I got through the Supplementary Application and you can too!
Julia Lisboa: Mechatronics & Biomedical Engineering, Level 2
Applying to university can be overwhelming and stressful… At least that’s how I felt a couple years ago. After learning about the Integrated Biomedical Engineering & Health Sciences program at McMaster, it instantly became my top choice in my post-secondary pathway. In addition to applying on OUAC, I was required to complete the supplementary application. The supplementary application description seemed pretty straightforward; a few speaking questions and a written response all about my experiences that I could do on my own time before the deadline… How hard could it be?
As the time approached to actually complete the supplementary application, I grew more nervous. Some questions that passed through my head included; What if I have no idea how to answer a question? What if I totally mess up while doing my speaking response? However, after running through the practice interview and then finally completing the supplementary application, a huge weight was lifted from my shoulders as my university application was done! Looking back, I realized I stressed out much more than necessary and the experience was not as bad as I originally anticipated.
That being said, one of the most common questions asked by future students is “how can I do well on the supplementary application?” As a result, I’ve compiled a list of top tips and things to keep in mind that my peers and I have done and found useful during the supplementary application process.
Preparing for the Supplementary Application
Do the practice test! ✏️
Although the questions given may not be relevant to the style of ones during the actual supplementary application, getting comfortable with the KIRA Talent platform is incredibly valuable. By running through the application in a setting where your responses are not evaluated, you get the chance to test your technology and eliminate some of the technical difficulty related stress. Also, I found the practice particularly useful to get a feeling for what 2 and 10 minutes is like in order to be more prepared for the real thing. You are able to watch yourself back to ensure you are speaking clearly and your volume and camera quality is good. Keep in mind, although you’re given unlimited practice attempts, there’s no need to do the practice test 100 times. After running through it a couple of times you should be good and one step closer to succeeding on the actual supplementary application!
Ensure a proper set up 💻
Before hitting “begin” on the supplementary application platform, make sure your computer set-up is good to go. Some easy things you can do to improve application quality is go to a quiet space with good lighting and adjust your camera to eye level. Dressing in a professional manner (at least on the top half) and maintaining good posture will put you in the right headspace to think quickly and succeed on the application.
Brainstorm. 💭
This is definitely what caused me the most stress leading up to doing the test. However, many find it beneficial to brainstorm experiences that can be touched on and do some practice questions. Whether that’s jotting down your part-time job or volunteer work or even just thinking back to group projects done in class, it can be helpful to recall events that helped you develop skills or where you realized something new. For me, I just thought about it in advance, but many people find it beneficial to make brief point-form notes. To help with this brainstorming and practice, I highly recommend checking out the sample questions here.
Don’t wait until the last minute!!! 🕒
For any application, it’s best to start early. I recommend not waiting until an hour before the deadline to start the application to ultimately reduce stress and ensure your responses don’t seem rushed. The earlier you can get it done (with adequate prep time of course), the better. I like to think of it like the sooner you complete it, the less time you need to think about it:)
Doing the Supplementary Application
Make notes📝
This is probably the one of the most common strategies that current students use while doing the supplementary application (*made up fact*). For the speaking questions, it’s valuable to create a skeleton of what you intend on discussing in the one minute time interval after you’ve been given the question. There’s no need to create an entire script, but jotting down the experiences and ideas you plan to touch on is very helpful and expanding on those during the recording will improve the quality of your application.
Communicate clearly🗣️
Speaking clearly at a proper volume is key! Be sure to maintain eye contact and good posture as well. This will ultimately help you convey your amazing ideas more effectively. One thing I pondered a lot before was the timing and my answer going over the time limit or being way too short. It’s important to speak at a good pace and not ramble on. Don’t be afraid to end your recording early if you have nothing else to add to avoid being redundant. Lastly, if you stutter or lose your train of thought… don’t get discouraged! Just continue sharing all your awesome ideas. One word fumble does not define you or your whole future and you’ll still do great :)
Be Yourself and Don’t Stress Too Much!
If you’re going to follow any of the tips I suggested, I recommend this one. McMaster wants to get to know YOU! Answer honestly and show them who the person behind the grades is. Stay true to yourself and bring up your own opinions and experiences. Try and stay calm because by the end of it all you’ll be relieved it’s over and may even think “that wasn’t so bad”.
In conclusion, although the supplementary application may seem scary, odds are there are plenty of applicants that share the same worries or a current student that went through the same thing. Everyone has their own style of preparing and completing the application. These tips may help you out, or you may find your own strategies to do well! If you want to chat or ask even more questions to current students about the application process, MacEng’s awesome student ambassadors (including myself😉) can be contacted here. Moreover, the results of this application do not define you and as long as you try your best, you should be proud of yourself for just applying and getting through high school. Best of luck to everyone in doing the supplementary application and making your post-secondary decisions!
Lastly, check out a wholesome video created by our Student Ambassador team on some additional tips and tricks!
Click here to chat with our student ambassadors through the Unibuddy platform!
