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topochica

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    Help me decide: I got into McGill, but funding seems a bit awkward. what should I do?

    in Political Science Forum

    Posted

    On 3/21/2021 at 6:35 AM, Heather2571 said:

    Hello guys, I got into McGill's PhD program with funding, but the funding looks a bit strange. So I would like to talk about it a little bit and hopefully I can get some advice about it. 

    There are two parts for each year's money; one is tuition+supplement, and the other is what called "expected employment salary," for TAships. For first two years, the expected employment salary is about 16% of the annual funding, but for year 3 and year 4, that number goes up to more than 30%, and for fifth year, it's almost 50%. Yet, in the letter, it says that eligibility for employment salary cannot be guaranteed. My understanding is that for this package, the first year's funding is nominally 35K, but actually the guaranteed part is supposed to be only 29K (In light of I cannot find a TA position). And this will apply to future years as well. please let me know if this interpretation is wrong. 

    I felt it's strange b/c I looked up the living costs at Montreal and calculated a bit; the conclusion goes if I could not find a TA job, I would not be able to afford myself there. Also, the package didn't mention health insurance or summer research stipend, so I assume those two are not on the table. 

    This is my first acceptance, so I don't have a way to compare to other funding packages. So I really appreciate any advice/opinions/comments. I have two questions: 

    1) Is such a package normal? 

    2) If the package is not that good, what should I do? 

    Thanks a lot! And hope everyone get into your dream school :)

    Hey! I would contact the department about your questions regarding the availability of TA positions. I had a similar note in my funding package (in the US) and freaked out. Then I spoke with the department and they said while there is a note that it's not guaranteed.... it basically is and there's no way I wouldn't get it for the years outlined.

    2020-2021 Application Thread

    in Political Science Forum

    Posted

    3 hours ago, poliscihopeful2021 said:

    Has anyone received official rejections or even waitlist offers from UCLA? I emailed them a couple of weeks ago and they said they were "making their way through the applications slowly", but that they would get back within a week.

    It seems a bit weird to me that a few acceptances went out earlier in the cycle but then there's been no waitlists or rejections.

    No idea if it would be similar, but I heard faculty at UC Riverside that they send out acceptances "in batches", meaning they have a sort of unofficial waitlist to see if people from the first round decline. 

    2020-2021 Application Thread

    in Political Science Forum

    Posted

    1 minute ago, cbsag123 said:

    To all of you who've gotten on the waitlist at these top universities -- is there anything one could do at this stage to increase chances of admission? Like, do I let them know that I've been rejected everywhere except for the waitlist spots, or would that end up hurting my chances of negotiating a better funding package in the long run without actually helping my chances of getting of the waitlist?

    I've heard that it is a good idea to get back into contact with POIs and let them know you are still interested and thank you for their interviews, etc. I think you can express genuine continued interest and say it is your top choice for X, Y, Z reasons without letting on you've been rejected (or accepted) elsewhere.

    2020-2021 Application Thread

    in Political Science Forum

    Posted

    3 hours ago, EstherBritoAbrio said:

    Hi! Thank you. You are likely right, I genuinely thought of IR as more theoretical, because my graduate program in the UK was basically all theory, but US programs seem to be really different. I am thankful for the help!

    I just wanna say that there are also plenty of IR programs and Theory programs (in the US and otherwise) that may offer what you're looking for! Don't force yourself to learn quant if it's not your interest. On the other hand, it could be.

     It took me a couple application cycles to really identify fit as well, since I don't fall into what is considered traditional/popular areas of research in political science. I'd start by talking with professors you admire and looking up where they went to school.

    2020-2021 Application Thread

    in Political Science Forum

    Posted

    51 minutes ago, rash_sulganni said:

    @Crossed_fingers I noticed you have a Riverside acceptance. When did you hear from them and what's your subfield? It's been a month since I interviewed and I haven't heard back. I am wondering if I should send an email.

     

    25 minutes ago, Crossed_fingers said:

    I didn’t interview with them and my subfield is American politics and political behavior. They reached out to me last Wednesday. 

    Hey, I'm new here. Also waiting to hear from Riverside but didn't get called for an interview. Should I assume rejection? Political theory

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