McMaster Engineering Dean’s Excellence Entrance Scholarship

What you will need

• ✓ Activate your MacID (McMaster University account ID) and log in to AwardSpring (the scholarship management portal)
• ✓ Complete the common application
• ✓ Submit the Faculty of Engineering Entrance Awards application by February 19, 2027, at 11:59 p.m. ET
• ✓ Provide contact information for two referees
• ✓ Ensure two reference letters are submitted by February 21, 2027, at 11:59 p.m. ET
• ✓ Answer three short-answer questions

About this award

You receive $7,500. This is a scholarship, not a loan, so you do not have to pay it back. This is for you if you are a high school student with a strong academic record and a history of leading others in your community through volunteering or extra-curriculars. You must submit your application by February 19, 2027, at 11:59 p.m. ET. Your referees must submit their letters by February 21, 2027, at 11:59 p.m. ET. When you apply, ask McMaster University – Faculty of Engineering how and when you'll hear back – email, portal, or phone. Selection criteria aren't published – ask McMaster University – Faculty of Engineering how winners are chosen and roughly how many applicants they typically receive so you can judge your odds. Ask McMaster University – Faculty of Engineering during your application how the money will reach you – some awards pay students directly, others apply funds to tuition. Confirm this so you can plan your cash flow. Renewal conditions aren't listed – if you're counting on this for multiple years, confirm with McMaster University – Faculty of Engineering whether it's one-time or renewable and what you need to maintain.

Who qualifies

You must be an applicant from high school entering one of these programs: Bachelor of Technology, Computer Science, Engineering, or Integrated Biomedical Engineering & Health Sciences. You must meet the required admission average for the award, which is typically a minimum of 94%. You also need to show leadership experience and attributes, along with involvement in volunteer activities or extra-curriculars in your community.

This is what the award's official page said when we last checked. Rules change, so confirm on the award's official page before you apply.

• ✓ Open to high school students
• ✓ Studying Bachelor of Technology, Computer Science, Engineering or Integrated Biomedical Engineering & Health Sciences

How to apply

1. 1

   Read the award's official page

   Check you meet every requirement, and note each document they ask for.

2. 2

   Ask for reference letters2 weeks

   Give your referees at least two weeks' notice, and send them your résumé.

3. 3

   Submit your application

   Save a copy, and submit at least a day before the deadline shown above.

Tips for applying

• LeadershipAvoid just listing the titles of the clubs you joined. Instead, describe a specific time your leadership helped a project succeed or supported another person. Give a concrete example of an attribute you demonstrated.
• RefereesAvoid choosing references who only know you as a student in a classroom. Instead, pick people who can speak to your character and community impact, such as a coach or a volunteer coordinator. Ensure they have your correct contact info.
• StrategyAvoid treating the optional special circumstances section as a formality. Instead, use it to explain any personal hurdles you overcame to maintain your grades. This gives the committee a fuller picture of your resilience.
• RealismAvoid assuming a 94% average is enough to win the award. Instead, remember that this is a competitive process based on both grades and community involvement. Focus on making your leadership evidence as strong as possible.

Questions students ask

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