Strategies for Creating a Strong Supplementary Application for a BEd

It can be very hard to "sell" yourself on paper. Education admissions committees receive hundreds of applications a year - how can you make yourself stand out?

The supplementary application for UPEI's BEd program is an opportunity for applicants to showcase their talents, experiences and backgrounds. It gives the admissions committee an idea of the applicant as a person and because of this should be as complete, detailed, and as carefully prepared as possible. All applications are read with great attention to detail and they need to present the information in a clear manner. Errors in grammar and punctuation are viewed negatively in an application for teaching so it is important to take the time to meticulously review your application.

Areas to focus on when filling out the supplemental application include: awards/special recognitions; experience with youth, extra-curricular involvement, and volunteer activities; experiences with diversity; skills, talents, interests, hobbies; work experiences; and leadership.

There is usually a writing portion to a BEd application. This allows the admissions committee to evaluate an applicant's ability to correctly write standard English; to express oneself and to reflect clearly and thoughtfully; and to address the ideas in the writing prompt in an interesting and creative way. Admission to an education program is competitive, but it is not a mysterious process. Applicants who are informed and well prepared can produce quality applications that admissions committees will enjoy reading - and remember!