Case Study: McMaster University Faculty of Engineering assesses applicants' soft skills at scale with Kira Talent

McMaster Engineering Uses Kira to Identify Well-Rounded Applicants

McMaster University Faculty of Engineering, a competitive program in Canada with thousands of applicants competing for roughly 900 first‑year seats, found that grades alone did not capture which students would thrive. To evaluate applicants’ softer skills, the faculty partnered with Kira Talent and incorporated timed video and timed written questions into their admissions process.

Kira Talent’s competency‑based assessments allowed McMaster Engineering to evaluate soft skills at scale for all prospective students, supplementing grades and test scores. The pilot cycle delivered a positive experience for the admissions team—enabling large‑scale, consistent assessment of applicants—and the faculty now recommends Kira Talent to colleagues across the university.

McMaster University Faculty of Engineering

Maria White

Assistant Dean, Academic