Hi, I've applied to UVic and UBC for their sociology Ph.D. Programs. Coming from a US B.S. & M.A. I have spoken with a faculty member in each department who've both informally accepted me to work with them. At UBC, I had an informal phone call with my potential advisor and at the end of the conversation, he told me that he would definitely work with me, that he was accepting grad students, and that he had grants. I asked him if I could say that we've agreed to work together on my work pending my acceptance in my app and he said "absolutely." At UVic, I sent a letter to someone in the department who was unfortunately not taking grad students. He directed me to contact one of his colleagues, and I did. This professor sent back a slightly humorous email about my work being characteristically American (in the sociological sense) and about the size and funding of their university. He said to put his name on my application and say that he agreed to work with me.
Haven't heard back from either place yet, UVic's portal lists me as "Under Review by Department" UBC has basically been radio-silent since December. I don't know how good these signs are, but I have to keep telling myself that these faculty members' responses can help my application. My app was solid I think, good references, 1 publication, 3 in progress, and a book in the works too. Fingers Crossed!
SS
