How to Develop an Excellent Application

What is important in your application?

1. Excellent references
2. Previous experience
3. Clarity and high quality in your research proposal
4. Evidence of ambition in rehabilitation research

Pay attention to all details, ensure that application is complete, and PROOF-READ it before submitting!

1.  Excellent references
- Referees should comment on academic excellence and experience with research (if applicable for that referee)
- “Ho-hum” reference letters don’t cut it
- Ensure that your referee understands that this is competitive and that you need to stand out from the crowd
- Provide your referees with ideas about what to write, what to focus on
- Give your referees lots of notice

2.  Previous experience
- Demonstrating prior research experience is critical
- Identify a potential supervisor early
- Get volunteer experience in the lab
- Discuss your ambitions with your potential supervisor
- If possible, complete an independent study course or a senior thesis course, if still in undergrad
- Conference abstracts and presentations (posters/podium), and especially publications

3. Clarity and high quality in your research proposal
- Clear statement of research question(s) and hypotheis(es)
- Clearly describe your methodology
- Assume the reader knows nothing; be explicit, and “say what you mean”
- Provide citations to support your ideas
- Scientific writing is typically composed of short sentences that do not contain extra words (write only what you must)
- Direct and to-the-point; demonstrate your experience

4. Evidence of ambition in rehabilitation research
- What is your motivation for your research?
- How is your research related to rehabilitation?
- How is your research going to build on previous research?
- What do you hope/plan to accomplish with your research?

The scholarship is made possible by the financial generosity of
TD GRANTS IN MEDICAL EXCELLENCE

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