Supplementary application

1. How do I complete the supplementary application?

After you submit your application to Engineering, Computer Science, Integrated Biomedical Engineering & Health Sciences (iBioMed) or Bachelor of Technology program(s), you’ll receive an email invitation from Kira Talent within 10 business days. This email will contain detailed instructions on how to access and complete your supplementary application. Be sure to check your junk folder or spam folder if you don’t see it in your inbox.

To complete the supplementary application, you’ll need access to a computer or laptop with a working webcam and microphone. We recommend finding a quiet, well-lit space where you can focus without distractions.

2. How long do I have to prepare for each question?

For each video question, you’ll have 1 minute to prepare and 2 minutes to respond. For the written question, you’ll have 10 minutes total to read and respond.

To prepare, we recommend reflecting on your experiences ahead of time and jotting down a few examples you might want to use. You could also try practicing with common interview questions you find online – it’s a great way to warm up! Below are answers to FAQs.

3. Is there a word count/limit on the written portion of the supplementary application?

There is no specific word limit for the written response question. However, we encourage you to be concise and focus on providing a thoughtful answer.

4. When is the deadline to complete the supplementary application?

Deadline for high school applicants: Thursday, January 29, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. (ET)

Deadline for transfer and second-degree applicants: Thursday, April 18, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. (ET)

Make sure you give yourself enough time to prepare and complete the supplementary application. Enter a reminder in your calendar now!

5. What is the cost of the supplementary application?

There is a $50 CAD fee for the supplementary application, which you’ll pay when submitting your application through the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre (OUAC). It will appear as a “McMaster program fee” on your payment summary. Only one fee is paid for a single supplementary application, regardless of if you apply to multiple Faculty of Engineering programs.

1. What devices and web browsers are supported for the Kira supplementary application?  

For the most current list of supported browsers and devices, please visit the Kira Talent Supported Browsers and Devices page. 

2. I haven’t received my supplementary application email invitation yet. What should I do?  

After submitting your application through the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre (OUAC), you should receive an email invitation to complete the supplementary application within 10 business days. Please be sure to check your spam or junk folders, as the email may be filtered there.  

If you still haven’t received your invitation after 10 business days, please contact our Engineering Recruitment team at thinkeng@mcmaster.ca and note Supplementary Application in the subject line. When reaching out, be sure to include your full name and McMaster Student Number, and mention that you’re inquiring about the status of your supplementary application. We’re happy to help make sure you receive access.  

3. What happens if I experience tech issues?  

If something goes wrong – don’t panic: 

• For issues accessing your application (e.g., no email from Kira Talent), email us at thinkeng@mcmaster.ca with your full name and student number.  

• For platform issues while you’re completing the application, contact Kira Talent Support through the “Live Chat” button (top right of screen) or email support@kiratalent.com.  

4. Can I redo a question if I’m unhappy with my answer?  

No, once you submit an answer, you cannot redo that question. Preparing ahead of time can help you to feel more confident as you answer questions.  

5. Can I take breaks during the assessment?  

When you start a question, you must finish that question. However, you can take breaks and come back to the assessment between questions.  

6. Can I practice or get comfortable with the Kira Talent platform before doing the supplementary application?  

Yes! When you first get your invite from Kira Talent, you’ll be asked to answer some practice questions. These are designed to help you test your camera and microphone and get comfortable speaking to the screen. The practice questions are light and fun, like “What’s your favorite movie?” , so you can feel more at ease before starting the actual supplementary application questions.

Keep in mind: these practice questions are only for calibration and are completely different from the assessment questions. 

1. How can I be sure my Supplementary Application was submitted properly? 

After you complete your Supplementary Application on the Kira Talent platform, you’ll receive a confirmation email from Kira letting you know that your assessment is 100% complete. That email is your best confirmation that everything went through properly. You can also double-check by clicking the link in your original Kira invitation. If it shows 100% completion, you’re all set!  

2. My portal still says it’s incomplete. What do I do?  

Don’t worry if your McMaster Student Centre or Applicant Portal doesn’t show your supplementary application as “complete” right away. Once you submit your answers on Kira, you’ll receive a confirmation email. That’s your best indication that it’s been submitted successfully. Portal updates may take several weeks – this is normal!  

1. What should I do if I have accessibility needs?  

If you need accommodations to complete the supplementary application, we’re here to help. Please complete the Request for Accommodations form, and the Engineering Student Recruitment team will follow-up with you to make sure you’re fully supported. If you have any questions, email thinkeng@mcmaster.ca. We’re committed to making the admissions process fair and welcoming for everyone.  

Note: You must have submitted your application through the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre (OUAC) to access the Request for Accommodations Form.  

2. How is my personal information used and protected? 

When you submit a Request for Accommodations form, the information you share is collected and stored securely. It will only be used by authorized staff to support your request and ensure appropriate accommodations are in place. Any personal information you provide to McMaster University (“McMaster”) is collected, used, maintained and disclosed in accordance with the University’s Statement on Collection of Personal Information and Protection of Privacy. Any questions you have about the use of your personal information should be directed to thinkeng@mcmaster.ca. 

1. Is demographic information like race, gender or identity considered in the evaluation of the supplementary application?  

Demographic characteristics – such as race and gender identity – are not considered during the review of supplementary applications. Video responses are never used to infer personal characteristics. Their only purpose is to ensure the integrity of the application process by confirming that responses were completed by the applicant, if verification is ever needed.  

2. Who evaluates the supplementary application?  

All supplementary applications are evaluated by a team of trained reviewers who go through anti-bias training and follow a double-review process to ensure fairness. When there is a significant discrepancy between the evaluations of two reviewers, a third reviewer is assigned. Reviewers follow a consistent and structured evaluation process and are looking for qualities such as thoughtful self-reflection, demonstration of problem-solving, experience with collaboration and evidence of personal growth – not perfection.

3. Can I see the rubric or find out the results of  my supplementary application?  

We understand it’s natural to want feedback. While we don’t share individual results or the evaluation rubric, we want to assure you that every supplementary application is carefully reviewed.  

4. What are you looking for in the supplementary application answers?  

This is your opportunity to demonstrate strengths that grades alone cannot capture. We use your responses to assess higher-order skills. For example, how you communicate, approach challenges, and think critically. There is no single “right” way to answer these questions. Instead, we are looking for qualities such as thoughtful self-reflection, problem-solving ability, experiences with collaboration, and evidence of personal growth. Drawing on your unique experiences, challenges, and achievements is a great way to demonstrate these qualities. 

5. How is the supplementary application used in admissions?  

We use a holistic review process to make admission decisions, which means we look at both your academic grades and your supplementary application together. The supplementary application helps us assess higher-order skills that grades alone cannot capture – for example, your ability to reflect thoughtfully, solve problems, think critically, work collaboratively, and demonstrate personal growth.  

Both grades and the supplementary application are important and are reviewed carefully for every applicant. Because the number and strength of applicants can change each year, we look at each application in the context of who else is applying. Our goal is to keep the process fair and give you a chance to demonstrate more than just grades.  

1. How should I prepare? 

You don’t need to memorize answers or act a certain way, just be yourself. Think about meaningful moments from your life where you solved a problem, supported a team or learned something valuable. Practice speaking out loud or writing about them to feel more prepared and confident before you start recording. 

2. What types of questions will I be asked?  

You won’t be asked any skill-testing questions, rather the questions will reflect higher-order skill interview questions. Here are some examples to give you an idea:  

• What does being resourceful mean to you, and why is it important?  
• Tell us about a time management strategy you have used.  
• How do you stay balanced during stressful times? 
• Give an example of a time you acted with integrity.  

These are not the actual questions, but they reflect the type of things we’re interested in learning about.

3. Can I use AI or external help when completing my supplementary application?  

No. We require that all answers submitted through the Kira Talent platform are entirely your own original work. Do not use AI tools, other people, or any external sources to write or generate your responses.  

The Kira platform monitors for suspicious activity, including but not limited to having another person in the room, unusual typing speeds, and plagiarism.  

4. What are some tips for success?  

Our Student Tour Guides and Ambassadors shared these helpful tips:  

• Plan a structure for your answer (What happened? Why does it matter? What did you learn?)  
• Practice speaking clearly in a calm, quiet space with good lighting.  
• Be yourself – there’s no one right answer.  
• Don’t leave it to the last minute. The earlier you start, the more time you’ll have to prepare.

5. Can I see the questions ahead of time?  

The exact questions aren’t shared in advance. But don’t worry – we’ll help you feel ready! Our website and webinars are packed with helpful tips and examples to support your preparation.  

1. What if I apply to multiple Faculty of Engineering programs? Do I need to do multiple supplementary applications?  

If you have applied to multiple Faculty of Engineering programs, you are only required to complete one supplementary application.

2. Do BTech Degree Completion Program (DCP) students need to complete the supplementary application?  

No, the supplementary application is not required for students who are applying to the BTech Degree Completion Programs (DCP). However, students applying to any of the four-year BTech programs must complete the supplementary application.

3. Do upper-year transfer applicants need to complete the supplementary application? 

Yes, all upper-year external transfer applicants to our Faculty of Engineering undergraduate programs are required to complete the supplementary application.