ktel

Why does it matter to you so much?

Love hearing this. Definitely true, I feel like I have not been able to make much progress while taking courses. This summer is key for me to start actually working on my thesis. I started in September.

I was in your position and went with the research area I thought I wanted to learn and then my next criteria was based on reputation mostly. Although it was a really tough choice. I am just doing a Master's degree and was open to several different research areas.

Maybe, but like I said, I don't think they're as picky when it comes to the course based program, because you are not funded and are actually paying a lot of money in tuition. Especially if you are an international student.

Haha, what about it sounds Asian?

Not sure. Personally I would probably skip it.

So you're in trouble for calling him late at night basically? Just apologize. It wasn't even THAT late, so I really don't think it should be that big a deal. As far as your advisor being in general a jerk, I don't know what to tell you! Either stick it out or leave, those are basically your options.

Since you're only doing a course based Master's, I think it's pretty safe to say that as long as you meet the minimum requirements, they will accept you. It's money in their pocket, not like they're funding you or anything.

To address the professional boundaries problem you have just brought up, I know my university has a person in charge of dealing with sexual harassment and similar issues. You can speak to her 100% confidentially. Hopefully your university might have something similar, and if so, it would be a good place to start.

This conversation is so strange... it seems you don't understand what we're saying at all. Let me break it down for you: 1. It's likely he's refusing writing you a letter not because he doesn't want to write you a letter, but because you asked him in a very strange way 2. If you want to apply to other programs you will need a letter from him 3. Be honest with him about your intentions Understand now?

Your further explanation makes a lot more sense. I think it is probably pretty obvious to him that you are lying about why you want a reference letter. If somebody lied to me, I would be pretty hesitant to help too. You need to be honest with him, because it will only hurt your chances if you aren't. Explain to him why you want to apply elsewhere and ask him if he could write you a strong letter of reference. Unless he's very petty, he will probably agree.

Sounds like you're making an odd request, hence his confusion. It's very unusual to ask for reference letters "just for your reference". Typically they are written privately, and provided for things such as scholarships and grad school applications (as you know). He may be uncomfortable providing you with a letter just for you to read. I would agree with him in thinking that it is an odd request. Perhaps you should wait until you actually have a good reason to ask for a reference letter.

Love this, and seems fairly consistent with a lot of the advice given out on this forum. Who thought we actually knew what we were talking about?

I'm not in CS, but absolutely all of my research experience was in my last year of my undergrad, and it didn't affect my application in any way. In fact, when I was applying, I had almost no research experience, I just had to spin the stuff I had been doing so far in a good way. I was applying to Master's programs in Canada and my GPA was the same as yours

I don't think it should EVER be a question of aerobic vs strength. Both are very important aspects of a work out routine.

Stampede is a complaint?? I must admit I've never been, even though I lived in Edmonton my whole life, but it sounds like an amazingly fun time. Although I would assume by this you're not a big partier? I'm not really either, but I do enjoy a good event like this.

What I think is truly awful is that students in Ontario can buy their grades at privately run schools. There is no accountability.

You're definitely over complicating the situation. Just remind her of your previous e-mail and that she asked you to contact her again.

^ Alberta has standardized diploma exams for their grade 12 students. The exam is worth 50% of your final grade. I personally loved it and thought it prepared students well for university where there are exams that are also worth so much of your grade.

Find a lawyer?

It completely changes what programs you should apply to. You should only be applying to professional masters programs, research based degrees won't even take you if you don't want to do research (obviously)

The MS will be 100% more important than the BS when choosing where to do your PhD. And yes, it is definitely possible to do something other than the research you are doing now

I am a girl so of course it applies to both!

http://lmgtfy.com/?q=difference+between+chemical+engineering+and+materials+engineering

^ Haha. I have reached my quota of positive upvotes for the day apparently...that post warrants one.