The literature on selection criteria for admission to graduate orthodontic programs in Canada and the United States is limited. The objectives of this study were to describe the processes for selecting students for master's programs and to identify the qualities of “ideal candidates.” Grounded theory was used to analyze recorded telephone interviews with 14 Canadian participants (directors or faculty members of orthodontic programs or students). The following chronology of events was identified: pre-application steps, application, evaluation of references, social evening, testing, clinic visit, interviews, post-interview discussion and ranking, final selection and candidate feedback. The “ideal candidate” was one with excellent intellectual abilities, a particular set of skills and personality traits, and additional positive attributes. The findings of this study may serve as a resource for future applicants and may allow individual programs to analyze their selection procedures.