andromeda

To my fellow (and possibly future) colleagues, I'm in a crux. I'm a Canadian specializing in American (African-American especially) literature, and am caught between going to school in the US vs. going to school in Canada (University of Toronto). The two schools I am contending between are Rutgers and University of Toronto. Rutgers has a better funding package as of now, since I am still waiting to hear back from SSHRC -- if I get the CGS, I'll be in the clear for U of T, but without it, I have to plan to survive on the minimum funding package. BUT... It's not the money I'm most concerned with right now... it's choosing between the two. Does University of Toronto have a good reputation in the US? If I get my PhD there, will I have the competitive edge necessary to, say, compete for English Lit teaching positions in both the US and Canada? It seems to me, given what I've seen from placement records for both schools, that generally speaking, Canadian PhDs remain in Canada but American PhDs have a ticket to ride in both countries. I'm not sure why this is, other than what seems to be a very logical connection between the fact that since I want to study American Lit, I should study at an American school. Yet... is it that simple? U of T is one of Canada's best schools, if not the best, and Americans have "heard of it." Do I go with them because they're great in Canada, or do I go with Rutgers because they pretty great in the US, and my potential advisors at Rutgers have more cache in the academic arena (i.e. are more well-known, especially given the field of American lit). Rutgers does have a great African-American lit program, as the rankings say... Still, it means relocating to a place I've only visited once. THE QUESTION IS THIS: I want to open my future job prospects to the US. Does it matter if I go to Rutgers University in New Jersey, or University of Toronto? If I wanted to either take a post-doc at an American University, does it matter if I remain in Canada or not? I know the job market is limited as it is, and from what I've heard from colleagues, I'm not necessarily doing myself a favour by studying American literature at a Canadian school which isn't well known for that field, anyway. And yet, making a name for myself as an Americanist in Canada might not be a bad idea, since I'll be doing something more rare. Thoughts!? Without this forum, I'm lost. Thank you so much.

How did you find that? I'm blind, I think I've been staring at screens way too long every day. I couldn't find the GWU one, though.

That makes me feel a bit better!

Your points are very... on point. Do you know where I can find job placements for Rutgers English? I searched to no avail. I did see the U of T ones, and it seems as though most grads remain in Canada/

My interests are in American/African-American lit, as well as critical race studies. I have a forerunner in Critical Race Studies who has expressed interest in my ideas, which is nice; but U of T has also expressed the interest of a few faculty members. I'm not sure why I am worried. I want to try and visit all three, but in case I can't, want to know that I'm making a viable decision. For some reason, I feel like down the road, having an American PhD will benefit me more. Problem is, most American friends I have think automatically GWU and Rutgers are better; while my Canadian folks tell me U of T is the most prestigious of the three. Should I worry about prestige? Ugh, I shouldn't. I appreciate further insight from you....

Hello lovely folks, I'm hoping to get American and Canadian perspectives on this one. I've been accepted into three schools thus far: GWU, Rutgers, and U of T. All have a funding package, but I am wondering how these schools' English PhD programs might be ranked. My confusion stems from the following: GWU = private, a somewhat more elite feel, but known for public policy, not necessarily English; might be fun living in the capital Rutgers = excellent funding package, but where do they rank?; not so keen on living in New Brunswick, NJ U of T = excellent school, and it's where I call home right now, but I want to open my future job prospects to the US (I am a Canadian); figured attending an American university might up the ante on my scholarly profile HELP!! How would you rank these schools? What might I want to consider? Thx!

Would that bus be the Coach USA bus? I checked the website but that route no longer seems to exist....

I know rents are ridiculous, I lived there... but this time around, I might have a friend to help me out. $13?? You mean one way, I guess.... right?

I am considering moving to New Brunswick to attend Rutgers, it sounds like a great/amazing place to study. The problem is, I want to live in New York City. NYC was my home once upon a time for a short while, and I miss it terribly. I know it's completely inconvenient to live there and travel to New Brunswick, but I wanted to know if it were at all possible. I have heard a few different things, most recently that it is $26 from NYC Penn Station to New Brunswick on the Amtrak (that's impossible for me to afford). The other option I'm aware of is taking the PATH train to Newark station, and taking either a bus or train (not sure which, or how much the trips are) to New Brunswick station. Has anyone traveled either of these ways? Does anybody reading make this commute on a semi-regular basis? I am guessing that I will have to be at the Rutgers campus at least 4 times a week. If there's a will there's a way.......... Thx!

Would you happen to know or ask how they travel from NYC to the campus?? I am seriously considering attending Rutgers and have a potential apartment lined up in NYC. This would be the dream. From what I know, from New Brunswick's train station, it takes just over an hour to arrive at Penn Station in NYC, but it's $16 -- way too much, if I have to commute 4-5 days a week. Can you consult your grad student friend?! I would love to know. Many thanks...