Mature Applicants

A personal statement allows subject matter experts from our Academic Schools and our NBCC Admissions team members form a picture of who you are. Why are you choosing NBCC? Why are you a suitable candidate? What are your motivations?

The following must be included at the top of your personal statement to ensure we can connect this to your online application:

• Title: Mature Applicant Portfolio
• Full Name as it appears in your online application
• Date of Birth (YYYY/MM/DD)
• Program Name
• Start Term

Preparing to write your personal statement

Review the program description, as this will help you with what to include and give you a good idea of what our NBCC team is looking for. Include details such as:

• Why have you chosen this program?
• What excites you about the subject?
• Explain how your work experience is directly related to your program of choice.
• Any additional skills, training or experience which make you perfect for the program.
• Provide details regarding any education or prior learning you have completed which is relevant to the program.

Your resume should contain an inventory of your academic background, paid and unpaid/volunteer experience, work experience, and achievements. It is a statement of your skills, abilities, experiences, and accomplishments. Ensure that your resume highlights the attributes, knowledge, and/or skills you possess that are directly related to your program of choice.

This section verifies and validates your expertise by presenting concrete evidence of your learning, experiences, and skills. Evidence can take on many forms:

• Educational transcripts which detail any educational achievements. 
• Reports, presentations, or products that you have personally created and/or presented.
• Links to a personal e-portfolio that highlights skills.
• A course outline and certificate of completion for a course taken through your employer or for Professional Development purposes.
• A verification/reference letter or performance appraisal from a supervisor or employer that outlines your job descriptions and describes your job performance relevant to the program you are applying for. Note: The individual writing the letter must be qualified to assess any skill-based competencies.

There are two types of evidence to include in your portfolio:

• Direct Evidence
• Indirect Evidence

Direct Evidence

Direct evidence refers to documents, work, and/or items that you have crafted or created yourself. Direct evidence is the strongest and most reliable source of evidence as it is reflective of your own work and the knowledge you have gained through it. Direct evidence will provide proof of your learning and experience while helping the Assessor understand the depth of knowledge you have gained. 

Examples of direct evidence include:

• Projects, reports, or assignments
• Work samples or presentations.
• Video or audio of presentations, speeches, skill demonstrations, etc.
• Computer programs experience
• Tape measure, blueprints and plans experience
• Secondary or post-secondary transcript

Indirect Evidence

Indirect evidence refers to evidence specific to you and your achievements, which has been validated by a third party. Sources of indirect evidence are often letters written by individuals with the expertise to verify your learning. Typically, this evidence is provided by employers, supervisors or instructors. An important aspect to keep in mind concerning indirect evidence is that it is verification of your skills and expertise and not a recommendation. 

Examples of indirect evidence include:

• Verification letters written by an individual qualified to assess any skill-based competencies (i.e., supervisor, teacher, etc.) verifying your knowledge and skills specific to the course competencies.
• Performance appraisals or job evaluations (that are specific to the course competencies) completed by a supervisor.
• Detailed job description for a job you have performed.
• Membership certificates for professional organizations
• Certificate of completion for professional development, training programs
• Awards, licenses, and memberships specific to the course competencies 

When considering evidence to include in your portfolio, please avoid the following:

• General performance appraisals or job evaluations that state you were a “good” employee and are not specific as to what you did or the specific skills and knowledge you demonstrated.
• Employment certificates, job offers, or employment confirmation letters that do not address your specific job duties and/or verify your knowledge and skills specific to the course competencies.
• Documentation, reports, projects, etc. that cannot be directly attributed to you (i.e. group assignments or reports)

Evidence can take on many forms:

• Reports, presentations, or products that you have personally created and/or presented.
• Links to a personal e-portfolio that highlights skills.
• A course outline and certificate of completion for a course taken through your employer or for Professional Development purposes.
• A verification/reference letter or performance appraisal from a supervisor or employer that outlines your job descriptions and describes your job performance relevant to the course competencies. Note: The individual writing the letter must be qualified to assess any skill-based competencies.
• Links to websites or social media that you created that align with course competencies if applicable.
• A video of you performing a skill or task or giving a presentation or speech.
• Certificate of completion for training programs or professional development courses
• Awards, licenses, memberships specific to the course competencies 

A verification or letter of recommendation is a document recommending a candidate for a job position or, in this case, academic studies. An applicant may request a letter from a past employer or character reference to confirm the skills or experience on their resume. A verification letter can also highlight an applicant's relevant attributes and improve their chances of being admitted.