Reference Questions
Reference Questions
References provide a valuable external perspective on how an applicant meets our selection criteria. We encourage you to ask people who know you well, provide ample time for your reference writer to complete their online form before the application deadline, and thank them for supporting your application.
You may submit reference requests through the online scholarship application starting June 1, 2023.
Reference forms must be completed by the application deadline. This year, there are two application deadlines:
- September 27, 2023 at 4:00 PM Eastern Time: Students and graduates of universities in Canada and the United States, as well as Canadians abroad
- August 24, 2023 at 4:00 PM Eastern Time: All other applicants
The academic and community reference forms contain the following questions:
Academic Reference Questions
* Applicants to the MBA or other degree programs that do not require an academic reference may send this form to a professional (work) contact.
- In what capacity and for how long have you known the applicant? (up to 50 words)
2. On a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the highest, please rate the applicant’s
- Openness to other points of view
- Intellectual curiosity
- Integrity
- Overall academic excellence
- Originality of thought
- Work ethic
- Ability to learn from mistakes and failures
3. Please use the space below to provide your assessment of the applicant’s academic and/or professional skills and achievements, of their aptitude for the master’s or professional degree program to which they are applying, and of how they compare to other students or professionals you have observed at this level. (up to 160 words)
4. Of the ratings above, choose one with the highest rating you have given and give us at least one concrete example of how they’ve demonstrated this quality. (up to 130 words)
5. Of the ratings above, choose the one(s) with your lowest rating, and tell us how you believe the candidate can grow in this area. If you rated all the same, still choose and explain at least one area for growth. (up to 130 words)
Community Reference Questions
- In what capacity and for how long have you known the applicant? (up to 50 words)
2. On a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the highest, please rate the applicant’s
- Openness/curiosity
- Listening
- Resilience/grit
- Work ethic
- Honesty
- Integrity
- Empathy/compassion
- Collaboration with others
- Commitment to service
- Leadership capacity
- Ability to learn from mistakes and failures
3. Please use the space below to provide your assessment of the applicant’s community engagement and commitment to working with and improving the lot of others. (up to 160 words)
4. Of the ratings above, choose one with the highest rating you have given and give us at least one concrete example of how they have brought this value to life in working with others. (up to 130 words)
5. Of the ratings above, choose the one(s) with your lowest rating, and tell us how you believe the candidate can grow in this area. If you rated all the same, still choose and explain at least one area for growth. (up to 130 words)
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