Christopher

Successful/unsuccessful: Successful MA/PhD (if PhD, specify SSHRC/SSHRC CGS/Vanier): PhD SSHRC Department: Political Science # of years into program: 1 (started program in September, so 9 months in) MA Major Awards & Value: College of Arts Nominee for prestigious University award PhD Major Awards & Value: None Undergraduate GPA: 83% Graduate GPA: 90% Research contributions/Publications so far: Ran a graduate conference, two minor presentations Strengths of application: Combined 7 years of IT experience with research program; research is classified as 'cutting edge', excellent access to leading academics in my field as well as technical contacts. Finished a two year MA in one year, while receiving nomination for top university-level award. Weaknesses of application: BA and MA were in philosophy, never taken a political science course before in my life. Level/Form of Departmental Support (i.e. SSHRC workshops): High level of university support; had people from SSHRC give a talk, as well as the university grantcrafter. Had 1 hour session with grantcrafter to fine tune my application. Lots of editing and support from supervisor, as well as from grad coordinator and 1st year PhD peers. University at the time of application: UVic University where you will take up the award: UVic Research statement available at: http://www.christopher-parsons.com/blog ... y-regimes/

Just got off the phone with grad studies at UVic - I was successful in getting SSHRC for the next 3 years! :D UVic has sent off information to the graduate advisors, but will release the infomation if you call them. Carolyn Swayze is the person that you'll want to talk to.

Maybe revise "MA SSHRC yes/no" to "MA Major Awards yes/no + note of what the award was'? This means that people with OGS, prior fellowships, etc can identify the range of awards they had going into the SSHRC application.

I was in the exact same boat when I was preparing PhD applications (BA and MA from a philosophy program, focus in social and political thought and how it intersects with contemporary digital networks); when I went to conferences the philosophers thought I belonged in polisci and vice versa *grin*. I found a department that fits me wonderfully - UVic has a strong theory department, lets you work in the Cultural, Social, and Political Thought program if you'd like (an interdisciplinary theory) - but few political science departments were as strong in theory as I wanted them to be. I didn't apply anywhere that I didn't think I'd fit in - in my MA I was the 'lone wolf' that has been described, and while bearable for a year I wouldn't want to spent 4 years in a PhD without comrades to bounce ideas off. If you're interested in Frankfurt school and other continental thinkers then large departments like UoT and McGill might be appropriate (I'm Canadian, hence the Canadian examples). Similarly, there may be philosophy programs that offer you enough freedom that you can explore what you want rather than being confined by philosphical 'professionalism'. Were I you, I'd find particular academics you'd like to work with and ask them what they think of your 'fit' in the department. It can save you lots of money, demonstrate interest in a program, AND develop contacts with potential supervisors.

Concerning strengths and weaknesses, what are you envisioning in this? At UVic, as an example, we had access to a grantcrafter who worked at SSHRC for several years. Is this a 'strength' to the application, or are you thinking of 'research project is sexy at this point/have tons of resources already for it/etc'?