PoliticalNerd2017
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Everything posted by PoliticalNerd2017
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So did I! I did FAR better in my last two years as I switched programs. So that's a relief.
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I'm also waiting for them to confirm my documents online and will give them a call on Monday morning to get an update on that! I turned in my documents on the 27th and am still waiting... Hoping it will update within the next couple of days.
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My guess is 'LiamShag' had such an exceptional application to get an offer that quick and/or submitted his documents really early! No one else in the thread got theirs until late Feb. Wow! That's just a week from now.
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If applications are arranged alphabetically, I'll have to brace for a longer wait as my last name begins with a 'Y'.
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I mentioned professors and courses in my letter, but only two or three... Also, I find that re-reading my LOI after submitting will only bring you anguish! Don't do it! I've read over it a number of times before submitting so I'll just hope that I didn't make any embarrassing mistakes. Also, yay to this GSPIA train. Hope we all get in.
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Absolutely agree on all your points and want to add that I too found the faculty at NPSIA to be rather narrow in backgrounds, whereas GSPIA has a broader set of professors and senior fellows from different backgrounds of IR that makes it more appealing. As I said earlier, the faculty at NPSIA and their backgrounds have little to do with my research interests, and so I believe applicants should take that into account, unless they intend on going with the coursework option there. I find that applicants, including myself at one point, looked solely at prestige and have since peeled back the layers to be somewhat disappointed with NPSIA. Still, this is subjective and ultimately a decision that involves many factors that vary from person to person.
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Sure! I'm a Carleton student currently, and have spoken to people in NPSIA as well as read a bunch online and what I've learned is that: 1) Both schools are great and would be a privilege to attend, and although NPSIA is seen as more prestigious, this has been changing, GSPIA is on the come up.. 2) GSPIA, from my understanding has far more co-op opportunities (both in govt and outside of it, embassy internships), funding packages, and smaller classroom sizes. 3) Speaking of classroom sizes, I have heard from a number of people I trust that have attended or are currently in NPSIA, that it has really eroded into a factory machine, simply pumping out graduates... 4) My research interests would be more in line with GSPIA, includes refugee policy and immigration. NPSIA seems like an elitist, neo-liberal, economics driven, conservative school... The faculty doesn't seem very appealing to me at NPSIA, remarkably white, and as a student of colour that has an interest in the Global South, this is a turn off.. NPSIA and GSPIA are both great schools and would be excited to attend either though! Prestige is important but not the only thing, having a degree from either NPSIA or GSPIA will take you far. The University of Ottawa has been putting a lot of resources to compete with NPSIA and has been doing a great job attracting diverse faculty.
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Yup!!! I had no idea that was a possibility until recently. I dropped my documents off at the Graduate Studies Office last week and so, I should see that update by early-mid next week (hopefully). I'm leaning towards GSPIA and hope to get in as well, so I'm anxiously waiting.
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My Carleton applications are still in the Preliminary Stage and so I wouldn't worry at all at this point about it. Like others, I'm just waiting for UOttawa to upload my documents and confirm that all but I got my NPSIA application all done! The University of Ottawa is annoyingly inefficient and I was told it could take UP TO 10 BUSINESS DAYS to simply confirm the submission of documents. The Graduate Studies Office assured me that none of the departments have begun assessment though. Anyways, this is the butterflies in your stomach moment. Hoping to get into at least one of the three programs I applied to, preferably GSPIA or NPSIA.
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Submitted all my documents for three programs on Friday, including GSPIA and NPSIA!! Now all there's left is the waiting game! Wishing you all the best of luck. Do you guys have any idea when we'd get a response?
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Another thing that is making it more difficult is the classes and professors. I find myself more interested a lot more of the GSPIA courses and profs over NPSIA's political economy geared offerings. I've also heard that GSPIA has smaller classrooms, but on the other hand, as a Carleton student, I have to say, the campus culture here is a lot more 'welcoming' than UOttawa. The last point might sound superficial, but I know I do better when I'm a bit more comfortable. Generally speaking, NPSIA seems like a close-knit bunch of professors and students that seems more inviting, and from NPSIA students I spoke to, this has been confirmed. Also, the coursework option offered at NPSIA sounds interesting, even if I currently plan to do a research paper. Hmm. But back to job opportunities, the embassy internships sound really intriguing, so much so, that I'm surprised that the renowned NPSIA program has no alternative.... People say GSPIA is on the rise, but enough so to turn down what is commonly thought of as the best in the country: NPSIA? I can't shake off the feeling that I'd be a fool to turn it down (if accepted) but all the pros of GSPIA are tempting.
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Thank you for sharing that! I too had questions about NPSIA's coop opportunities and funding.. I have heard things about how their prestigious image= lackluster funding offers, which is concerning for me. I am a Carleton student currently, and so NPSIA was and somewhat still is my top choice. But I do not want to simply follow the 'hype'... Hmmm, still debating back and forth. From my understanding, although NPSIA students have less opportunities in internships and coops, they have what seems like a 'school to dream job pipeline' going, and grads tend to go places... It will be a tough decision if I get into both....
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Question: Have you guys settled the NPSIA vs. GSPIA question yet? I'm inclined to pick NPSIA (if accepted..) but would love to hear your opinions.
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I've applied to three programs myself, and am simply going to try concentrating my efforts on a smaller number of applications rather than sloppily handing in more. Anyways, the last month to hand in these applications for many programs! Hope its come along well for everyone else!!
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Same with me! I'll finish it up sometime in the Christmas break, but as of now, gotta focus on my grades for this semester.
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No clue! But I'm interested in figuring out the answer to this as well..
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Today was the last day to get OGS applications in! Hope y'all applied. Do you guys have preferences between NPSIA and GPSIA? I'm a Carleton student currently and initially ranked NPSIA above GPSIA, but after looking at the faculty and courses, I'm beginning to think my research interests align with GPSIA more so. Up until this point, I've been told NPSIA is more prestigious but what do you guys think?
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No clue! You would have to ask them. My assumption is they would, if it is right there on your audit/transcripts, but not sure.
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I haven't completed as I'm taking it currently!! I have no idea but I'm hoping that if I get accepted, and given that it is a full year course, it may not be a deal breaker by the time May comes around if my offer is conditional.... The class is a pain in the ass for me..
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Thanks for that! Given the approaching deadline, I've decided to simply apply for OGS this year (and hoping I get decent funding on top of that), although I will definitely apply for the SSHRC next year. Right now, I have to work on getting the OGS application done for the three programs I'm interested in while balancing my current semester and work. So unfortunately, I'll have to cut back on applying for the SSHRC.
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Let us know what you find. As far as I know, you need to give a research/program statement or pretty much a letter of intent (which I haven't started working on..), transcripts, and two academic assessment forms (filled out by your references) and this has to be done for all programs you apply for. In my case, I'll have to do THREE of these by December 1st.
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Well, I have decent to good grades, and a bland CV. I'm more focused on the OGS, given how close the deadline is. I've created an account with UOttawa and with Carleton, it seems that all I'd need is to turn in the documents after printing and sending or handing it to the department. Either way, I didn't give much thought to either till now and have a little over a month to think more specifically about my research interests and ask my references to write out the assessment forms. Alot to think and do for the next month. As far as SSHRC, from what I read, it seems the process is about the same as the other, but the deadline is also on December 1st (why so early, I don't know) and frankly don't think its suitable for someone who doesn't have very clear cut research goals set out already and impressive stats. Given the lack of time, I'll most likely focus on the OGS.
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Hey guys, I'm also applying to NPSIA and GPSIA shortly but this question is more so related to funding. Have y'all given some thought to the OGS and SSHRC? I know the former has a deadline for the 1st of December....
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Munk vs. NPSIA - International Affairs
PoliticalNerd2017 replied to Kyojin's question in Questions and Answers
Hi, I am new to TheGradCafe and was wondering where to find a thread for people in the same vein. I'm also applying to NPSIA, and GPSIA this year and we could all keep up with one another through the application process.