canadianundergrad

What would you do differently a second time to improve your application? As I'm only entering my second year of undergrad, feel free to include anything at that level (course selection, whatever). Which social science, out of curiousity?

Thanks, that's good info to know. I accepted at U of T, but since I'm moving with my girlfriend there's always the chance she might not get into the music programs she's aiming for. Does anyone know how the University of Alberta is viewed? Unfortunately, jazz programs aren't everywhere, so it's kind of hard to stay together and still go to decent schools.

Thanks, that was quite helpful. My main problem is I don't really know yet exactly what captures my interest inside the field of comparative. I'm only finishing up my first semester, so I guess that's forgivable, but the prereqs of Math classes kind of force me to plan ahead. I'm also giving as much thought to grad school as possible, because I definitely dicked around in highschool and didn't quite reach my potential. Wasn't a great feeling. Regardless, I'll have to realize the joys of specialization sooner or later. I figured I could try to get an all-around background in undergrad, but between my not doing any math this first year, my learning a third language, and my having to take some Poli Sci prereqs I'd rather not, I don't have all that much room for the Stats, Math, and Econ classes AND for taking enough poli sci to really discover my passion. I'm currently leaning towards ditching the Stats, as at least the quantitave methods Poli Sci classes sort of make up for them, whereas the (upper level) Math and Econ would simply be missing from my education. Is this a false assumption? The 400 level methods class is described as such : The use of advanced data analysis techniques in the social sciences, management and analysis of large datasets, techniques of multivariate analysis, problems of causal inference and interpretation of data. Alternatively, I could drop the third language, but I've heard languages never hurt in the app process, especially for a potential comparativist. One final question: in what fields of poli sci is game theory usually applied? P.S. I may seem like I'm a terrible pragmatist not making the most of the wonderful opportunities available to me to expand my mind, but I really do enjoy learning anything and everything.

I'm looking to get a solid background in quant while I'm undergoing my undergrad education, but am finding it tough to balance this with my interests in political science. Just how many Stats/Math classes should I take at the undergrad level if I want to have a good shot at some of the top U.S. PhD programs? I for sure want to get Linear Algebra and Multivariable Calc under my belt, so that's a good 6 semesters of pure math, including prereqs. I figured 2 semesters of purely statistical stats would be enough, or 2 semesters of quantitave economics instead. However, would taking a 200 level intro to empirical methods in Poli Sci and then a 400 level quantitave methods/data analysis course (again, Poli Sci), totalling 4 semesters, be an adequate replacement? Or would purely statistical courses look better to an admissions committee down the road? As for Econ classes, would a couple of semesters of Micro or Macro theory suffice (aside from intro)? I would like something in Game Theory, but the prerequisites for a 300 level course on it would crowd out too many important classes. I know this stuff is extremely subjective and that nobody will be able to make these decisions for me, but if anyone could delineate even the vaguest concept of a "solid" quantitative background (from the eyes of an ad. com.) I'd be extremely thrilled. Thanks!

What other honor societies would you say are worth joining? Just out of curiousity, most don't operate in Canada anyway.

I'm also curious about the reputation of McGill vs. that of U of T in the U.S., though I'm transferring to one or the other for my 2nd year in undergrad. Basically, I have my heart set on getting into a good U.S. PhD program after I'm done my B.A. I'll obviously be at a disadvantage compared to applicants with an M.A. (not to mention the difficulty of getting in in the first place) under their belt, so I'm hoping to do any little thing it takes to improve my chances. Does U of T definitely have a better reputation down South? It seems to have better possibilities for well-known referees after a very preliminary investigation of the two departments. At the moment I am leaning towards Comparative Politics/Political Economy, if that factors in to the equation.