Monz

I've never been denied a reference letter. But, I've had to work very very hard to actually get the letter. My referees always say 'yes' when I ask them for a letter and then get hostile when I remind them that it is due. I've heard every excuse in the book. Here is a sample: 1. I can't get the link to work; 2. There is a glitch in the system, and; 3. I'm very busy and I apologize - when is it due again? (While this excuse may very well be the case my referee had 2.5 months to do the letter). I've been given the advice to keep on reminding them, but it's really a no-win situation because of the fact that the pressure makes them angry and I get stressed having to chase. I've considered applying for funding that requires my referees to send something straight to the funding body. But alas, if only I could count on them getting it in on time! I've passed up some opportunities because I'm beholden to the referees and have no faith in them actually producing the letter in a reasonable time. I have no choice but to use these referees and I keep hoping that something will change so I no longer need them, but things haven't panned out for me yet. Having said that, the actual letters are very good and I do appreciate the hard work that goes into it. If only they would get it in on time and without the chase! Has anyone else had this type of experience?

I agree with Mocha. Most master's thesis' can be expanded into a PhD. If you are looking to go abroad, you might try a UK university.

I applied for a postdoc at York, but I haven't heard anything yet from the SSHRC. I think the results are coming out mid-Feb, but I'm not sure if I've made that up in my head or if its actually what is going to happen. It's also my first time applying so I'm not too sure about what to expect in terms of how they decide on who gets the funding.

Has anyone applied for a postdoc?