[Reputation of Canadian schools?]

We are in a very similar circumstance. Calgary has been steadily improving and they are a well funded university. I would not discount a good offer from them. You could try contacting the POI at the other universities and put it out there that you would like to work with them but you received a good package from Calgary and ask if there is anything they can do. If they really want you, they may be able to sweeten the pot. Calgary is ranked as the 6th best comprehensive university in Canada - which isn't too shabby. 

[Concerned about funding]

I have a fairly good offer from one school and another school with an ok offer that is recruiting me. It turns out that the second school has discretionary funds to match the offer from the first school. So far, discussing this has not been awkward at all. I suggest being upfront. The worst they can say is no.

[Help deciding between schools]

What is the difference in $$$ between the schools?

[University said my acceptance letter was an error]

BRUTAL

[I have full funding- but no admissions yet.]

Always mention to POIs that you have external funding. Having a scholarship or fellowship is an honour and reflects well on you. It is not 'buying' your way into graduate school - it is adding to your appeal. The purpose of external funding is usually to allow you to study anything you want anywhere in the world

[PhD Acceptance Letters/notifications separate from award letters--why?]

the offer of admission is often made by the school of graduate studies whereas funding packages are provided by the department.

[Canadian school applicants]

if you have an offer, contact the poi or associate chair to request your status. let them know that you are asking because you have other offers.

[Am I the only one who can't help but feeling a bit resentful?]

if a department keeps you waiting and you have other offers, you should contact the poi or associate chair to inquire on your status as you already have some offers. if they want you, they will probably expedite the process.

[I forgot there are only 28 days this meh & Personal Statement due Fri. EDIT HELP!]

it's not the color that was the problem but the breaks

[Canadian school applicants]

heard from U of T 99% certain that I am in

[I forgot there are only 28 days this meh & Personal Statement due Fri. EDIT HELP!]

hey can you post the paragraphs and enumerated list separately. it is very difficult to read your post.

[How to Approach for a LOR]

if it is for this admissions session just be upfront. otherwise become a summer research assistant.

[Windsor, ON]

man i didn't even know there was a university of windsor

ontario, you have so many schools

way to go

[Making a decision based on lack of funding]

i would weigh it based on the ROI. 

[Authorship on Article]

i'd be curious to learn of your experience with individuals who haven't written the manuscript yet expect first authorship - like what their rational was.

[Can't Shorten my SOP-Help!]

post it here. 

[Pushing me to work with research group I am not interested in?]

it sounds like your POI doesn't want to or can't fund you but another lab, with money, is interested. i'd be complimented.

[Authorship on Article]

i'm not going to argue anymore but there really is no need to discuss your own first authorship if it is your work and your manuscript. you simply list the order of authors on the ms and if anyone has a problem they can email you.

[Canadian school applicants]

the online status depends on the grad secretary who likely has a pile of other things to do

["Playing" departments against each other]

i would talk to the supervisor and not the graduate director

[Authorship on Article]

ha next time put your name first. collecting the data doesn't necessarily even warrant a co-authorship.

[Canadian school applicants]

you will here from the dept. 

[Canadian school applicants]

heard back from calgary - got in. u of t also sent me a form letter stating that they won't have an answer for me until mid april.

[Take out loan? or reapply next year? advice?]

good thing he's not doing a PhD in the humanities...there is absolutely no point in taking on thousands of dollars in loans unless you have to..

[PI bringing me down to visit and telling other students I'm waitlisted.]

man most people won't care what your status was or how you got in. once you all get drunk as a skunk together it will all be well. PIs often accept students whom they come to hate. being a first choice or a waitlist matters not. The person had to use an objective criteria for making a decision - not making the cut says nothing about you. hell, it could have simply been first come first serve.