Brisingamen

Hello, surefire! Thank you so much -- that really helps. I think my problem is I've sent in four applications to US universities that use an entirely different system -- and none of them needed me to pay before they'd send out the invitations. BUT payment was the last step in the process for all of them, after uploading supporting documents. So I've been thinking it works the same way for U of T as well. From what you describe and from the fact that "payment" comes before "supporting documents" in the online application, it seems I've just misunderstood that point. I'm going to try sending that application fee tonight (after double-checking that documents can be uploaded later) and let's see what happens. Fortunately one of my referees is lovely and very supportive and will not have a fit if I nag her to tell me whether she has the email inviting her to submit the letter... I anyway took the time today to work on getting everything into shape for a final submission -- so that can be done this weekend as well, if necessary. I am guessing that provided I send everything off on time, I won't be penalized should my letter writers be a day or two late (assuming they don't get their invitation emails until the deadline itself). Many thanks!

//I would like to ask if I can take recommendation from my teacher in the senior school.// Not the greatest idea. My understanding is that you don't go too far back for letters of recommendation... so senior school would be too long ago (plus, can people who taught you in senior school actually speak to your potential for doing research?) You are best off asking your undergraduate or masters' professors only.

People applying to UToronto (Graduate School of Arts and Sciences), do you have any idea whether the application software waits until an application is submitted before sending out invitations to LOR writers? I added my LOR writers more than a week ago and all of them are saying they haven't received any message from UToronto. I haven't submitted the application yet -- the deadline is more than ten days away (15 January), and I was hoping to tweak my statement a bit before sending. The Graduate Office is closed till Monday (6 January), so I don't anticipate they'll respond till at least 8 January... now I'm just wondering whether their system is the problem or whether I actually need to hit "submit" and pay an application fee to get the messages sent to LOR writers.

BWAHAHAHA. No. I did ask and she said she didn't apply to the first place at all, in sheer embarassment (a photo is too much to recover from). She did apply to the second one (rejected). But got in elsewhere.

Lexiro, that's great! All the best.

Okay, I just heard from a friend who is three years into a PhD program in the US. She says she had to awkward moments: one, she accidentally sent a pic intended for her boyfriend's eyes only (cough, cough, we get it) to a POI. Two email windows open. Augh! Two, she accidentally signed off one email to a POI with 'hugs'.

... When your LOR writer texts you around 10pm one night to let you know she sent off your LOR -- and then accidentally texts you again at 3 am, with a dirty text meant for her husband, who's out of town. Teehee. This thread is fantastic, really made me grin.

These are super-annoying! I'm not sure how much "polish" they expect. That's the worst part.

Hello, I had to fill out similar forms (am also applying as an international student). Two of my schools asked questions like "Does your acceptance of admission depend on receiving funding from the university?" One also asked me to submit proof of funds. Fortunately my parents have enough savings in the bank that they could give me a bank statement showing enough funds for one year, but there is no way I would let them pay out anything for my PhD. I'm also hoping for scholarship/fellowship/TAship. I wrote to that school, the one that asked for the statement of funds, and they said it was compulsory to submit. I find this quite problematic, as I'm sure a lot of people would have trouble showing proof of funds in the bank... I doubt they'd throw out an application if you can't show proof of funding right now. I would write to them, explain the situation and ask if this can wait till after you receive an offer. I did do this, but was told that it had to be submitted now (mind you, the graduate office I wrote to seemed a little hazy). All the best and do report back on what they say!