megtree

I am expecting to hear from one of my programs in April as well; all this waiting is driving me mental, but it's nice to have an actual time frame. I'm checking the programs with unknown decision timelines 4x a day. It's excessive. Crossing my fingers for you! =)

Thank you! I'm a domestic student. Edit: (Also, for any who are curious, my deadline to reply is March 28th)

I was accepted into Manitoba's MPA program on March 5th (status changed on portal). I received a notification email two days later.

Glad I found this thread! I applied to three Canadian MPA programs: UVic, University of Manitoba and Concordia. I was accepted into Manitoba's MPA program yesterday (according to website- I'm still waiting to receive the official offer). I haven't heard a peep from UVic or Concordia. As a side note, I see that UVic often sends final MPA notifications mid-to-late April; I have an international program offer with an early April deadline, so I'm anxious about UVic's timeline. Fingers crossed we hear from them sooner rather than later. I have a feeling Concordia will be sending notifications within the next two weeks (based on their decision history).

Have you researched both program's faculty? I'm also trying to choose between MPA programs ATM, and researching the prof's published work has been a useful exercise for me. For example, one of the programs I was accepted into markets itself as comprehensive with both policy and administration streams. However, upon researching the program's faculty more closely, I've realized that there are only two instructors with a policy focus, and both specialize in National Defence (I'm not interested in National Defence, and if I were, I have a better program option for it). That information, combined with the fact that policy coursework is only offered as an elective, allowed me to eliminate the program from my considerations. If I were you, I'd research every single faculty member in each program, and note how many specialize in international policy (as well as their specializations within that broad policy field). I think you'll get a better sense of what each program has to offer you once you've really dug in and assessed the overarching experience/interest of the program's instructors. Ideally, one program will stand out more because the faculty's research will be more aligned with your interests. Good luck! =)

If GWU is more in line with your long term career goals and you believe they'll provide you with better career support post-grad, then I think you should pick GWU.

To provide an update for anyone else waiting on a funding decision - I was denied a tuition waiver on February 23rd. I'd have to take out a maximum student loan and a private line-of-credit to cover the costs of attending Hertie. As such, Hertie has instantly moved from my first to last choice program. It's a fraction of the cost for me to attend a Canadian University, so I'm banking on being accepted into a program in my home country. I don't know what I'll do if I'm not accepted into a Canadian program. I can't feasibly accept $80,000 CAN of student debt for a two year program, right? That seems like insanity. I feel suffocated just thinking about it. This sucks. I hope other posters received better news. Good luck to you all!

Ah, that's great. Thanks for the info!

I submitted my application on January 13th. I was accepted on January 22nd. I have not received a funding decision. I read that approximately 50% of students aren't offered a tuition waiver. Now I'm curious if they even notify applicants who have been rejected from receiving funding? You'd think all applicants who applied for funding would be notified either way, right? Someone stop me from pestering admissions! Hah. This waiting game has turned me into a neurotic inbox refresher.