ArcticApp

Quick question to those that are receiving SSHRC at Canadian universities: does your institution claw-back any amount to help defray your tuition costs or anything like that if you're already receiving a fellowship to pay for your studies through your school? I believe recipients enrolled in foreign universities just get the full amount, minus any taxes, but am I correct in hearing that in Canada, you may have additional amounts deducted by the institution where you're enrolled? Thanks

I'm in Philly and I just received my letter this morning. In response to the qs above, I also have no pubs but some conference presentations; also in my first year of PhD so maybe they do take that into account as someone above suggested. They offered me the CGS or SSHRC, which was strange since I'm already enrolled in the United States, and then requested I get back to them as to which one I'll be taking by May 15th. Maybe they got confused. Don't give up!!! I applied last year and was wait listed and then applied this year. My CV didn't change at all from last year to this year (pubs/presentations/GPAs/past awards), except that I was enrolled in a uni when I applied the second time around, and my advisor provided feedback through several rounds of my proposal. The topic didn't change, just the theoretical framing and the research question was tweaked a bit. And with those changes alone, my score went from an 11.2 last year to 15 this year. I'm guessing it's a combination of actually being enrolled, the quality of the proposal and noise. Hope this is helpful for those looking to apply next year.

Also just got a letter in the US northeast, dated Feb 13th and just arrived today to give those waiting an idea. On to the second round. Good luck everyone.

Also direct applicant (in the U.S.) hoping for better results this year. Was waitlisted last year, but hoping that given I'm enrolled in an actual program this year will raise my chances (all else equal of course). Best of luck everyone!!

Waitlisted for Group E. Score was 10.9 - seems pretty low to get off the waitlist but if anyone feels like sharing their scores it might give me an idea of where on that list we are (feel free to PM). Congrats to all successful applicants, and best of luck to waitlisters and those starting to think of next year's competition.

I'll be moving to Philly this summer to start a PhD too. My husband and I are in the market for a 2 bdrm in the Grad Hospital/Centre City/Northern Liberties areas. From what I gather there's going to be a big expenditure up front; most places seem to want 1st month, last month and security (3 x monthly rent). I'm guessing the stipend payouts won't start until the middle or end of Sept. so we're saving now to cushion the costs of set up and start up over the summer. We'll be flying there in early May to secure a place for July, so I'll report back on how that goes. I'm hoping two months is standard for places to open up.

Thanks for this - really appreciate your perspective and the link. Will definitely report what I find in case others find it helpful.

Hi everyone, Also an external candidate (not even in a program yet) and was notified I have been moved on to the national competition. Congratulations to everyone and fingers crossed. Here's a question for all of the current students in the U.S. (which is where I'll be studying come this fall): if you are on a J-1 (scholar) visa, does receiving the SSHRC award mean that you are compelled to return to Canada upon completion of studies? If it makes a difference to your answer, SSHRC will not be a primary funding source for my PhD as I'm fully funded by the uni. I talked to the international student services people at the uni and the advisor insisted that if I get any money from my home country I would be compelled to go back but speaking with a couple of other students (Mexico and U.K.) it doesn't sound like that is their understanding, so I'm left very confused. I know that on F-1 it doesn't matter about where your funding comes from, but I'm bringing my spouse to the US too and he needs to be able to work so I have to get a J-1 visa but now I'm paranoid that if I take the SSHRC I will have to return and so my options once I go on the job market will be severely limited. Thanks for any insight.

FYI for all the external applicants out there - i.e. Nov. 6th deadline - I just received an email with a confirmation of receipt of my application and my application number from SSHRC. I submitted my application Nov. 1; so just under 2 weeks to hear, in case anyone is wondering. Good luck everyone.