Preparing a Successful
SSHRC/OGS Proposal
OGS
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
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
SSHRC forms: www.sshrc.ca
OGS forms: https://osap.gov.on.ca
Program/Plan of Study
• clearly and strongly articulate your plan – sell your research idea
• don’t 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!
Theoretical framework: In what body/bodies of theory is your problem situated?
Method: How will you undertake your research?
Details of fieldwork
Analysis of data
Dissemination of your research
Methodology: What is your underlying approach to your research?
Big picture: What is the problem you are studying? Explain why it is (broadly) important.
Inverted triangle structure
Program/Plan of Study
Must demonstrate:
strong academic background;
knowledge of your field of study;
research ability and potential;
originality; and
excellent communication skills.
Further resources
“The Secrets of Succe$$ful Grant Applications”
“Strategies in Use in Successful SSHRC Applications” (2004 study analyzing 7 successful proposals)
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)
SSHRC Letters of Appraisal(x2 referees)
OGS Assessment
Report+ Letters of
Appraisal (x2)
• Checklists/summary sheets
• submit packages to Office of Graduate Studies by deadline
• review process
• results in April
• Good luck!!
Final steps
