Step 1: Exploring programs of interest https://www.sgs.utoronto.ca/programs/

-Program information by SGS division https://sgs.calendar.utoronto.ca/divisional-structure-view

Step 2: Confirming relevant admission requirements

https://www.sgs.utoronto.ca/admissions/admission-application-requirements/

-For more detailed information, you can search the contacts associated with the corresponding graduate units through the directory http://portal.sgs.utoronto.ca/public/directory/graduateunits

Step 3: Preparing application documents

https://www.sgs.utoronto.ca/admissions/how-to-apply/

-FAQS https://www.sgs.utoronto.ca/admissions/frequently-asked-questions-faqs/

Step 4: Starting online application https://apply.sgs.utoronto.ca

Please feel free to contact me by email for any unclear points regarding this section. You can reach me at liwei.liao@mail.utoronto.ca.

3. CV Formatting:

Curriculum Vitae (CV) is a complete overview of your academic achievements, publications, academic interests and skills developed as a result of your degree and related experience. It is highly recommended for use when applying to research-based master's or doctoral programs. Here are some tips and details to keep in mind that I have summarized about preparing a CV.

-Guide & Samples

https://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/aacc/sites/utsc.utoronto.ca.aacc/files/tipsheets/Preparing_for_Professional_School_Tipsheets/Model%20Undergraduate%20CV%20for%20Research-Focused%20Graduate%20Programs%20-%20without%20comments%20Dec%202019.pdf

https://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/aacc/curriculum-vitae-cv

https://www.mcgill.ca/caps/files/caps/guide_cv.pdf

https://gradschool.cornell.edu/career-and-professional-development/pathways-to-success/prepare-for-your-career/take-action/resumes-and-cvs/

http://career.uwo.ca/pdfs/cv_examples/Masters-Program-Application.pdf

-Professional Action Verbs

https://hrweb.berkeley.edu/sites/default/files/attachments/action-verbs.pdf

https://novoresume.com/career-blog/top-10-most-powerful-action-words-for-resume

(With comparisons)

-Writing Tips

https://www.utm.utoronto.ca/careers/sites/files/careers/public/shared/pdf/tipsheets/2019tipsheets/CV%20Worksheet.doc.pdf

https://wordvice.com/how-to-write-a-flawless-cv-curriculum-vitae-for-graduate-school/

https://www.prepscholar.com/gre/blog/how-to-write-a-cv-for-graduate-school/

The criteria for preparing a resume for common use in a course-based program are different from a CV, but quite similar to those for preparing a workplace resume. That is why they were not listed in this manual respectively. If you need further information about resume preparation, please feel free to contact me.

4. Personal Statement Editing:

The personal statement is often considered the most important component of the grad school application. After the COVID-19 pandemic, most universities now require two forms of personal statements depending on the specific requirements of the program: a full-length essay, or a short answer to multiple tailored questions.

Although the form and topic of the instrument can only be viewed when you enter the application stage, the content will usually cover the applicant's experience, the applicant's understanding of the major, the applicant's reasons for choosing the major, the applicant's fit with the major, etc. It is recommended that you do your research on the major you are applying to and create an outline and mind map for writing your essay. This is the fastest way to complete the application process.

Another information here I would like to highlight is very determinant for students applying to multiple majors: if you are applying to different majors in the same field, you only need to optimize and revise your application according to the different requirements of the school; if you are applying to programs in different fields, you are required to draft your application in advance to avoid mistakes and omissions.

Key points in preparing your personal statement

When preparing the content of a personal statement, applicants must pay attention to writing concisely and concisely, highlighting the key points and learning to make trade-offs; content should seize your own strengths and highlights, to build on your strengths and avoid uncovering your weaknesses without emphasizing how to make up for your weaknesses; combining your own experiences and traits with professional requirements and professional characteristics, and showing your own thinking process.

You can take the following aspects into your consideration:

Academic & Project Experience (most relevant projects)

Personal traits

Reasons for applying

Research direction/academic goals

Work experience

Extracurricular activities

Career goals

Understanding of the program

Please refer to the links I have listed below for all the materials related to the personal statement and start preparing your own personal statement.

-Guide & Samples

https://www.prepscholar.com/gre/blog/graduate-school-personal-statement-examples/

https://psychology.asu.edu/sites/default/files/personal_statement_outline.pdf

https://wts.indiana.edu/writing-guides/personal-statements-and-application-letters.html

https://psychology.ucsd.edu/undergraduate-program/undergraduate-resources/graduate-career-resources/applying-grad-school/application-essays.html#6.-Revise-and-finalize-your-ess

https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/graduate_school_applications/graduate_school_applications_statements_of_purpose/statements_of_purpose_after_you_finish_a_draft.html

https://www.studential.com/personal-statement-examples (PS search engine)

https://www.accepted.com/grad

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnVAQudErJ12UTFDkbO3yr7-V2dK1RQmu (AA&CC)

-Grammar & Phraseology

https://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/twc/grammar

http://www.uefap.com/vocab/select/awl.htm

http://www.phrasebank.manchester.ac.uk/giving-examples/

-Specific Writing Strategies

https://www.wikihow.com/Write-a-Conclusion

http://www.dlaeditors.com/blog/write-strong-conclusion-personal-statement/

http://www.statementofpurpose.com/tips_checking.html

https://writing.utoronto.ca/support/creative-writing-support/

-Personal Statement Events available at U of T

https://writing.utoronto.ca/writing-plus/admissions-workshops/

https://studentlife.utoronto.ca/program/cv-and-personal-statement-camp/

5. Reference

Due to the impact of the pandemic, many applicants' most important major classes are online, and they are unable to further meet and interact effectively with their major class professors face-to-face. However, applicants should still try their best to seize the opportunity to maintain good socialization with professors by attending more online office hours, applying to become a TA, or writing emails to discuss academics to leave a good impression on professors and get good grades in their major classes.

Reference for graduate school applications can come in two forms: online using the application link, or a paper version of the letter sent to the school address (traditional). Most schools currently use the link-fill model. Generally, schools require 2-3 reference letters for the vast majority of programs, and it is recommended that applicants have a list of 4-5 references to ensure the success rate of obtaining enough reference letters.

Considering I have detailed in another article of mine about asking for a reference from professors in a professional manner, applicants who may need relevant guidance information or templates are encouraged to review that article. For the rest of the reference-related information, please refer to the links below.

-The way to ask for references

https://www.universityaffairs.ca/career-advice/career-advice-article/how-to-ask-for-a-reference-letter/

https://www.universityaffairs.ca/career-advice/graduate-matters/confidence-key-asking-reference-letter/

https://gradschool.cornell.edu/diversity-inclusion/recruitment-2/prospective-students/requesting-letters-of-recommendation/

https://students.wlu.ca/academics/graduate-and-postdoctoral-studies/assets/resources/tips-for-seeking-academic-references.html

-The sample reference letters

https://gsi.berkeley.edu/media/sample-recommendation-letter.pdf

https://www.naceweb.org/career-development/organizational-structure/sample-faculty-reference-letter/

https://www.e-education.psu.edu/writingrecommendationlettersonline/node/154

-The guide to writing reference on your own (If requested by your referee)

https://www.mrc-cbu.cam.ac.uk/documents/equality/HHMI_WriteReference.pdf

https://www.thoughtco.com/guide-to-writing-recommendation-letters-466071

https://www.thoughtco.com/sample-recommendation-letter-graduate-school-466064

6. Funding for graduate school

Applying for postgraduate studies, especially for international students, is a huge expense. Therefore, it is necessary to consider various channels for obtaining grants or funds while applying for postgraduate studies. Some schools can get an Entrance Scholarship if applying for a taught master's degree, but this situation is not common in Canada. After the official admission, the university also has scholarships and work-study opportunities for different student groups, and everyone "competes for employment". Of course, most of the tuition and living expenses are still at their own expense.

The financial support of the research master's degree will usually be directly offset part of the tuition fee when you enroll, and the remaining part will be credited to your student account. The cost of living will invariably be less of a burden.

Below I have compiled various ways to apply for graduate scholarships, including universities in Canada as well as universities outside of Canada.

Inside Canada

-Scholarship Search Engine

https://www.scholarshipscanada.com/Scholarships/FeaturedScholarships.aspx

-Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS)

The maximum amount of aid provided is $15,000 CAD for 3 consecutive sessions.

https://www.sgs.utoronto.ca/awards/ontario-graduate-scholarship/

https://osap.gov.on.ca/OSAPPortal/en/A-ZListofAid/PRDR019245.html

-Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC)

http://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/

https://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/Students-Etudiants/StudentDeadlines-EtudiantDatelimites_eng.asp (For different program deadlines)

P.S. NSERC will not support clinical trials or research related to human health or nutrition.

-Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC)

https://www.sshrc-crsh.gc.ca/funding-financement/index-eng.aspx

-Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR)

https://cihr-irsc.gc.ca/e/193.html

-U of T Scholarship and Awards

https://future.utoronto.ca/finances/financial-aid/university-of-toronto-financial-aid-utaps/ (UTAPS)

https://www.sgs.utoronto.ca/awards/

https://www.sgs.utoronto.ca/awards-funding/

Outside Canada

https://www.educanada.ca/scholarships-bourses/index.aspx?lang=eng

7. Standardized Exams Information

GMAT/GRE exams are the most common standardized exams mandated or highly recommended by majors. Other fields such as law and medicine also have their own standardized exams in Canada. Because different schools have different assessment criteria, sometimes transcripts do not objectively show the applicant's true strengths. The standardized tests can perfectly solve this problem and allow admissions officers to judge based on a uniform standard. Therefore, it is highly recommended that applicants prepare for the GMAT/GRE as long as the program they are applying to accepts the submission of test scores. A high score on the standardized test can make up for the lack of good undergraduate grades to a certain extent, and is a valuable "second chance" to get grad school admission. Many applicants have relied on their high standardized scores to "change their lives" and achieve a GPA of less than 3.0 but have received offers from a large number of prestigious schools.

Below is my collection of information about all the popular standardized tests involved in applying to graduate school.

-The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) for graduate school

https://www.ets.org/gre

-The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) for business

https://www.mba.com/exams?nav=home

-The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) for medical school

https://students-residents.aamc.org/applying-medical-school/taking-mcat-exam/prepare-mcat-exam/

-The Law School Admission Test (LSAT) for law school

https://www.lsac.org/lsat/taking-lsat

-The Optometry Admission Test (OAT) for optometry

https://www.ada.org/en/oat

-The Dental Admission Test (DAT) for dentistry

http://www.cda-adc.ca/en/becoming/dat/

-The Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT) for pharmacy

https://www.pearsonassessments.com/graduate-admissions/pcat/about.html

8. Co-curricular Programs and Community Services:

https://clnx.utoronto.ca/home.htm

https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/corporate/seniors/forum/volunteer.html

https://www.volunteermatch.org/search?l=Canada

https://www.govolunteer.ca

https://volunteer.ca

https://charityvillage.com

9. Ordering a Transcript (only applied to U of T students)

https://www.transcripts.utoronto.ca/ordering/

https://www.transcripts.utoronto.ca/etranscript/

10. General Tips for Grad School Application:

-Try to be proactive and plan early because you will be able to make a continuous work commitment to your chosen extra-curricular programs. With your senior year approaching, you will also have a better chance to put the tons of volunteer hours you have accumulated into your personal statement so that they will pave the way for your university and scholarship application. It also helps you demonstrate a long-term time commitment to something you are interested in (would reflect your preferences and experience underneath), which looks quite intriguing to Admission Committees.

https://medium.com/youalberta/tips-for-applying-to-grad-school-in-canada-af89dcc85189

-UTSC Assignment Calculator

https://ctl.utsc.utoronto.ca/assignmentcal/

This tool can be helpful when you try to plan your graduate application in advance.