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man if you feel like snapping off a photo, go for it, it's not a big deal. just remember that most schools have digital tours and you can easily find pictures online.

A POI's research interests needn't be your own. It's more important that you get along and that he publishes frequently. A PhD project is your own - should you need help, you can look to your committee, supervisor, other professors in the department or you can email just about any professor in the world!!! Also try to keep an open mind to other research avenues - his interests might intersect yours in ways you don't know. If you haven't, arrange for a meeting with the POI to find out his intentions,

dude, you have 9 to go. stop looking at the results page.

Go see him in person Professors are often busy and partially self-absorbed. It is disrespectful for him to make you chase after him, but if he agreed to send it - he will.

It is very probable that at some point, your POI will want to chat. However, in my experience (as a current MSc student and PhD applicant) POIs just rattle on about their own stuff and hardly let you get a word in. So they're not bad.

make sure to ask what their experience with the POI was like. Specifically ask if they have had any conflicts with this person. Find out how much availability the POI has for graduate students --- you probably want a supervisor who you will see somewhat regularly, who will meet with you on request, and who is available and responds by e-mail. It would also be useful to find out your POI's approach to reviewing your writing. Some POI's will write brief comments in the margins. Some will go to town changing absolutely everything in track changes (I prefer this style personally).

I've never understood how people get into the position where they are robbed of their first authorship. If you have conducted the research and written the paper, then put your freaking name first! I have seen prissy graduate students who think they should be the first author but haven't written a damn thing - or their writing was so bad that their MS had to be entirely re-written.

I applied to 4 I was also surprised at how many schools my american counterparts have applied to. I think that the difference is that most Canadian PhD applicants already have masters degrees and specific research interests. That helps to limit the breadth of potential supervisors. It certainly has for me. Correct me if I am wrong but a large number of people here are undergrads.

Thanks, still waiting for some others but I've been informed that my apps are circulating.

I've received an official offer of admission to UBC and unofficial to Guelph

Generally, you would mention classes that do not appear on your transcript in your SOP. You could, however, add a "professional development/training" section to your CV. I would just mention the course in your SOP as a specific example of why you are an excellent candidate for their program.

It depends why you are rejected. Do you have a low GPA? Do you have unenthusiastic letters of recommendation? Is your SOP ill-conceived? It would be best to tackle specific problems with your application rather than just adding to your CV.

If you checked a box claiming to be a minority, it is not surprising that they would follow up.

There is a page of text leading up to the paragraph that begins with "focusing on..." that conveys absolutely nothing about your research interests and goals. It is a statement of purpose, not a biography. Your SOP can easily be shortened. Please look at some examples of SUCCESSFUL SOPs online (e.g., http://alumnus.caltech.edu/~natalia/studyinus/guide/statement/samples.htm). Cut out all of the anecdotes!

I seriously doubt they will notice but if you are worried, you can write a short paragraph to be appended onto your SOP. Just contact the graduate secretaries - they are usually sympathetic. .

You shouldn't be writing on those topics in your SOP. They could be specific examples of your various interests in political science. It's ok to find more than one topic interesting. However, you will need to state some specific reasons for why you pursuing a graduate degree. This can be done without proposing a specific project. If you do, keep in mind that you will not be held to it. It's not your research proposal.

I received my first official offer of admission last night from UBC. woohoo. Unfortunately my support package will only come by mail in the next few weeks.

If you have a first rate cumulative GPA then that is your ticket. Otherwise, state your minor's GPA only if it is exemplifies your dedication to a relevant discipline.

I applied to work with my MSc co-supervisor for my doctorate. he of course encouraged me to apply to many universities. I was accepted to his, unofficially, and when I asked him to send a referee report to my 4th and final school, he demanded to know what I wanted to do about my acceptance to his. This was a very uncomfortable situation to be in given that I need him to submit a letter and I have yet to receive any official offers from any school! I politely told him that I won't make a decision until I have all my offers and I haven't heard back nor has he submitted the letter. yeesh.

what is huge?

Keep it short and use it conveniently. For example: "My BSc project on ... required that i learn ... which will undoubtedly contribute to my success in graduate school because...". The SOP should be about the contents of your character and not the contents of your project.

There is probably no single answer so you should contact the various department. Some universities, at least here in Canada, will allow you to do a qualifying year as part of your graduate program.

Some professors are bad with e-mail. You could always ask one of your referees if they would write a letter of introduction for you.

Hi, It is possible to describe your research interests, skill set, strengths and objectives without sounding conceited. I would suggest searching for examples of successful SOPs. If you do choose to keep your life history front and center, I suggest rephrasing it to read more triumphantly. As is, it reads like a series of unfortunate events. The redemption aspect is muddled. Perhaps consider the format that I've suggested above? I am sorry for the negative feedback, but just like any bit of academic writing, the SOP is a process. Good luck.

i usually wear worn out jeans with crotch holes darned shut by my girlfriend with some nature-y t-shirt. sometimes I wear a button down shirt. no one seems to care - especially given how my supervisor dresses...but i am an ecology grad student...hehe.