thesnout

I think the prestige of the program is more important than the school itself. My undergrad program and school are well recognized and well regarded so I hope that increases my chances of getting into grad school. There are a lot of factors that influence the Adcom's decisions. I think it is best to match your research interests with that of potential POI's. If they don't want to supervise your work you won't get in.

I only applied to one school. So I'm either going to grad school or working. Makes my life easier only waiting to hear from one school.

You don't need Ontario plates unless you're going to register your car here. I've known a lot of American students who kept their cars registered in the US. It might be best to contact your car insurance or Drivers licencing centre to find out. If you are moving here permanently then I'd assume you'd get the Ontario plates and register your car here. Are you American or Canadian or both?

I'd say Research interests that "fit" the department. You can have a 4.0, publications, good GRE, etc but if a professor isn't interested in your work and research, you won't get in. The results board says it all.

It might be good to contact the schools you are waiting for (unless you already have). My program had a Feb 1 deadline so I'm still waiting. There were probably more applicants this year for most programs considering the crappy economy. Good luck everyone.

If you can pay the debt off within less than 10 years I say go for it. I'm just thinking about the interest on any loans you'll have to take out. The interest would be killer. I'm in the 'no' camp. That is an insane amount of money to spend. That's just my opinion. What are salaries like for Latin American Studies? Maybe wait another year and apply to schools in cheaper areas of the country where you know you'll get some funding. That's my two cents. Hmm...Good luck. Sorry.

A lot of ageism out there. Maybe the adcomms want to give the younger generation a chance to get in to do research and work. If a Phd takes plus or minus 5-10 years to complete, you will be entering or almost entering retirement when you finish. That could be a problem for programs who want to retain the students for research. On the other hand, you probably already have experience in your field. You probably have more stability to stay on and work with the school because your family commitments are less (ie kids in uni/college, house/debts paid off, etc). These could be beneficial factors. Who knows though. When in doubt, just apply and see what happens. That's what I would do. Good luck.

Over 500 posts. How is that possible. I want to set a goal of 1000 posts!!!!!! It's on...

Ahh I just lost what I wrote. Okay start this again. The job market in London isn't as big as say the job market in Toronto or the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). It depends on your specific interests and field. The job markets in Canada were effected just like the rest of the world. Check this website for London's public transit http://www.ltconline.ca/Routes.htm. You can see where the routes are in relation to UWO. Use the Interactive CityMap. I've never taken public transit but the city is well served with lots of bus connections. I've only driven around London. You'll definitely be fine taking the bus. Fanshawe College is also in town so there will be a lot of students using public transit. Living Costs: London is okay for pricing. Check out kijiji london to get a feel for pricing or check http://www.has.uwo.ca/housing/offcampus/och_app/. You can find pricing from the link. London, Calgary and Edmonton all seem similar in pricing. I guess you can't win. London seems to range from around $350 to $400+ for a room, Calgary (check link http://www.su.ucalgary.ca/ooch/listing.php ) seems to range from $350 to $400+ for a room as well. I'm not sure about Edmonton but probably same as Calgary. Hope this helps.

I understand where you're coming from. One of my reference letters got misplaced in the mail. I went online and saw that one was missing. Needless to say, I was freaking out a bit. I pulled it together, emailed the school and asked what was up. They thankfully gave me a week to get it sent to them. Quick phone call to my old teacher and it was emailed off and received. So what I'm trying to say is definitely call and/or email to check the status of the transcript. Don't trust anyone until it is received. Don't be afraid to call. They will be able to tell you if your application is complete. I'm sure you'll be fine. It does take a while for the right people to get the right document. Don't fret, it will all work out.

I'd say pick the strongest and mix and max. You should definitely use your former employer. Try to use a professor/teacher too if you can. Adcoms are interested in your capacity to learn and do the work effectively at a higher level. Try your best to make an impression. Stay after class and chat it up with the teachers. Ask questions. Sit near the front. These things will get you noticed.

Don't change who you are for a pub crawl. You might make yourself sick from drinking. Just have some water or do what I do. "MOCKTAIL"!!! Mocktails are just a bunch of tasty juices mixed together. Cranberry and orange juice with a touch of sprite is super tasty. Please don't fall into peer pressure and drink just to fit in. Be yourself and have fun. I stopped drinking a few years ago. I can't stand alcohol, it tastes nasty to me now.

Just finished: Miral by Rula Jebreal Next up: The Trump Card by Ivanka Trump

Don't wait to find a plan B. Start now. I only applied to one school because it is the only one with the best fit for me. If I don't get in I plan to work save some money and move out west in Canada or maybe even the US for better job prospects (and a change of scenery). Or I'll apply to more schools the second time around. Start looking around for interships and jobs. Also look into graduate certificates to gain some more academic experience and keep busy. Don't just sit around. Be proactive. This is your life and future. Only you can push yourself. Hope this helps.

Email or call the school for an extension. They should be able to extend the deadline by a few weeks. Always go with your gut instinct. It would suck to accept then hate the school later.

closet monster

UWO in London seems to have a good undergrad social life. I know a few people who attended. Southern Ontario weather is not too bad. 4 distinct seasons. Winter is a mixed bag of snow, occasionally rain when it warms up and summers are hot with some super duper hot days, some smog, and humidity at times. All around good though. I would recommend checking www.theweathernetwork.com for weather. London can be good times, I personally don't like London (just my opinion). All the people I encounter in London are super friendly. But as always there are many types of people at UWO so you just have to find your clique. Good times in London though. I also applied to University of Calgary. If I get in I'll visit in the spring/summer. The winters are cold cold cold but the chinooks help to raise the temperature in Calgary. The only negatives I hear about are sprawl and the C-train being too slow and old. The few people I know there say there is social life depending on what you're into. Arts, bars, lounges, hiking, stampede, Banff is pretty close!! Don't let the Calgary winters stop you. (I'm used to freezing though hehe) I can't comment of the people unfortunately. Not sure where you are from but if you can try to visit the cities that would be beneficial (travel is expensive though!) If you chose UWO I'm sure you will love it. Close to Toronto, Niagara Falls, Michigan. Not too bad IMO. Just wanted to add that you can't really trust the ranking systems for Canadian schools. I never trust them or look at them. Pick the school that has the best "program" and research opportunities. Canadian schools are more about the individual program at the school. Just my opinion. Maybe someone can chime in on this. I'm from the Waterloo Region in Southern Ontario (1hr from London) so if you have any questions just ask.

I agree with @XOwlfan. Fit seems to be very important. You could have a high GPA or %, good GRE, etc but if professers don't want to supervise your work they will reject you. I didn't reach out to faculty members (maybe I should have ) but that seems to be a good way to figure out if you're a good fit for the program. High test scores don't always equate to good research. My grades aren't stellar but I do make the cut. I made sure to research a possible POI and mention them in my SOP. That way they know who I want to work with. I hope this reply helps. It sounds like you have a good chance of getting into your top choice. Don't worry about the numbers. The results board proves that high numbers don't always get you in.

Just shoot them a quick and simple email with your results. I'm sure they'd love to know.

I can't stress counselling enough. I know some people view counselling as a negative thing but you have to get your feelings out to someone. It's not normal to start crying in public or fear breaking down everywhere you go. You have some major stuff bottled up and your tears show it. Grad school is not a walk in the park for anyone. I can only stress that you get the help you deserve. And normally it's free through your school. Also take 1 hour per day to write out your thoughts and feelings in a private journal online or on paper. I don't think you screwed yourself by sticking with your research. You shouldn't change or water down your research for anyone. Don't feel dread over this. Sit down and pick the topic that interests you. See if there is anything that can be tweaked or altered. Sometimes the advisors want you to think outside the box. They want you to get out of your place of comfort. Trust me you can learn a lot. I understand where they are coming from in that regard. But don't be bullied to change your interests. In the end, if you can't find an advisor maybe you can/should re-apply elsewhere. Another school might have multiple professors who love your reserach interests. I know it would be a frustrating to have to re-apply to schools but it might just prove to be beneficial. Take some time to talk with a counsellor to set up a plan and consider all your options. Good luck

It seems to take a little bit longer in Canada. Definitely check the results page and type in the name of the school and program to get an idea of when they send out offers. check here --> http://thegradcafe.com/survey/ The funding will probably take longer but I don't think the admit will. You just might receive an offer and be waitlisted for funding. If anything make sure you've got a backup plan for funding. Waiting sucks but you'll have your offers within a few months. Don't worry. Good luck with Planning.

I just went and re-read my SOP and found one missing word "the"!! Gosh!! It happens to the best of us I guess. You should be fine @mrniceguy.

Meh, trolls are everywhere. I guess higher education doesn't always bring out the best in people. It is very entertaining to read though. Maybe someone will make a reality show out of this. Put 15 people applying to the same Harvard program in a house during acceptance time and see what happens!!! I would SOOO watch this!!! MTV needs to get on this! Come on...you know you would too.

That equation scares me. I'm going to look away now before I self implode. Ahhh math. hehe

29 now, 30 in July. I think it should help my application to MEDes @ University of Calgary. But then again, who knows. I've lived a little, gained some work experience and had some time to reflect about my decisions and future. In the end age doesn't matter, experience and disciple does. Just crossing my fingers.