Preparing a Successful SSHRC/OGS Proposal

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Preparing a Successful SSHRC/OGS Proposal
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Application Packages deadline October 15
OGS Online application form (personal data,
educational background, discipline information) -
3 pages Significant academic accomplishments
1 page Scholarships and awards 1 page Plan
of study 1 page All academic transcripts Two
Academic Assessment Reports Summary sheet
SSHRC Web-based forms (profile, educational
background, work experience, credentials,
publications, areas of study) - 9 pages Program
of study - 1 page (MEd) or 2 pages (PhD)
Bibliography 1 page All academic
transcripts Two Letters of Appraisal Checklist
OGS
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Online forms

• log into system to register/create an account
• can work in sessions, save files
• give yourself lots of time to complete (system
  can go down)
• note technical specifications / instructions for
  every section
• finalized files must be printed, signed, and
  sheets ordered as per checklist

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SSHRC forms www.sshrc.ca
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OGS forms https//osap.gov.on.ca
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Program/Plan of Study

• clearly and strongly articulate your plan sell
  your research idea
• dont assume a specialist audience
• strive for grammatical perfection
• use all of the space allocated
• ask others for feedback (supervisor, peers,
  someone qualified in your area of study)
• provide a copy to referees they will need to
  see it to write your letters of appraisal
• prepare for multiple drafts!

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Inverted triangle structure
Big picture What is the problem you are
studying? Explain why it is (broadly) important.
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Program/Plan of Study

• Must demonstrate
• strong academic background
• knowledge of your field of study
• research ability and potential
• originality and
• excellent communication skills.

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Further resources

• The Secrets of Succeful Grant Applications
• Strategies in Use in Successful SSHRC
  Applications (2004 study analyzing 7 successful
  proposals)

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Letters of Appraisal

• Ask faculty who can write specific, detailed
  letters
• Give faculty plenty of time
• Provide faculty with plan of study
• Provide faculty with recent cv and a note
  highlighting recent achievements (e.g., awards,
  presentations, publications, relevant
  professional successes)

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SSHRC Letters of Appraisal(x2 referees)
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OGS Assessment Report Letters of Appraisal
(x2)
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Final steps

• Checklists/summary sheets
• submit packages to Office of Graduate Studies by
  deadline
• review process
• results in April
• Good luck!!