nugget

I agree with the comments written above. As an aside, if you want to live in a big city in Canada with low living costs consider McGill University or Concordia U. Living in Montreal is much cheaper than Toronto or Vancouver. You probably won't find any work off campus in Montreal (even if your visa permits it) because most jobs require you to speak French. But if you have a TEOFL certificate you could find work fairly easily teaching ESL part time.

I think it's easier to get into certain schools in the US due to an abundance of schools and programs in the US compared to Canada, especially unfunded programs with a high price tag attached. You might want to consider unfunded master's programs in the US, in addition to schools where your contacts are located. It would also be a good idea to find out in advance if your application will be considered with your GPA so that you don't waste time and money on a school that will automatically eliminate you from the selection process. If you have the opportunity to take a handful of extra courses part time to boost your GPA I would do it (since some schools only calculate the last 2 years of coursework into the GPA). Best of luck!

AccioMSW, It looks like you've got them all. The only others I know of are in Alberta and BC. You can always double check on http://www.aucc.ca/canadian-universities/study-programs/ in case there are any new programs being added in the upcoming year.

Thanks for all the good feedback. I've narrowed it down to 1 and 5. I think the best thing to do it to check out the two computers and pick out the one I like the most. In response to the comments above, my masters degree actually isn't a thesis based program so I'll mostly be writing essays, reading papers and creating power point presentations with the laptop (if that makes any difference).

Good for you for making this important decision. Does your school have a smoking cessation program for students? If so, you might want to check it out. As for diet and exercise, I highly recommend this book even before you begin. http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/books/bob-greenes-total-body-makeover/9780743254069-item.html?ikwid=bob%2520greene&ikwsec=Books&gcs_requestid=0CNjkwcKN7LgCFQwn5wodz1kAAA In the first part of the book, the author helps you to idenify your pitfalls to following through with a diet based on your past experience. Then he helps you to come up with way to overcome your obstacles so that when you encounter them you will already know what to do. You may even find that some of the information here will apply to your smoking habits. Best of luck to you!

I chose five 14 inch models and added one more that was 13.3 inches, stating it was only on the list just in case the specs of that computer were worth compromising for the smaller screen size. I guess I should have also emphasized that I would only consider a 13.3 if the others were bad options and if the smaller computer was the clear winner of the six on the list. That is exactly what I was thinking but it didn't get into that much detail in my post. No snark was intended. I just didn't want to turn this into a debate about which screen size I should get and instead focus on ranking the computers based on the preferences I mentioned.

Sounds like you have a computer you are happy with that works for you. Glad to hear it. Personally I am going to stick with one that's 14 inches because it works best for me and the personal circumstances that I am in.

In Canada, computers and electronics are a lot more expensive than in the US. We definitely get ripped off here when it comes to electronics. I wish I could cross the border and buy a compter but I don't have time to do that and I'd have to pay a lot in duty fees anyway. I haven't considered an 11 inch since I won't have access to a desktop or a second computer to do my work and an 11 inch is just too small. I considered a 13 inch, but it's a tad on the small side. When I go up to 15.6 inches the computers start to get too heavy. So 14 inches seems to be the best compomise.

Maybe having 2 semesters under your belt with a high GPA in sociology, psychology or another related field will do the trick. While I didn't see the rest of your application, I believe that your GPA from the BA program and the fact that you majored in English literature most likely made you a less competitive candidate than the others who applied. I agree that you should make an appointment with someone at each of these schools to get some feedback on your applications. Then take the time you need to make your application more competitive the next time around. Best of luck!!

I need to buy a computer for grad school very soon as I currently do not have one. I'm not sure what to buy but have narrowed down my search to 6 computers. I am looking for a good quality light weight computer that has a durable build at the cheapest price possible. The computer will be used mainly for the internet and microsoft office. I'd prefer to get something that's either 3 lbs or as close to this weight as possible (absolute maximum of 4 lbs). In what order would you rank these computers from best to worst, based on my needs described above? (I added a 13.3 inch model to the list just in case it would be worth the compromise, but I find it starts to get a little small at that size). If I have overlooked another good model that you know about, feel free to add it to your list or pm me about it. Thanks!!! 1.http://www.canadacomputers.com/product_info.php?cPath=710_577_1044&item_id=057829 2. http://www.canadacomputers.com/product_info.php?cPath=710_577_1044&item_id=054812 3. http://www.canadacomputers.com/product_info.php?cPath=710_577_1044&item_id=058072 4. http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=7935946&CatId=4935 5. http://shop.lenovo.com/ca/en/laptops/thinkpad/t-series/t431s/#techspecs 6. http://www.microsoftstore.com/store/msca/en_CA/pdp/ASUS-VivoBook-S400CA-Touchscreen-Notebook/productID.277807700

If the applicant needs to sign such a document, he/she only needs to mention that one year of schooling was omitted and offer to provide a more detailed copy of the cv. If would mention this year if the cv looks sparse and if it would be beneficial to the job to have any extra year of schooling. However, if it isn't helpful in any way then it isn't necessary to mention it.

Thanks for this suggestion. Since my old computer is out of commission, my new laptop will need to by my primary working computer. 11.6 inches is a bit small. Perhaps I could consider getting one of these units to take to class and do web searches and buy a second computer for about $500 that's under 5 lbs rather than 3 lbs and has a bigger screen to take with me when I'm working at the library across the street. Hmmm... that's something to consider.

Find those points that make the other schools different from the one you are currently attending and explain how you could benefit by attending their programs. I think it's better to keep the reasons career or research-based and not give reasons that are personal. Does your current supervisor expect that you will do a PhD with him? If so, you will need to give him a compelling reason to want to change schools as he will be providing you with reference letters. I think I would be more concerned with this last point, rather than finding a good excuse to give to the other schools, as I think the schools won't be difficult to convince as long as you have a strong application and identify what makes their program a good fit for you and for them.

Nerd_for_for_Life, How much higher in price do you think I would need to go to get something decent that's 3lbs? The laptop you recommended looks good but I was hoping to get something a pound lighter. I find I use my laptop less when it's above a certain weight (which then leads me to think what is the point of getting one in the first place?) I suppose I could go up to $800 or perhaps $850 for a good unit with all the things that I am looking for if there's something decent to be found in my price range. I found the one you recommended above for $800 at Canada Computers. If I really can't find something I like in my price range then I may reconsider getting this one. I'm not sure when to buy one though. Back to school sales used to be the best time of the year and they lasted about 4 weeks at some stores. But last year I noticed there were so many different back to school sales at Future Shop that only lasted a week long. So you can't really tell when would be the best week to buy a computer or if they'll lower the price 3 or 4 weeks later. I guess at some point in time I'll just have to give in and buy something that I like that's within budget.

Think of it as a temporary living arrangement. When you find a better option and the time is right, you can always move again. In reality, none of those places are ideal so even if you'd stayed at the other place you wouldn't have been happy with it for a different set of reasons. Try to accept the decision you made, learn from it and move on. It's also important to keep a sense of perspective. You have been given the opportunity to study in a great program in your field of interest and simply need to make the best of living off of a small student allowance in the menatime. It's a temporary situation. Next year you can find something a little better to get you by and when you graduate and find your first job in the field that's when you'll finally be able to find a place you'll be proud to call home.

Since there's only about a month left for summer, I'd probably endure it and focus on your school work instead (and look into different spray products to keep insects out of your room). Next spring, hopefully you will be a non-smoker (or a light smoker in the very least) and your rental options will go up considerably. Not to mention, your financial situation should improve too. You could take your time and find a nice place for yourself then. Perhaps you could get a good deal on a lease transfer from a graduating student next spring. Best of luck.

Are these your only 2 options? I don't know how much you smoke, but if you're a light smoker would smoking outside be an option? At least it would open up many more rental options (and might lead you to reduce your smoking if you always had to go outside to do it, which would end up being a good thing for your health). I am not a smoker, but if I were, this is what I would do because I'm not too crazy about the 2 options that you have and couldn't see myself living in either place. If it really comes down to these 2 rooms and you go with your current room, I would definitely get an air conditioner and try to find a good product to keep the insects away and spray your room every day. If you take the small room, I'd invest in a sofa bed, futon or murphy bed so that when you are awake you could put your bed away and maximize the space you have in your room. You should also keep in mind that if you take the smaller room that's within budget your gas expenses will go up. How much will the room end up costing you in the end? As a mature adult, it's not a great situation that you need to need to rely on your parents financially to pay your bills. If you feel bad about taking money from your parents, what about agreeing to pay them back after you start working? In addition to paying off their debts, they need to save up for their retirement. However, if you promise to pay them back when you can this might be a good solution for the three of you.

Even though it might say a GPA of 2.5 is needed for master's programs in Canada, in my experience you usually you need a higher GPA than the minimum requirements to receive an offer of admission. This is because schools tend to receive many more applications than positions available. However, if you have outstanding experience and references, a low GPA may by overlooked by an admissions committee depending on the program and how competitive it is to get in. In my experience, the programs with the best job prospects after graduation tend to be the most competitive to get into in Canada. ex: medicine, law, clinical psychology, etc. I imagine the same would be true in other countries.

Thanks everyone for the stir fry ideas! They sound simple yet tasty. I'll be sure to try them all out and add to my repertoire of recipes in the fall.

I would tell your story as simply as possible so that you have enough room to explain why you are a good fit for their program and highlight your strengths and accomplishments. Explaining why you switched programs so many times should not be done at the expense of not being able to adequately cover the most important parts of the application. It is your call to make.

May I ask how you season the meat? I've tried to make stir fry many times and it usually tastes a bit bland. (But this is most likely because I'm not the best cook around). So I usually give in and add some kind of stir fry sauce to make it tastier, which then makes it unhealthy since most pre-made sauces are full of salt and sugar. If you have any tips on making this dish extra flavourful yet healthy, please share. I'd really like to learn how to make a decent stir fry.

Are you allowed to apply to PhD programs without a master's thesis? Perhaps things run differently in Canada (as most grad programs begin at the master's level and then you apply again for a PhD). When I recall looking at master's of education programs, the school websites stated that if students are interested in apply for a PhD they need to complete a master's program with a thesis and any master's program without a thesis is considered a terminal degree. I would contact some schools you are interested in and ask about it.

I really like the "big rocks/little rocks" strategy. It's so simple yet effective. I'm also going to try google calendar since it's so popular and seems to be really handy. What strategies do you use to organize large blocks of time and smaller gaps in between classes and appointments? Do most of you do your work on one computer or have a desk top and a lightweight laptop and store your data in both places?

I need to buy a laptop and I'd like some suggestions on where to find one at a good price and which model I should get. I'd mostly be using the computer for the internet and microsoft office. I want a 14 inch screen. It should be sturdy and weigh less than 3 pounds. I'm hoping to get something decent for no more than $700 (or as close as possible to that amount). What's the best device I could get for that budget and where can the best deals be found?

What if you delay your graduation and just graduate with a year of extra credits and you take those courses as electives? Will you still be eligible for free tuition? Alternately, you might be able to add on a minor to your program and complete the course requirements during your extra year.