jamestox

Hello Iyes, Congratulations on your admissions! I can't say anything about your departments since we're in completely different programmes, but I thought I'd reply considering I've been to two of those universities on your list, Oxford and McGill (I did my undergrad at the former and am in a Master's Programme in the latter). If you want a university about as different to those on your list as is possible to imagine, then I should pick Oxford. I'm biased, but it truly is a stunning institution. The college system is unique--with the exception of Cambridge--and provides a locus for friendships and interdisciplinary encounters basically unrivalled in a conventional "campus" system. The issue with you of course, is the lack of funding, and I imagine it is not a cheap programme. If money is no object, then of course that's a different matter... Again, I can't write on your particular programme, so I suspect you have to go by what is a good fit academically. McGill has an excellent reputation overall, though I'd say it is extremely wanton in certain areas. Congratulations on receiving funding. Montreal is of course a very unique place; choosing one of the few non-Anglophone regions in this massive continent is certainly a character-building thing to do if you don't speak French. Having been through the application process for Master's, I should advise you not to go exclusively on reputation. At the Master's level, I don't believe that factor to be an overriding concern. I think you should really chose a university with an excellent fit in terms of your interests. Don't be beholden to money, but if you're offered a considerable amount take that into consideration (again, I don't think it's wise amassing debt at the Master's level, or any level come to think of it!!) Rent in Montreal is incredibly cheap, though alcohol and other things certainly aren't. Oxford is getting more expensive by the year sadly. I've been of no help, but well done on those universities and good luck choosing.

Hey, Wonderful news!! You've definitely made the right decision I think! I got an R.A. with my acceptance letter yes, so really looking forward to that. Lord know's what I'm going to do for an actual thesis though! See you in the Autumn/fall then! Best, H

Hello! Not at all. It's wonderful to find you and so totally at random. And please, distance means nothing in the face of money-troubles! I've been there and I know exactly how much it plays on one's mind. Your quandary is a lot "worse" than mine, though I think not insuperable. I think you just have to weigh up whether the monetary demands put on you at McGill would be outweighed by access to Canada's top faculty, great facilities, and a location you clearly love. But Halifax is wonderful (quite "British" so I'm told?!) and Dal's professors are great (though for me, there simply aren't enough of them in number). I have absolutely no idea what I'm researching!! Part of the offer was to work with Lloyd Whitesell on some research he's undertaking, so that should be great. Of course, Dal's offer is fantastic, and teaching experience looks great on your CV! I know which one I'd rather you choose, but it's all up to you and you'll be very happy at either I'm sure! Best of luck!

Dear Decaf, How amazing it is to read this!! I applied for the same programmes and had to make the same decision (through in two more schools into the mix and I found it nearly impossible!). I know exactly what you're going through. Ultimatley I decided on McGill's programme for a number of reasons, and while they're personal to me, they might be of interest? To give a bit of background, I'm from the UK, about to wrap up my undergrad here and am making the move all the way to Canada (to a continent I've never been to before)! While I was offered far more money at Dalhousie (and in fact I was offered yet more in the form of a scholarship today which doesn't help the decision-making process!), I chose McGill primarily because: a) Faculty - after chats with an incomprable amount of people I realise this is THE most important decision for Grad school, and while you say you'd be on the Non-Thesis programme, it's still so important to factor this in. McGill musicology/theory professors are excellent and, speaking as someone from another continent, loads of them are renowned across the pond. I've got a UK-based scholarship which means money isn't an issue - finally! c) Montreal seems quite a vibrant and dynamic place - though I'm sure you know about this more than I do. I think the opportunity to enhance/maintain French is fantastic and relevant to musicology. Plus, OSM are having a new concert hall built coinciding for when we start! A great cultural centre, non? d) The facilities at the Schulich seem pretty amazing. Admittedly, it has to cater for a larger student base than Dalhousie, but the facilities, so I am told, are quite a bit better. Add to the mix that they have 600 concerts per year, a 3 story library etc, and I think you'd have access to better facilties than you might expect at Dal. e) Name. I hate myself for writing this, but as a junior professor told me here (he left graduate studies at Harvard for Toronto for many different reasons) while name isn't everything, it does count for something. McGill's 'brand' is very exportable. So if you choose Dal (which is arguably less well-known) you should have solid reasons for this. At the end of the day, it has to be your decision of course. I applied to Dal and I think that some of the faculty there are excellent (Dr Joubert comes to mind, as does Dr. Baur - but as you say, he's on sabattical for an entire year). I think you'd have a great time at Dal if you pick it! Though it would be lovely to see you at McGill! Hope you are able to pick soon. Having been through this agonizing decision-making process myself, I can definitely sympathise. I think your main priorities should be a) where do you want to go after x or y university; and what place is best served (facilities/faculty/location) to effect this?! Let me know how you get on and good luck, Best, Harry