Beardedman

Thanks for the advice! I think I'll go with a more generic happy holidays card though, rather than something Christmas-specific.

I have one last meeting with my advisor before the holiday break and I'm thinking of getting him a Christmas card and bottle of wine as a thank you for everything he's done for me. Would that be inappropriate? I'm still in the early stages of my degree, but my advisor has already gone out of his way to help me a number of times.

Your right Chizzla, there is no way to answer this question with any degree of certainty. As for my opinion, I don't think it will make much difference. I say apply and don't worry about it. If things don't work out with your applications, try again next year. My guess is that others here will agree.

Don't give up. It sounds like your very close to completing the Master's and you should get something for all the work you've put in. Take comfort, an M.S. is probably more valuable than an M.A. and will make you more employable than a B.Sc. alone. It's probably also a good idea not to pursue a PhD if your not into research.

I suggest you forget this question for the moment. Commit yourself completely to your job and start thinking about this again a year from now. As queller said, a lot can change in a year. You really should go to graduate school at a time that's right for you, but the longer you wait, the harder it will be to get back in.

I agree with CSC's comments. BC is awesome and UBC is a very respectable university. Having said that, if you'd feel more comfortable with Boston U, go there. I'm not in economics, but I doubt it would count against you in the long run.

For me, the fact that my wife has a well-paying job in the city I'm planning to go to grad school, was a big part of my decision. Fortunately, it was also my first choice. Conflict avoided!

fuzzylogician is right. They have a waiting list for a reason. On the other hand, you've been accepted by some good schools, if they're a good fit, just go with that and don't worry about it.