Graduate School Applications
Carefully preparing your application materials allows you to present yourself as a compelling and well-qualified candidate whose strengths and research interests align with your top program's expectations. Each component of your application should reflect your academic achievements, professional experiences, and future goals—and each package should be tailored to your programs of interest.
Understanding the specific requirements of each program and tailoring your materials to highlight your fit is key to making a lasting impression. In this section, we'll discuss how to effectively prepare your application documents and ensure they showcase your strengths and speak to your potential growth.
Once you've narrowed down your options, you'll need to prepare several key documents as part of your application package. Expand each section to learn more:
Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended. Many programs also require a minimum GPA for admission, so ensure your transcripts reflect your academic performance.
Sheridan has partnered with MyCreds to allow students and alumni to securely request and share their Sheridan credentials and transcripts digitally. Check out Transcripts on myOTR to learn how to request your official transcript!
Strong letters from professors or professionals who can speak to your academic ability, research potential, and professional qualities are a crucial part of your application. You will usually need to include 2-3 letters in your application.
A personal statement (or personal essay, or letter of intent, etc.) is a compelling personal essay that outlines why you want to pursue graduate study, your academic and professional background, your research interests, and why the program is a good fit for you. Your SOP is your opportunity to convey your passion and motivation to the admissions committee.
A comprehensive, up-to-date resume or curriculum vitae (CV) that highlights your academic achievements, relevant work experience, research experience, internships, publications, and other accomplishments.
Some graduate programs require standardized test scores (such as the GRE, GMAT, LSAT, IELTS or others). Check the requirements for each program you are applying to, and plan to take the tests well in advance of deadlines.
Some programs, particularly in fields like the humanities or creative arts, may ask for a writing sample or portfolio to showcase your academic or creative work. For example, Master's programs in English, Journalism, or Creative Writing might ask for writing samples to see your writing style and academic ability. Similarly, programs in fields like Fine Arts, Graphic Design, or Architecture often require a portfolio to display your best creative work. Be sure to check the program requirements carefully so you can submit the right materials!
Your portfolio is your chance to shine! It should showcase conceptual sketches that show how you think creatively, completed projects, whether academic or personal, that highlight your skills, and finally insights into your creative process. For example, explain how you brought your designs to life. Admissions teams want to see your ability to blend technical precision with artistic vision, so choose pieces that represent your best work.
Work experience plays a big role, especially when applying to a Master of Business Administration (MBA) programs. Admissions committees want to see proof of your professional growth, leadership skills, and the impact you've made in your past roles. Some programs even have a minimum work experience requirement, so it’s important to carefully check the admissions criteria. If you’re unsure about anything, don’t hesitate to reach out to an advisor from the program—they can offer more guidance!
LaBalle, C. L. (2021, August 10). Thinking about an MBA? Here's how to plan for it. Harvard Business Review. https://hbr.org/2021/08/thinking-about-an-mba-heres-how-to-plan-for-it.
For a Master's in computer science, you’ll want to highlight your technical expertise and projects that demonstrate your programming skills. This could include: a GitHub profile showcasing your coding projects, or project demos that illustrate your problem-solving and creativity in programming. Think about including work from internships, hackathons, or open-source contributions. These help admissions committees see your technical ability in action.
Beyond academic achievements, programs may ask for references that speak to your clinical experience. For example, a recommendation letter from a supervisor in a healthcare setting. Be prepared to show how your hands-on experience has prepared you for advanced study and leadership in nursing. Taking the time to prepare these materials thoughtfully will give you a strong edge in the application process. If you’re unsure where to start, reach out to your professors or mentors—they can often provide guidance or feedback!
A key part of many Masters of Social Work (MSW) programs is field education or internships, which provide hands-on experience in real-world social work settings. These placements are designed to help students apply classroom learning in practical environments while building critical skills for their careers. If you’ve had such experiences, be sure to highlight them in your application materials.
