single_dollar

I feel you. My current work is also in external relations and policy, and I spoke to a significant policy project in my Statement of Intent as well, along with other relevant work in intergovernmental relations and communications and 2 additional professional certifications I earned in 2019. So baffled as to what they're looking for. Is everyone who received an offer in their 40's with 20 years experience in 2+ levels of government and a 4.0 GPA from back in the 90's? Truly this is what it seems like. Last year when I received feedback on my previous application I was informed the acceptance rate was 15%, and I know they received more applications this year so would guess it is in the 8-10% range this year. So you're in great company with your rejection. For everyone that applied to only UVIC this year. That was me last year. Think about it for a few months to be sure it's what you really want, ask the admissions team for feedback, and apply again next year to multiple schools. Grateful I didn't overlook USask and get to start in September. Good luck!

I also received my rejection to the UVIC MPA Online this morning. I'm mid career (in my early 30's) with 8 years relevant experience (5 gov and 3 non-profit), a high UGPA, additional professional certifications, excellent references (I saw their letters) and a very solid statement of intent. I was also rejected last year so asked for feedback, of which they gave minimal, and applied again, only to be rejected again. I only applied to Uvic last year but also applied to USask this year, and I did get in back in Feb. If you decide to apply to USask next year, do so early! They are only accepting 20-25 students each year for the program so it is becoming more competitive than in previous years.

Eagerly waiting and checking status daily. I'm waiting for the online decision which I understand usually comes 1-2 weeks after on-campus decisions. When anyone gets an update or hears from UVIC please let us know!

Received my acceptance to USask today for the MPA (professional online). Very happy and now waiting less than patiently for UVic to send out their decisions (usually happens mid-April).

USask: Does anyone have insight into application status? Mine has been marked with only the word 'Completed' since Jan 6. I've seen previous years applicants have had status changes earlier, and I had read since they accept on a rolling basis (MPA Online) a decision is made approx 6 weeks from submission. Any additional info would be helpful for my anxious mind. UVIC: Applied for their MPA Online as well, and am not expecting a response until mid-April. Last year I heard back (rejected) on April 18 as did others. For Fall 2020 they had a 15% acceptance rate, so despite being highly qualified I am not holding my breath.

Third passenger in that boat. I was hoping someone else had reached out and heard a timeline update of some sort, but it looks like in previous years decisions have been released as late as the first week of May. Good to know we're not alone in the waiting game.

Has anyone heard from UVIC MPA, or any insight into their timeline? They seem to send admissions decisions quite late from reviewing past forums, but it's been radio silence this year.