yeahitsp

Wish we could know how they come to their decisions, but oh well! I'm glad our conversation helped you get closer to making yours. P.S - just got my rejection from U of Manitoba last night!

Nice to hear that U of Manitoba is so accommodating! Maybe once you're in you can work more closely with advisors to find a reasonable way to tailor the program to your interests. I understand the hesitation in potentially declining them if you get offered a spot at UVIC, but I'm sure they've experienced that before. Not like they're going to take it personal. They'll definitely have someone on their waitlist to make an offer to. Who knows, you could potentially be making someone's day! It's interesting you think they prioritize professional experience because I was thinking the opposite! The fact that they wanted a writing sample, no resume, and only academic references made me think they'd focus more on academics/GPA. My background: BA in Political Science/History (2017) from UBC. GPA was 80% (think it translates to a 3.7/4.33). Also had 16 months of co-op experience in research/policy: 3 work terms with 2 federal departments and 1 with a think-tank. Had one academic reference, 2 from employers from research/policy roles, and one from the co-op program I was enrolled in. I also received some good feedback on my letter of intent. Hope that helps!

There's still some hope for UVIC! There'll likely be another round of offers after the 10 days they've given this wave to respond. Sucks that timing doesn't seem to be on your side here. Is it the U of Manitoba you applied to? That was one of the schools I applied to as well, haven't received an offer/rejection from them yet. I'd like to focus on indigenous policy issues and the school/location seemed like a good fit. Depending on how the co-op program is structured, you may be able to escape the city during the winter! I've done quite a few co-ops during undergrad, and I worked with UBC's Arts co-op office for a bit too. Most Canadian co-op programs have national opportunities (always a huge chunk in Ottawa for policy students) and they usually allow the opportunity to complete a self-directed search, or find something through FSWEP. Sending positive vibes!!

If the choice were mine I'd remove option B from consideration and just wait on my top 2 schools for as long as is reasonable. The grad school application process is not fun, and to have to go through the same process with no guarantee of an offer is going to be a bummer. If you don't get an offer from your tops schools, option A sounds like an incredible second choice - one that you'd be happy with (debt aside). Try to look at the debt this way - you're paying for an overall experience. You'll get to live in Europe, build an international network, leverage your international experience in job interviews at home, etc. If you're enjoying yourself, the course content, the people/faculty you might be more inclined to get involved and have some more doors open that way. There seems likes more opportunity to get inspired here. I understand the debt level would be significantly less to go with option B, but have you considered your mental health? Living an "unenjoyable" life for an additional 3 years...it takes a toll. Yes, you'll get the credential - but what about the network and other opportunities of engagement? Are you going to want to get out and explore and attend events/panels if your environment makes you want to stay in bed? Where will the one year internship be located? If it gets you out of there then I understand why you might want to consider it, but to work and school in a place you are miserable at just doesn't make sense to me. I personally value my mental health more. Location was a big factor in my decision. I'm from Vancouver, BC, but have moved to Victoria recently for a job. I've applied to schools in Vancouver (SFU) and Victoria (UVIC), and was accepted to both. Although UVIC is significantly cheaper, shorter in length, and has more co-op opportunities - the city or school doesn't have a lot going on in terms of events/networking opportunities. SFU is much more costly, but I'm very interested in community engagement and I know SFU has ample opportunity with various links and partnerships across Vancouver. With either option, you'll come out with a degree. But just because you're qualified for a job doesn't mean you get the job. Your network/connections/experiences and how your market all that is what matters. So I guess I'd say go with the option you know you could make the most of. Good luck!

For those waiting on UVIC - I just received an offer to their on-campus MPA! I've already accepted my offer to SFU so will be declining.

Just got accepted to SFU (my first choice)! Waiting to hear back from UVIC and Manitoba.