switzPHILO

You were offered $5K in funding for the Queen's MPA?

I've been admitted to both the MA program at Queen's as well as the MA program at UWO (Western), and I'm a bit torn. I'm looking for a bit of input in terms of what the general public opinion is regarding these programs, and which one I should lean towards. The factors I have to consider are as follows: I'm from London (where UWO is located) and would be very comfortable remaining here, whereas Queen's is far and I've yet to experience what it's like to live on my own (and so there will likely be added stress to going to Queen's). It's a little unclear which program has more 'prestige' and which one has a better PhD placement record (it's ambiguous on both websites). My interests are in ethics and political philosophy, and so Queen's would be a slightly better choice seeing as how the program I was admitted to is the specialization in 'political and legal though' (PLT) (but, at the same time, Western offers some strong courses in both ethics and political philosophy). They've both offered me approx. the same amount of funding. They're both course-based, and so I don't have a particular 'advisor' in mind in either program Any input is appreciated.

Did you apply to the general MA, or the MA specialized in legal/political thought?

I'm waiting to hear back as well. Are you applying to the specialized MA in political/legal thought, or just the regular MA?

Thanks! Also, I love that pic of Slavoj...

I just found that thread. It was really helpful!

I'm currently awaiting responses from MA programs I've applied to (in Canada), and I've been wondering what going to graduate school will be like (compared to undergraduate studies). Will it be more difficult/stressful, generally? Will it be more fun? Will I be reading/writing more? Etc.

I received an email from them saying that they will be notifying people admitted in the first round of their admission in early March.

Just got the email that I've been accepted at UWO for the MA program in philosophy.

I've definitely considered Toronto, but in light of my grades I didn't think I would be considered a competitive candidate... I've also considered Queens, but wasn't aware that they were as strong as you suggest they are. Do you think I have a chance at being admitted into these institutions?

My research interests are in legal philosophy, ethics, and metaethics. Im from London, Ont, and so finding a program in Ontario would be optimal. The four programs I've listed suit my reseaerch interests, and are in Ontario (except for Dalhousie, which I chose because they have an exceptional ethics program, which a few of my profs were either enrolled in or worked at, and since I have a few friends living in Nova Scotia that could help me move out there).

I'm currently in my 5th year of a philosophy major at UWO (came back to improve my marks and because I screwed up my grad school applications last year), and I'll be applying to Canadian MA programs this winter. My 3rd and 4th year GPA is 82 and in my 4th year my philosophy courses GPA was 87. I have a strong writing sample, pretty good letters (I think), and pretty good extra curricular to go along with a decent CV. Also, my grades from first year to fourth are in a strong upward trend. This year I'm only taking high level philosophy courses (3.5 credits) and should finish with a GPA somewhere in the 80s. I was wondering if I had a good chance at being admitted to the grad programs I'm applying to, which are UWO, McMaster, Dalhousie, and York (MA programs in philosophy). Thanks in advance for the replies.