Hello all, I could really use some general consensus feedback...
I'm Canadian but did my BA in the States. In Canada, we tend to place a fair amount of emphasis on the MA, but in the States, if you're continuing on to doctoral work, it seems people really try to skip the MA altogether. I've been accepted to MA programs at U of Toronto, McGill, and MAPH Chicago (which, I gather from this site, is not held in very high regard). None of these are funded but Canadian programs are pretty affordable, so that's not a problem. What's more, I feel I could use the year to strengthen my research/writing skills.
On the other hand, I was accepted to the PhD program at CUNY without funding, a fact that makes me extremely hesitant. Nonetheless, between all the teaching opportunities they encourage and the fact that I'd soon become an NY resident, tuition should be covered pretty quickly and I'd be able to feed/clothe myself.
So what's the consensus? Is it important to grab the PhD offer (as my professors are advising), or is it a sound call to take the year in Toronto and reapply to potentially funded PhD's in a year?
Thanks!