magisterludi

There is certainly more to life than prestige and I would be careful in feeling too pressured to choose a certain program. As the previous poster said, do what will make you happy!

I received an offer for the NSF GRF. I am of course more than excited, however, I was planning on attending a Canadian University (would be making $14k/year with TA). I only applied to 3 schools in the US and was accepted to 1, but I heard pretty bad things about the advisor and turned down the offer. So the dilemma is that the NSF can only be used at accredited US universities and apparently can only be deferred due to military or medical circumstances. Do I have a chance of emailing new PIs and gaining admission before May 1st? Anyone have any advice or experience with this? Thanks!

Bittersweet ecstasy? Did anyone else receive the award but was planning to go international for graduate school?

I am! Does this mean you made the right choice and chose Mac over UBC?

I think part of it depends on your aspirations after completing your PhD. Is a degree from a top notch school that big of an advantage? Will you be able to accomplish your goals by doing really great work at your safe school? I would also keep in mind that 5+ years is a pretty long time. You want to make sure you're completely happy and satisfied with your decision. If you get accepted to the PhD at your safe school, maybe you could see about making it a Masters instead? Then you could get into the programs you want and they would take less time. Best of luck!

Thanks for the comments about McMaster. They've been very helpful and I'm excited to attend! (pending immigration issues of course..)

I live in the US and have applied to a few Canadian schools. My perception is that McGill is an incredible school, certainly in the top 3 among Canadian universities. It also seems to be very well known among people I've spoken with. I'm in the sciences and so cannot speak to the English programs but I say congratulations on your acceptance and a wise decision!

Hello Canadians! I've heard lots about Toronto, McGill, Queen's, etc. There seems to be less about McMaster. I'm considering it for a PhD. Just wondering what the general perception is about McMaster as a research university? I know of course the advisor is much more important but just curious why talk about McMaster seems to be lacking. Thanks!

I've recently been accepted to a university in Canada, my first choice school since the beginning of the process. I would love to attend but will not if my boyfriend cannot get into / find a job in Canada. We're both US citizens. Does anyone have any experience with this? We have no evidence of cohabitation or we'd consider the common law union. Any information would be appreciated!

It is more complicated than this, but here’s the shortversion. I have had my heart set on a certain school, it was great when Ivisited and I received an offer shortly after that. When the prof emailed me totell me I had been accepted, I replied saying I am planning on accepting theoffer when it arrives by mail. However, another interview offer has come up (ata really good school) but it is only half an hour away from the other school. Andof course the two professors know each other well. Is it appropriate to stillgo on the interview even though I sort of verbally committed to the otherschool?