Kaspara
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Applying to Munk 2019, NPSIA, GSPIA, BSIA etc.
Kaspara replied to snowflake96's topic in Government Affairs Forum
Hey all, popping into this thread to offer some advice and guidance for anyone who needs it. I've just graduated from Munk, so I've got lots to say about the program (I also got accepted to NPSIA and GSPIA). I'm happy to answer any questions you might have! -
I can't comment about UCSD or John Hopkins, but the MGA is located in Toronto, which has a significant amount of opportunities in consulting or finance. Additionally, I'd suggest looking at the MGA/MBA Joint Degree; it's an extra year, but you get an MBA as well, which is big for finance or consulting.
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Hey folks, just wanted to bring up a couple of points you might find useful: 1. A poster above was mentioning finances, particularly UTAPS. So you should know, UTAPS does not cover any expenses for the MGA. A decision was made a year ago to discontinue UTAPS funding for all professional programs at U of T, since it was apparently costing too much. It really blows, I know. There are a few opportunities for funding, but they are honestly pretty limited. Feel free to PM me if you have any questions. 2. The course list has recently been posted on the Munk website: https://munkschool.utoronto.ca/mga/courses/mga-courses. There are some serious changes from this past year, so I suggest you take a look if you were particularly keen about a course. Because of the change-over, there is obviously some uncertainty on how different the classes will be. Nonetheless, I'm happy to answer questions about it. 3. So you're all aware, I'll be the MGA Student Association Director of Internal for 2018-2019, so if you have any questions about Munk, the MGA, etc., feel free to let me know and I will do my best to answer. It's a very exciting and stressful time (it was for me) in the summer before classes start, so I'm happy to help you all out!
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FYI, the first round of applications were sent in mid-March last year. I was first round, and received it March 16, 2017. Expect a similar timing this year. If you don't get first round, however, the offers will come in at random times afterwards (one student got an offer in mid-August).
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mppmgaapplicant2018 reacted to a post in a topic:
Applying to Munk 2018
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As I said, I applied with about a 3.79 from U of T. I had two great references that I knew very well from class (this is key). My personal and research statements were what you would expect; just telling them about myself, why I was a good fit for the program, what I wanted to do after grad school, and what my areas of interest were. In terms of experience, I have very little prior to the MGA. A few jobs, only one of which was even tangentially related. A couple of extra-curriculars (eg: Model UN), but nothing stellar. From what I gather the selection process, from most to least important is: -Grades (to filter out applicants) -Statements -References -Other experiences I know some people in my cohort who have a lot of really good work experience since they have been out of school for a while, so that would be weighted more heavily.
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There are a ton of great opportunities to choose from. They are broken down into Public Competitions, Public with MGA Connections, and MGA Exclusive. There are a lot of the ones you would expect (UN, WB, GAC, Ontario Ministries), some consultancies, NGOs, some banks, and some more specialized opportunities. You also have the opportunity to search out your own internships if you don't want or get the ~150 opportunities listed on our platform.
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- munk school of global affairs
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You will be in a cohort of 80-ish people, so it isn't difficult to make friends if you want to. My situation is a bit different than some. It's probably a 60-40 split between renting in toronto and commuting from the GTA.
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Overall, no. It's a phenomenal program, by and large. The program opens up a lot of doors that most Master's programs won't. The internship (there are a lot of really cool opportunities) and capstone are great opportunities, and the people and classes are mostly great. However, as I stated before, finances are a huge issue. If you don't think you can pay the tuition without racking up a ton of debt (and stress) and you have other options, seriously consider NPSIA or GPSIA.
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Munk has, far and away, the best reputation of all the professional IR Master's programs in Canada. It has the best course selections, the best instructors, and the best professional development opportunities (workshops, networking, internships, etc.). However, think very hard about which program you choose if you get multiple offers. I love the program, but the MGA has many glaring issues. First and foremost, the cost is absolutely insane. You will be paying $50,000 for the two years, so you either need to be rich, get a lot of external funding, or be willing to accumulate huge student loans. I got offers from both NPSIA ($27,000 scholarship) and GSPIA ($10,000 scholarship), and there are times where I seriously wished I had chosen them. If you think that money will be a concern really think about other options, since Munk is super expensive, and will not give you much support (particularly after cutting UTAPS funding last year). There are other issues with the program, but I'll stop there for now. In regards admissions, it is tough to say. In all reality, you want to have an A- average to be competitive, and even that may not be enough. I got accepted to Munk with a $5,000 entrance scholarship with a 3.79 CGPA and about a 3.9 final year GPA. You can still be competitive with a bit less than this, but you are going to need strong references, a strong personal statement, and other compelling experiences. The current cohort is a mix of people fresh out of undergrad and people with a fair bit of work experience, so you have a shot even if your grades or your work experience are a little lacking. Hope that helps.
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Hey folks, I'm currently an MGA1 at Munk. If anyone has questions about admissions or any aspect of the program, let me know!
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lmsnn reacted to a post in a topic:
Applying to Munk 2017 - also NPSIA, GSPIA, BSIA etc
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If I understand you correctly that your final year GPA is 3.9 and your CGPA is 3.7, then I think you have very good chances of getting into all of those programs. As I mentioned in an earlier response, these programs (I know Munk the best, but I think NPSIA and GSPIA are the same, if not easier to get in to) look at marks first, then your personal statements and reference letters, then your work/volunteer experience. Munk's minimum average is a B+, but competitive applicants have A-, which you seem to have. As long as you can write a concise, interesting, and passionate statement(s) and can get strong letters, you are golden. As for economics, don't sweat it too much. I got a 70 in an econ course, and it didn't seem to affect my application. You can always take it again during the summer before or during the grad programs. Feel free to let me know if you have any questions.
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diplomaniac reacted to a post in a topic:
Applying to Munk 2017 - also NPSIA, GSPIA, BSIA etc
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bambing reacted to a post in a topic:
Applying to Munk 2017 - also NPSIA, GSPIA, BSIA etc
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Hey diplomaniac, did you get a response from Munk? Are you on the waitlist? I got a first-round acceptance offer, and, I can tell you, I do not have the stellar application stats that you listed above. I have no real volunteer experience and no work experience that relates to global affairs. What I did have was a strong GPA (A-, 3.77/4.0), strong reference letters, and (I think) strong personal statements. All that said, I can't really tell you what your chances are. From what their program coordinator told me, the order of importance for them is GPA > Personal Statements & References > Work & Volunteer Experience. I personally think you have strong volunteer experience, and your GPA is solid if you can maintain or boost a B+. The difference, I think, comes down to your statements and your references. If you feel confident about them, I see you having a good shot of being accepted some time in the coming months. I wish you the best of luck!
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Hey Congrats! If you or anyone wants to join the Facebook group for Fall 2017 Munk students, here is the link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1222437797853191/
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I can't speak for NPSIA, but I know Munk will offer rolling acceptances through until August to those on the waitlist as spots open up. I'm sure it's the same for NPSIA, so I wouldn't be discouraged, unless you have other offers that you need to respond to soon.
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I received a scholarship in one of the PDFs that they sent in the email offer.