MaxiJaz

For those looking for a more Google integrated version of Dropbox (cloud storage): https://drive.google.com/start#home 5 GB isn't too shabby either.

Eigen, just curious, but do you use Endnote at home? I've only been able to use licensed versions of it on campus computers, but the software is awfully pricey.

I agree with most of Loimographia's points. Bear in mind it's an article on Slate..and I'm sure other users who have spent time on the site will know, a lot of the articles come with provoking headings, but really only substantiate a provocative article with few, generalized points based on the author's opinion. Ultimately, the author came in with a fixed opinion of the grad search and many grad students, found a talking point - the results page, and did her job. The neurotic argument is a bit harsh. I mean, this is 2012, the really isn't any excuse to be in the dark over any job or position, and I'm sure every job seeker with a basic understanding of the internet has used it at some point for advice related to interview tips, positions, information about a city etc. With that said, her article doesn't bother me. It's the opinion of someone from the outside, who had nothing to gain from it. Ultimately she misses a lot of points, like how the website helps a lot of international students, and people moving into new cities, apart from just the neurotic grad/expectant grad.

Can't say I didn't warn you. I didn't really use the list to make my decision, I'm type to try whatever I have available and make my decision after that, but the list was helpful in letting me know what I can and cannot do.

In reference to my post above, I found this to be useful, but keep in mind that it may be biased: http://www.mendeley.com/compare-mendeley/

Thanks for the Mendelay recommendation. I'm using it on Ubuntu and it works swell! Oh how I feel so stupid keeping separate folders of my pdf's and google doc backups after all this time. I haven't used it as a refworks replacement...thoughts?

I've been very impressed so far as well. Can't wait till we're given the go-ahead to pick up our student IDs. My brother currently attends UofT so I've been lucky to take books out under his name. As for 'library'....I think there are about 20 or more libraries, considering that each of the separate undergrad colleges also have their own (http://onesearch.lib...to.ca/libraries)...the big one is Robarts...which holds most of the social science, environment, urban studies collections and the rare books library is at the bottom. There's a Starbucks and Subway restaurant on the first floor. I've sampled Gerstein, the science, health science Library, very pretty, and also huge. Stoked. I have to agree with Surefire. Toronto does grow on you. In Montreal, Toronto never had the best of reputations...mostly related to cooties and the leafs . I have to admit, I did find the city very confusing, too fast paced and soulless at first. After a while, you start to enjoy the city for what it is....one that's multicultural, and full of life. You have to find your niche like in any new place, but after that, it's a very accessible city with plenty to do. Though I keep hearing from current UofT grads that they want out, but I think that's just a result of having lived in the city for most of their lives and wanting to try somewhere new. Having done that prior to moving here, I'm content.

I'll be at UofT in the fall. I actually moved here a year ago to look for work in a related field, and the time has helped me adjust to the city (I lived in Montreal and London, ON previously). The libraries are pretty sweet compared to what I've been used to, but there are so many students!

Good job in getting in! I checked out this post because a similar thing happened to me. Graduated from a decent school, but things didn't go my way, got distracted and had a low GPA to show for it. I decided to take another 2 year undergrad (lots of carried over credits) and managed to do really well. Unfortunately, I think my poor showing at my first degree - regardless of how admissions usually ask for your last two years - was always coming back to haunt me. I applied to a high standard of grad programs, feeling ambitious, and surprise surprise, I didn't get in anywhere. The blow was hard to take. I felt like shit. I moved back home. I then turned my sights on getting a job, any job. Just to pay the bills and possibly switch careers. I didn't get anything I wanted to work in, and although I was offered basic level jobs, nothing really made me want to pursue it as a potential career-changer. I think the big gamechanger happened because of advice I got from my brother. He said something on the lines of....even if you can't find work in fields related to your interests, look to volunteer or intern. *BING* I started off doing minor volunteer jobs at a major non-profit related to my field of interested, and then through that position - found an opening in a field which gave me a 9-5 internship position, and hands-on experience in the organization that would usually be cutoff from non-staff. I'd been there from August - Feb, and during that time, asked my supervisor to be one of my references for my prospective degree. He happily obliged. Just after sending my personal statement to my top school, I contacted prospective supervisors directly (it's a research degree) and they were curious to meet with someone who was highly recommended from a well-known non-profit, where they happened to also have an association with. I met with each of the three individually, and two of them agreed to supervise me on a prospective project, provided I get in first. All I needed now was to get an interview. I waited and waited. I knew that all the adcomms had to work with were my grades and my 2 page LOI....so I was nervous. I called in to the course secretary, and she informed me that they were already interviewing! I was shocked, so somehow I went into survival-mode and blurted out that two of their faculty had already agreed to work with me. She was curious, and I don't know how much weight she had, but she asked me to send her an e-mail with the names of those who had agreed. I did. About a week later, I was contacted by the program for an interview. Phew! The interview was great, and they did ask "THE QUESTION" of why my first grades were so poor. I answered honestly, without being too honest...and told them that being an unpaid intern while gaining first hand experience showed that I worked very hard to get here. I believe they also contacted my potential supervisors to validate their opinion of me. Its been a long journey, but I'll be starting in the fall at my top choice program, that accepts about 20 students a year, after a mediocre first undergrad, a second undergrad, and full rejections in my first year of applying to grad school. Lesson of the story.... there's always a way to get in..provided that you're committed to make it work.

Holy smokes! *Bows* I hope you didn't mean "finish first undergrad at 20".

I'm also starting in the fall, though coming from a biological sciences background, I've clocked up a few years of research now. My program that starts in the Fall requires me to have selected a research supervisor already. I got in touch with him, talked about potential research topics and he sent me a bucket load of papers to read. If you are in a similar position, I would recommend focusing on relevant readings so that you can focus on your research proposal early. Research proposals take ages to formulate, and really give the first impression of how you are as a researcher to your supe and advisers. If you prepare for it early, it'll help you big time, while not having to cram all the intricacies of your research if preparing for a Q/A session with them, post research meetings. You might also want to research potential funding options early as some deadlines are in Oct/Nov..so it'll be good to plan your course of attack.

Hey livefast...I was the person who posted my rejection from the MMI program. I got word from them via post. I did apply pretty early though...so I guess they're either yet to look at your file or you're doing pretty well. At least you haven't been rejected so that's a good sign!

Ok...this is weird...so as my last post suggested, my interview was on Friday, and today I got an e-mail saying I was accepted. I'm thrilled. This was my second year trying. For those of you fearing the worst...keep trying. I took this year off building my resume, got a great internship (unpaid...but good reference), and made sure the interviewers knew that I had researched their program very well at the interview. Good luck to everyone who are still waiting!

Have any of you guys interviewed for your programs? I interviewed yesterday and I was wondering how long I have to wait for a decision. It has barely been 24 hours and the wait is killing me!

Another bachelors may not be such a bad option, as you might be able to carry on credits to make it a 2 year bachelors (if it's in a related field). I know this to be the case in most of the universities in Canada, and sometimes they place a certain additional requirement like a certain GPA needed for every year completed. The reason this may also be an attractive if you have hopes of getting into a decent grad program later, who often consider your last 2 years.

Both. First by e-mail and then by snail...eventually.

I must admit, I've shared your sentiment a few times. This is my second season trying. A lot of my friends have moved ahead of me academically now, but I think I've gained a lot in taking the year off to work and gain as much experience as possible. What I tell myself is to keep trying and persisting. There are a lot more people worse off than you than those who are moving ahead. No one likes to be rejected, but sometimes those rejections put things into perspective. The adcomms may not think you're right for their program just yet, but what have they based this decision on? Words on a piece of paper, and if you're lucky, an hour long interview. Getting into grad school does not guarantee anything these days, you'll still have to deal with life and employment at some point after, so try to look at things for the long term. Try to make good networks, volunteer and build the resume, so that you improve as a potential candidate and then apply again. You're bound to get your big break, and if things don't work out just yet, they will as you keep at it, and you never know, some other opportunity might popup for the better..so keep your head up!

There's a larger UofT thread you might want to check out first.

I applied to Dalla Lana's Epi program last year and didn't hear anything till the end of April. I e-mailed the course secretary asking for an update and she forwarded the e-mail through two other people till I finally received an e-mail from the course director saying that "in all likelihood I was not rejected". Great, there's a chance I might have been accepted. Sure enough, I eventually got my rejection at the end of the month. TL,DR: They're not so great in getting in touch. If you're still anxious, I would e-mail/call the course secretary and ask for some news if you're really anxious.

To those that are waiting on an official letter after getting a 'decision made' - does that mean you're rejected if you haven't been contacted for an interview? Or is there a chance that a positive decision can be made without an interview? (wishful thinking)

Ah the famous reputation at Western. I remember before going there my friends would always tell me to make sure I meet the infamous 'Saugeen Stripper' (you can google search it). I know they've been working hard on getting rid of the whole party school image but it's pretty hard to shake off when you're in a college town/city. Otherwise, it's not like you find drunk kids outside lecture halls....or things you wouldn't otherwise see any where else

Ditto Charlie. I'm a Western alumni and I think you'll really enjoy your time at the school. I was also at McGill (I have 2 undergrads)...and comparing the two....Western is far ahead in terms of student facilities (they opened a $30 mill gym complex a few years back), are very underrated in terms of funding (helps when you're based in Ontario) and you get a good sense of community and genuine school spirit (in my opinion). There's always something going on at the grad club...I remember Tuesdays being trivia night last year. If your apps go as planned and you decide to go, I'm sure you'll have a blast.

Funny enough (compared to how I was last year) - I feel pretty comfortable dressing up for these occassions as I work at an office. I might even come in to work before the interview...though probably not. I like the idea of a suit jacket, which I might consider, though a suit jacket under a coat might make me resemble a penguin in both movement and stature.

I recently met with a prospective supervisor for an informal interview/discussion of suitable projects. At some point in our conversation he asked me if I was talking to any other professors, and I thought I'd play the honesty card and tell him that I was. After telling him who ("Dr. so and so"), he started to refer to them by their first name. I don't know what happened but I then started to refer to the others by their first names too...maybe because I'm used to calling my past supervisors by their first names once I work with them. A big part of me felt he was a bit surprised (slight facial expression changes) and for the rest of our discussion I felt really awkward as I wasn't sure if he found it disrespectful. Either way, I think it would be good to play it safe and always refer to them by their distinction/title as you never know if the person or their peers may find it disrespectful otherwise.

This post might be a bit late, but have you considered maybe doing a 2 year bio undergrad in North America? (assuming you did your business degree in UAE). A big part of doing a MSc. or Phd is the caliber of your research institution and your supervisor's mentorship/network, and without doing higher level bio courses (3rd/4th year) you will find it very hard to be considered, even if you do well in basic bio courses. This is coming from someone who took a second degree after not enjoying the first one, and the two-years spent was definitely worth it, particularly as I knew I wanted to get into research.