McMaster SHAD Alumni Entrance Scholarship

What you will need

• ✓ Activate your MacID and log in to AwardSpring
• ✓ 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)
• ✓ Letters of reference verifying participation in SHAD

About this award

You get $5,000. 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 leadership and volunteering through SHAD. You must submit your application by February 19, 2027, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (ET). Your reference letters must arrive by February 21, 2027, at 11:59 p.m. (ET). Ask McMaster University – Faculty of Engineering how and when you will be notified of the result. 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 need an admissions average of 90% or higher. You must also show leadership experience and attributes, as well as involvement in extra-curricular or volunteer activities within SHAD.

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 simply listing your titles in SHAD. Instead, describe a specific time your leadership helped others achieve a goal. Give a concrete example of a project you led.
• RefereesAvoid choosing references who only know you casually. Instead, pick people who can verify your specific contributions to the named organization. Ensure they have your correct contact details.
• StrategyAvoid leaving the optional special circumstances section blank if you have unique challenges. Instead, use that space to explain any special circumstances that impacted your grades or activities. This gives the committee a fuller picture of your journey.
• RealismAvoid assuming a 90% average is enough to win the award. Instead, remember that this is a competitive entrance scholarship based on both grades and leadership. Focus on making your extracurricular descriptions as detailed as possible.

Questions students ask

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