Happington

You might be useful! My I-20 states that my source of income for the difference between my funding and my estimated costs ($500) is coming from a sponsor. It feels really absurd asking a sponsor to document that they have $500 to sponsor me, when I have well in excess of that myself. Would showing either a personal bank statement, or even cash/cashiers cheque for the amount be satisfactory, or does the source HAVE to match what is stated on the I-20? EDIT NOTE: This will be for the border crossing, as I don't need a visa interview or processing beforehand (Canadian) if that makes a difference.

From my experience in moving money down for other reasons (note, I only moved $10,000 previously, larger amounts should generally follow the same rules though,) there's a few options. Some banks have international divisions that you can open an account with in your home country, put money in it, and access it from abroad. I've seen TD banks both here (Canada) where they started, and in various cities in the states. Bank of America is similar. I'm sure there's a UK bank that does this as well, just make sure there is a branch in the city you're moving to. Alternatively, a good old wire transfer can still be used to move large amounts of currency, and it's probably safer than approaches like travelers cheques or cashiers cheques, however do have a slightly larger cost associated with them. Remember there are limits on the amount of cash you can bring across borders without declaring it if you DO decide to go that direction! (Don't, that really does sound like a terrible idea) I'll be taking the same approach as you with the big items (have someone with a bunch of US funds/good US credit readily available,) however you likely won't raise many red flags moving that small amount of money into the US no matter your approach as it's low enough that currency export laws shouldn't kick in. You should check to see if export limits apply, however.

This is speaking from my experience, and may not be reflected everywhere. "Easier" I had a similar condition on my admission, I needed no lower than a 75 in my first three courses at the university. Coming out from an undergrad where I only performed remarkably well my last two years this condition made me nervous. I came out of my courses with an overall of close to 95. I worked hard, yeah, but I didn't find the work nearly as draining as undergrad. I think this came from the reduced number of courses (I wasn't taking six a semester anymore) and the fact I was taking only courses that interested me, instead of piles of required courses that were extremely mundane and clogged up with group work. Grad GPAs are reliably higher than undergrad GPAs at my school, and looking on the internet, it seems to be the case in most places. I'd say it's uncommon for a student to have a GPA below 3.7, and being around there would be cause for concern. I can't speak for everywhere though. I don't know anyone in UBC Biostat so I can't comment on that program in particular. Again, just my story, don't take my experience as cannon. As for curving fears, remember that the school WANTS you to succeed. If the university requires students to maintain a 75% average, they're not going to curve the median down to a 65%. They DO want most of their students to pass, and they won't blatantly adjust marks to kick over half their Masters students out. Just make sure you work hard, and you should be fine. They wouldn't have accepted you if they didn't think you'd make the cut.

So, to start. You ARE still a student. Your position at the school is almost never conditional on the GA appointment, that's considered a benefit. I don't know the circumstances behind you losing your appointment however it does not release you from your educational obligation. You're not an employee anymore, but if you're enrolled in classes, you're a student. For question 1: Check your schools website. None of us here can give you a specific answer because every school is different in its policies. If you can't find it, or want to ask if exceptions can be made, you'll have to ask your registrars office. For question 2: Ask the International Student office, as Mathcat said. For question 3: You're asking if you can enroll in a course with (likely) less than two weeks remaining in it? I hate to be "that guy", but have you considered just finishing the semester? While I personally suspect what you're talking about to be impossible, if you DO manage it you'll be breaking one of the conditions on your visa. If you ever hope to return to the states this could hurt you in the long run. Is that risk really worth one months rent?

I did something in my masters that I knew would likely result in burning a bridge, however it was a move I had to make at the time to ensure that I could keep moving forward. It likely somewhat damaged my relationship with my advisor. Will it destroy our working/social relationship completely? No. But I know it may cause any LoR I receive from him in the future to be slightly weaker. That said, I don't suspect any lasting consequences from what I did, as my indiscretion was justifiable and somewhat minor. There is, however, another student I know who practically torched a bridge as they were leaving the school. I know that several professors who worked closely with them while enrolled at the school have either refused, or warned that the letter cannot be very positive given what happened when asked for a LoR. Generally, I think burning bridges comes at a few levels. The most minor (in my mind) is what I did in ignoring a standard practice and possibly hurting one professional you work closely with. The second is likely something that will ruin your reputation in a department, like backing out of an accepted admission, a system will remember your name, and what you did, but the lack of a close working relationship with any one individual will probably limit the fallout in the long run. The worst bridge burning is pretty much scorched earth. You did something that actively damaged the reputation of a professor, or your department, and the severity will make faculty members REMEMBER your name. The first level may hurt a LoR, or ruin a relationship with someone at worst. The second may prevent you from attending a school in the future, and if your name sticks in a professors mind, may hurt your chances at certain conferences/in certain papers. The third, if you do it wrong, could be a career ender (especially if you want to be an academic.) This is from the perspective of a CS student with a research focus in Data Analysis. A fairly large subfield, of an absolutely enormous field.

The big Canadian research grants seem to all have versions for students studying abroad. I'm applying for NSERC grants, the arts council, and the other one have similar programs if that's what your program is.

The school I'll be attending is the same, with about a $2,300 fee. Apparently some state law prevents the university from waiving fees, probably to limit the effects of a tuition waiver. At least for me, it's accompanied by a fairly high stipend in a fairly low-cost area, probably to compensate. The school I'm talking about is a major publicly funded school. While their website mentions that you need to show support for all six years of a PhD, other parts mention only your first years costs need to be liquid.

Talk to your department about it, and the international student services at your school. Explain the situation and ask how students in the past have proceeded. I'm sure you're not the first in this position.

^ That. The magic of being Canadian is that we get to skip the visa process. As threatening as my offer letter sounded when it comes to documentation, delaying on some of the I-20 related docs most likely won't be a dealbreaker for any students. At this point the university wants you. They'll work with you to make sure you've provided everything required. The school I'll be attending has some strange document requirements (why on earth would I need to send my physical degree parchment, it's written right on my transcripts!), but I've been in contact with them enough that they're clarifying requirements fairly well. Keep in touch with the school and they'll help you. As for the signed/stamped balance statement, any teller at a bank can print one off for you. It took me five minutes at my Scotiabank branch. But I'd wait, if they ask for the documentation, send them your GRA appointment letter and ask if that's enough, if they still insist on a statement/letter provide one.

The reality is your university "shouldn't" issue an I-20 without adequate information. If they find it inadequate, they'll let you know. (At least, according to the place I'm going.) That said, if you're funded, this is probably all irrelevant, as your I-20 will be issued based on your confirmation of appointment (at least, that's what the school I just accepted does.)

Alright. I have another offer, but it doesn't expire on the 15th, so I can sit on that for a bit. I assume this school will try to get funding offers out before the 15th regardless, as they can probably guess that students like me would have that choice to make soon.

The other day I received an acceptance to my top choice University, following a successful interview with a POI. I was receiving some very encouraging remarks from both the professor I spoke to, as well as the department in general. When I received the notification letter from the department it was a generic letter, detailing the required courses I should look at, and reminding me to transmit the outstanding documents to Graduate Admissions (specifically my transcripts.) The decision letter posted to the web portal mentioned the department would directly contact me regarding any funding positions I've been nominated for. The impression I got from the professor I interviewed with was that international students weren't admitted without funding, however I am nervous about clicking that "Accept Offer" button without a funding offer in hand. I sent an email to the academic co-ordinator (the only contact I have had with the department aside from the professor) yesterday morning asking if the offer was funded, and if not, if any TA/RA positions are available to apply to. I have not received a reply to this email. Would it be improper to send a follow up tomorrow, even though it's only been two full business days since my last request? Should I sit on it for a few more days/a week to see if an offer is forthcoming?

I just wrote a conversion on the bottom of mine myself, and the university said it was enough. I'm Canadian too.

I was in a meeting with my Masters advisor having Chapter 3 of my thesis torn apart when I got the PhD admission to my #1 choice today. It made the whole event sting a little bit less.

I'm still waiting on one. I applied to a few schools and all but one haven't panned out for one reason or another (POI Retiring, no funding, etc.). The last one I've gotten super positive emails from a POI (enthusiastic emails, extremely positive interview, almost mentioned acceptance letter before stating "He couldn't tell me whether the response would be a yes or no".) A couple weeks ago (Apr 1) I was told I'd hear back "shortly" and am waiting. A friend who applied and got in to this same school told me this last phase can take a few weeks, but I'm understandably petrified about not being admitted. It's a smaller program, with a smaller applicant base, but some good profs and good contacts, so my nervousness is gaining. I swear I check that web portal 50 times a day some days.