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