BTF

Do both.

Take more classes. The only way to increase your GPA is to take classes and do well in them.

Copy and pasting from a spreadsheet. Excuse the precise answer.

Hey Vacation14?, If you took more courses since your 2016 application round I assume your application is a bit, if not much more more competitive now. If that assumption is true, and your average GPA in your last 20 courses is a B+ or above, then you should apply to the schools that make sense for your future goals. If your goal is to work in the federal government then you should apply to Carleton or Ottawa. If it's to work in the Ontario government then UofT and Queens might be better. Don't discount a school because it seems more competitive. Apply to schools you want to attend and have a clear reason for wanting to do so. Think about what you want to do, where you want to do it, and why that program at that school can help you reach that goal. Your statement of intent is where you make this argument. If you have any questions please feel free to message me. BTF

Hello ZabiQs, Answers to your questions: 1) I'm assuming the more relevant the writing sample is, the more it helps with my overall application? Would you agree? For example, I'd choose to submit my term paper from my class on federalism vs. constitution/charter. No, the writing sample's content is largely irrelevant, the people reading it are looking for your ability to right a coherent argument supported by appropriate evidence. My writing sample was from a Psychology of Aging course paper about the course contents application to the Curious Case of Benjamin Button film. My arguments and supporting evidence were well articulated. This paper's content was nothing even remotely related to public policy and administration. 2) My understand of the program structure is Fall 2021 - Winter 22 are study terms, Summer 22 is a work term, and then you're left with 1x study term and 1x work term. If that is correct, do you agree that it would be better to study in Fall of 22 and then work Winter 23 in order to have an easier time to be bridged to a full time job offer? Or is there a better route? Yes, that's generally the program's structure. I have no idea if that's the best approach. Plenty of people take that approach and plenty do not. Focus on getting into the program and then on getting a summer coop job before you worry about getting bridged in. Assuming you like your coop employer, I think it's ideal to get a summer coop, then ask to be kept on as a part/full-time FSWEP student during your next study term and then go back full-time. This provides a years worth of experience. The downside to this approach is you only work at one place. Like I said, there are several approaches, none are perfect, do what makes sense for you. Hope this answers your questions, feel free to ask more questions as they come up, BTF

Typically, first round admissions are sent between end of February to end of March

The only way to guarantee you won't get the award is to not apply. I cant speak to CIHR, but I was successful getting CGS-M SSHRC and OGS for my masters. I had a 3.96/4 in my last two years, no publications, but did complete a thesis and had about a year of research experience. Focus on writing an excellent proposal. The proposal is worth a big chunk of your application.

1. Are there other co-ops that Carleton provides aside from the federal and provincial governments such as those in the private sector, i.e. consulting? Yes, just less of them. Private sector and consulting is more an MBA thing. 2. How likely are you get funding such as RAships, TAships, entrance awards, whether international or domestic student? Is it oriented with the student being a good fit with respect to the program's areas of research? This is covered on their website. Read that. 3. How would you assess the Carleton's program and your future prospects so far, despite the pandemic? It's like all other program, sometimes its great and sometimes it's a waste of time. If your goal is to work for the federal government in Ottawa you should take Carleton's MPPA program. Future prospects is vague, ask a more specific question.

Are the last two years more important than your overall GPA? Read the program websites. This is covered in the admission criteria sections for all programs. What else would you say made your application stand out? Personal statement, references, writing sample, and CV. The idea is to have a well rounded application.

1. How would you compare Carleton, UofT and uOttawa from the perspective of an international student? I am not an international student, I do not know. Paying high tuition with little chance at a government job seems like a gamble. 2. Which university would be better suited for a more finance-management-development-policy with a greater focus on preparing one with skills to enter the workforce than research and academia? I don't know, read the program websites and their offered courses. 3. Which side does Carleton tip towards? I don't know, Carleton has several programs. Which program are you talking about?

Is everyone almost done their applications?

The Canadian Government prioritizes Canadian Citizens in all hiring, expect for co-ops. Getting a co-op and then using that to get into government is really the best way for non-Canadian citizens to get government jobs.

No. Do not put undergraduate course papers on a CV. Well, unless you presented that paper at a conference. Then put the conference presentation.

Last two years GPA: 91.04% Overall GPA: 84.34% HBASc in Criminology, BA in Psychology, Certificate in Global Entrepreneurship. Accepted sometime in February-March. Applied to UofT, Queens, and Carleton

No. Improving your GPA is a much better use of your time. I dont know anyone in my cohort who did the GRE. It isn't required for a reason.

Answers to your questions: 1. I would be curious to know what your thoughts are about the economics courses? They are just economics courses. Nothing special or underwhelming, they focus more on the theory and less on the math. The MPPA program is designed to bring people from various disciplines together, this means they cannot provided in-depth courses on any particular subject, especially economics. I did my undergrad in Criminology, my experience with economics is slim. 2. Do you feel like the curriculum is truly more advanced there? No curriculum at any school is "advanced", some schools just place emphasis on other areas, you can typically break theses areas into three broad categories; stats/economics, management, and policy analysis. Carleton would be more an economics and management focused school. Given we have two courses on both management and economics with only one course on policy analysis. 3. Have you seen many job postings in other institutions ? (As an international student, I wouldn't have access to the federal or provincial governments). Co-op jobs are posted for each sector: private, non-profit, and federal and provincial government. As a non-canadian citizen/resident you will have a near impossible time getting into the government without getting bridged in through a co-op. 4. I'm curious to know if the A- requirement is very challenging to meet? Depends how hard you work. Many are just there for the co-op and don't much care for doing well. I don't blame them, the government does not care what your grades are, well, generally. Some professors grade much harsher than others. There are at least three I've had that said they do not give A+'s or have given less than 10 in their career. Seemed odd but that's life I guess. 5. Do you have to take the 10 courses before enrolling in the thesis? Read the MPPA Thesis Form. You need to finish all the pre-reqs and first year courses prior to thesis registration. This means you'll likely have 8/10 courses completed. Assuming you take 4 in the fall and 4 in the winter. https://carleton.ca/sppa/academics/documents-and-forms/

Hey guys, I'm a current Carleton MPPA student and am happy to answer as many questions as you have about the application process, funding, co-ops, research, etc. Best of luck, BTF

Refer to post already about this

Look at graduate program websites to see their admission requirements

any presentations. posters, or publications from your research experience? Did you write an undergrad thesis? I ask because these are things many applicants do not have that would set you apart from them.

Interesting, apologies, I wasn't aware the norm is not publishing in history at your stage. Do you present posters or papers at conferences? Did you receive external funding for your masters? Have you written for none academic outlets like newspapers, trade journals, etc? Maybe been an RA on projects throughout your studies. Have those that received SSHRC outside your institution in history published in academic journals?

Have you published, presented at conferences, increased your GPA in each subsequent year you've applied? As a third year + PhD student your application should be years ahead of those applying with less experience.

1. It doesn't argue anything. You are supposed to be arguing for cooperation over competition or vice versa 2. Don't talk about foxes, use quotes, or say a catholic mindset. These all do nothing for your essay. 3. Have a thesis statement at the end of your introduction that mentions three points. Each point in the thesis statement will be given a paragraph in the body. 4. Competition isn't just about being superior to others, competition can be with yourself. 5. Make sure you precisely define what competition and cooperation are in your essay and stay consistent throughout. 6. Write with brevity. Defeat and loss are the same thing, pick one.

Interesting, any past scholarships or publications? Thinking of applying for the DPhil in ICSS in a year

OSAP doesnt restrict you from applying, you'll just likely receive less money OSAP when you declare OGS.