HELPFUL INFORMATION ABOUT APPLYING FOR THE
MEERL PROGRAM
 Official Transcripts – (two copies from all universities you have attended except for
Queen’s).
 References - The applicant is responsible for making arrangements to have letters of
references submitted for their application. They do not make these arrangements by
merely listing the names and contact information in the reference section of the online
application. Applicants are to make these arrangements with the referee BEFORE they
list their names and contact information as part of the online application because the
system will immediately contact the referees. Please ensure when requesting a
reference that you have an accurate email address for the referee. Also you will need to
determine the referee’s preferred method for submitting your letter (options are
provided in the online application).
Referees are given instructions about how to submit their letters of reference. It is the
applicant’s responsibility to ensure appropriate submission.
The School of Graduate Studies requires a minimum of two academic references from
your current and/or previous instructors and/or professors familiar with your academic
achievements. It is your choice to include more than two references, but please keep in
mind, additional references then become part of the application and will be required in
order to review your application. Professional references from employers in a senior
role to your own, in lieu of academic references, are accepted only if it has been more
than 2 years since you completed your most recent university degree.
The same reference template is used for academic and professional references. In the
case of professional references, referees must answer all questions, but where
appropriate, can fill in “not applicable”. In addition, there is a comment box and
professional referees can either fill in the box with their comments or attach a separate
letter of reference. We strongly recommend you share with your referees the
information found below: “Suggestions for those writing reference letters for applicants
to MEERL program”.
Ask for a reference letter from people who know you and your capabilities, such as
employers, supervisors, former employers, teachers, community or corporate leaders,
influential friends who have known you a long time, etc. Relatives are not a good choice.
Be sure to give the people you ask enough time to write the reference letter, at least 2
weeks should be sufficient.
Tell the people who agree to write letters for you about your goals and why the Earth
and Energy Resources Leadership Program will advance these goals for you.
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Please indicate your working relationship to the applicant (supervisor? manager?
colleague? client? partner? professor?). How familiar are you with their work
experience and professional qualifications? How long you have known the applicant?
Please provide your observations regarding the applicant’s effectiveness in their
position - how do they approach challenging technical, business, and team
situations? What approach do they take in working with others? In solving
problems? Please include examples where possible.
What is your knowledge of the applicant’s discipline background in the natural resource
sector and how strong is it?
How adept and flexible do you observe the applicant to be in facing new situations and
learning from them? Please include examples where possible.
In your observation, how well does the applicant handle multiple tasks, obligations and
responsibilities? Please include examples where possible.
Please comment on your observations regarding the applicant’s potential ability to lead,
level of commitment, ability to be a "self-starter" willingness to accept responsibility,
and initiative. Please include examples where possible.
 Statement of Interest which addresses the following:
What the program can bring to you - Why are you interested in the program?
- How do you think the program can benefit your career and professional goals?
- Why is this a good next step for you?
- How do you see yourself as a fit for the program?
What you can bring to the program - How can your skills and experience benefit your fellow students in the program?
- How have your education, work, and life experience prepared you for the program?
Your statement can be general in nature and does not have to address each question.
The questions are provided to give a clearer sense of expectation for the Statement.
MS Word or pdf document, no longer than one and a half pages, single-spaced, Times New
Roman 11 font
 Resumé or Curriculum Vitae
Your choice of format, but please use a minimum of 11 pt font size; may be submitted
as a Word or PDF documents.
We begin reviewing completed applications February 1st and make admission decisions on a
competitive basis until all places in the program are filled.