University for MCF Scholarship? Congratulations!
In this thread, I’ll provide answers to some common questions I’ve received over the last few months. Please forward to anyone you know.
1/n
1. HOW DO I WRITE A SPONSOR LETTER: Basically, whoever paid for your undergraduate needs to write a letter, detailing how much was paid & for what. Please see a sample of mine- for your own good, don’t copy (remember, I don't need it again, it’s YOU) & they know me well.
2/n
2. ESSAY- Mastercard requires 4 essays- Please be guided, each should be <= 300words. Number 3 was divided into 3 parts - to guide you on your response (all should be <=300). Please see:
Writing Emails to Professor; Important tips & Samples for your consideration
Every year, Profs get several emails from students & difficult to accept all. You want to ensure yours is concise & deserve a response. This thread will provide insight & some samples you can use.
1/n
Your opening statement; Here, please briefly introduce yourself & connect your interest with the Prof's own (refer to sample attached). Mention one or two of the Prof's research areas that you've checked and find interesting.
2/n
Following this, let them know what you've done in the past: Demonstrate your experiences & tools you use (this is important for them to gauge your fit). E.g: I have good experience working with neural networks, ensemble forecasting & published a paper in ABC Journal.
3/n
1. Be sure of what you’re writing, be sure to verify facts and claims. Otherwise, the Prof (or admission committee) reading your essays will be wary and assume you're not well informed of literature in your field (better not to say what you don't know)👇
3/n
Are you applying for scholarships that require you to submit a research proposal or in your final year writing project soon? This thread gives a comprehensive overview of proposal writing. Also, u see some samples at the end
1/n
Generally, "writing sample/proposal" is used to assess your level of fit for graduate school, provide justification for your research. Needless to say, In your pursuit of graduate studies, you write a lot of articles, thesis, etc. So, it’s very important you start early.
2/n
N.B:
1.This is not final, it may (& often) change. So, you’re not expected to be a Master. Rather, it should be well-thought-out & makes you competitive 2. This is based on my personal opinion & doesn't reflect the opinion of my school, lab & not making a general clarifier
3/n