MaxiJaz

You certainly can.

Hey. I'm actually two months in my program (studying HSR). Let me know if you'd like any specific info on the Institute or programs, I'd be happy to help! Good luck with your apps.

I had to make this decision a few months ago (over 3 potential advisors) and picked the one I felt the most comfortable. At that time, I went with my gut, and picked him even if the topic wasn't so awesome at the time. Since then, we've grinded out a new project, because he's been very understanding, and now I can't be any happier (so far..).

Started brainstorming my thesis with my supervisor in May for a September course start. It has been great to form a good relationship with him so early, and have already taken some really useful training courses relevant to my thesis. The downside, apart from the 'extra' fun I could be having this summer is not having the time to go home to see family. I think my supervisor thinks I'm from this city, and I haven't brought up my personal life, but it does suck not being home for a bit before starting somewhere new for a big stretch, especially when they're so far away.

Is it possible to take a stats elective in your program?. I need SAS (I'm familiar with SPSS) for my thesis, but the software seems to be out of my reach, and I think I learn programming a lot better via instruction and homework. Thus, I was advised to take 2 stats electives to cover the breadth of SAS

I I'm starting a more specialized program that's an offshoot of the MPH this September, so I can't give you exact details about an MPH, but as someone who will be starting a similar degree, here are my 10 cents.. I think your decision needs to take into consideration the nature of the MPH program. If there's a practicum aspect or a chance to do research/internships, you should consider schools that are in cities with lots of healthcare opportunities...Toronto is one that I can put out there. Also, I think you should do a little research on the strength of the faculty at different schools. A good place to start (albeit with a lot of discretion) is http://oncampus.macleans.ca/education/2011/10/26/macleans-2011-university-rankings-2/ - looking at the medical/doctoral category. The rankings aren't a true reflection of the strength of particular schools, but a lot of future employers, who aren't familiar with the strength of particular programs are often swayed by 'names'.

I agree with TakeruK. As trivial as it sounds, the way you address people sets the precedent for your relationship with them. My rule of thumb is the same, if given the go ahead to call them by their first name, I start to do so then on. I've been in a lot of labs with different team dynamics, and found that it might not be the best thing for you to call them by Dr. xyz or Prof. xyz when you're in a working relationship with them, as it sets this position of being a subordinate, which may be true, but not the kind of relationship you want to foster when trying to get along and work with someone. Also, I know they've earned their titles, but it's a bit antiquated and 'ass-kissey' to keep calling them that in my opinion.

I'll be starting at UofT in Health Services Research (MSc.-thesis) in the Fall, and I was considering the same when I applied, earlier this year. I too am considering med school after the two-year thesis gets over. It seems we may have similar goals - mine are to eventually get into clinical research, with med school offering that extra funding/clinical leverage, so here is my 2cents. I'm working under a cardiologist/clinical researcher, and even before the program has started, I've started a placement at the Toronto Rehab for the next two months. I chose to do a thesis simply for the chance to work with a very well-known researcher, and the opportunity to do clinical research. I figure this won't be bad for future med apps either. My prospective thesis committee are also very well known physician/researchers, and not only does that help in terms of references, I'm getting the chance to make first hand contacts. This is not to say you won't be able to do this with a practicum placement, so it depends who you work with and the subfield you want to specialize in. I think another advantage of doing research is that you have the opportunity to publish papers, which is a criteria in med schools apps. These are advantages for a thesis in Ottawa. I'm not sure about the health network in Ottawa as I've never been there, but the UHN associated with UofT is huge, and very promising. This might be important if choosing a practicum placement, as you get a pick from top-class hospitals. I'm not sure how you came across that huge tuition amount. That sounds close to US fees. I assume you're international then, tuition would be around $25k a year, no? Toronto also hosts many important clinical/research conferences, with many happening within the UofT campus, so that is also something to consider. All in all, you have to consider the opportunities you might have in the future, the networks you could make, the quality of the program and future direction in medicine you're considering.

In case you posted to learn about the opinions of Gradcafe users about the article:

wooohoo open source!

Huh...I never thought of it in that way, but you might be onto something. There are also far less post-secondary schools and specialist programs in this country, so you can only apply to a limited number of choices I guess.

Research will also allow you to get to know a supervisor, who would be invaluable for all the reference letters you'll have to send. My undergrad research thesis wasn't in an area of my eventual master's interests, but gave me a new perspective in a different field, helped me build contacts and got me to do my own thesis, which made me believe I was cut out for a masters.

Yep...my program is like that too. Sounds great...till we're off on our own looking for funding for the next year.

It depends on the school/program. When you're applying, they sometimes let you know of the nature of the reference during the application process ie. provide the e-mail of 3 referees so that we can send a digital form for them to fill. In that case, it seems likely they'll fill some sort of questionnaire/form. Otherwise, they might just have you contact the referees yourself and ask them to mail via post their LOR.

I've tried loading pdf's on my kindle and although I can read through the articles, zooming in and out each time just isn't worth the time. Kindle's aren't ready for pdf's just as yet.

I currently use Mendeley and I'm very happy with it. I believe it's very similar to Zotero and many other forum members vouch for it. It has the option to organize all your documents while also having its own integrated pdf viewer along with the choice of citation format. We had a little discussion about the best options around which may be helpful

I had the luck of having past profs and research supervisors send me their drafted letter of recommendation for me to review. If you can trust me, I just approved it without telling them to change anything (pinky swear), but what a position of power! I'd like to think they were testing my integrity. So, from an insider's perspective, if you're applying to a research-orientated or course-based program as I was, it would be better to get academic LORs, purely because of the nature of the recommendation. Some of the LORs were actually questionnaire-type forms and asked how competent I was as a researcher and student, as well as my ability to grasp difficult concepts. One of these forms went to my work employer who found those questions really impossible to apply to my type of work. As you mentioned how you weren't able to form a strong bond with many professors...choose ones who you think would be more lenient and less likely to speak too candidly about not knowing you. I know some people who used their academic advisers as they saw them a lot, and it worked out for them.

Eh! I'm a Canadian. carlyhylton is right, most PhD programs require a previous masters in a relevant field, with courses in a relevant area. Some schools/programs have direct-PhD programs, and it is these programs that put a bigger emphasis on you having a very impressive GPA in order to be considered. As for the shortened Masters to PhD...in my program, and in a lot of programs in the sciences over here, you have the possibility of being accepted and moved on to a PhD stream after the first year of a masters. That isn't a given though, apart from the usual high grades, you need to get a few faculty members to sign off on it, including your supervisor and come up with a valid and accepted thesis proposal along with any other requirements from the program. Though daunting, a lot of people I know have done this and gone into a PhD program this way. You should look into how funding works for your prospective schools in North America. I can't speak for the States, but in Canada, there aren't many external funding agencies or grants catered towards international students, so unless your program can pay you a stipend, that should factor into your decision.

I agree...the obituaries can serve as a reality check. I used to think that I needed to lead a life of distinction so that one day I could be proud of what was written of me in my own obituary...grim and vain, I know. As an overseas expatriate Canadian, growing up in different countries and making friends with other expatriate kids, I was in an environment where people had a sense of self-entitlement and expected a lot from the world, . Moving away from home after high school and having to make a life for myself while making lots of mistakes on the way has taught me to open my horizons more, appreciate my friends and family and do things I really enjoy instead of following paths that society has been telling me will make me happy. What I liked about the author's take on life was how different it was from typical business and world leaders who tell you to strive to be the best. As he put it, being 'great' involves a lot of luck and circumstances beyond our control, and I think it's far easier to focus on being the best we can be. Just to add: I bought the kindle version of Charles Wheelan's book "10 1/2 things no commencement speaker has ever said" yesterday and found it a very short and easy read. I recommend it as a good summer read, especially if you're looking for some meaning in all this madness.

I just saw an interview on the person who wrote the article below and a lot of what he said resonates with me at this moment, though probably not when I first graduated from undergrad. I thought it would be helpful to share, even if not everyone will agree. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702304811304577366332400453796.html?mod=googlenews_wsj

I'm starting my masters in September but my supervisor expects me to start applying for grants and external funding as soon as possible so I'm already conducting a literature review so as to come up with a suitable research question. I don't mind getting to work early as I find my area of research to be interesting. It helps that we've already scheduled a few face to face meetings this summer before classes start and soon I'll be off getting some research-related training...so busy busy If you're in a research stream, I recommend reading up on your field or figuring out a direction in which you can take before classes start or if you need any sort of training, to get it done this summer.

I had my unofficial orientation about 3 weeks ago (it was 'research day' for the current group, and incoming students were invited). I think about 6 new people showed up when about 30 were expected. I think the 'mandatory' isn't going to put you in your profs bad books....they don't know who you are yet, but I guess the obvious plus is that you get to meet them early and when you start classes you're a familiar face and know a bit about your peers. Otherwise, they should understand that not everyone will be able to attend due to work, distance etc.

If you find out your reading list early, I recommend Abebooks. A lot of the cheaper books are from international distributors but that doesn't necessarily correlate with higher shipping costs. There's a large price distribution for books, so you have a lot of options. I've used it for the last 5 years and haven't had any problems.

I'll be starting at UofT in the fall. I've only lived in Toronto for the past year, but visit often as my brother goes to UofT for the last few years. Even though I haven't lived there, I think you could do better than the graduate residences. I don't advise on restricting yourself to on-campus housing. A single over there is about $860...which is probably on par with some of the nicer places downtown, but with all the additional rules that come with living in a dorm, I don't know if it'll be worth it. Plus the area isn't the greatest if you want to do your own grocery shopping. The campus area is really TTC-connected, so you could broaden your search to around a few closer subway/bus stops and find nice areas, while giving you the opportunity to get around the city.

Enjoying this thread a lot. I just got into my first choice grad program after a miserable first undergrad, where I did another one in 2 years. I think the improved performance the second time around, a year off to gain relevant work experience and a good interview helped (they asked me about my poor marks too). Question: How many of you who got into grad programs after a poor showing at undergrad managed to secure any kind of external funding? My program is funded for the first year, but my PI is intent on me securing more for this and next year. Thing is, the conversation over my two undergrads and poor showing in the first never came up, and I wonder if it'll be a big issue when trying to secure funding. I hope his recommendation and the relevance of my thesis topic may help in terms of grants. Thoughts?