ktel

Indeed you did not make yourself clear. What you are trying to do is impose your personal circumstances on the OP, when in fact you have no idea whether your situations are similar or not. Sure, there are probably elements in common, but to assume that the situations are identical is a bit of a stretch. You saw the commonalities, got really emotional, and then tried to give extreme advice without explaining where it was coming from. That's the main issue.

I personally don't think I would ever listen to the tape again. I find my note taking to be more than sufficient.

In addition, make sure you ask special permission from each professor to record their lectures. They also have the right to say no.

I went to a pre-acceptance weekend, and while there were interviews, it was much more like a recruiting process. They only invited 10 applicants and they made it pretty obvious that they wanted us a little bit more than we had to show we wanted them. You will be able to tell almost immediately.

That's a little excessive

Are you serious? EVERY professor I EVER had listed their office hours and contact information on the syllabus. If you couldn't find it there, you could find it on the department website. Heaven forbid you spend 5 minutes figuring it out and going there.

I think people are offended because it seems like your only concern is whether or not you can brag about being accepted into an Ivy League school.

My dad: "What will you be researching?"
Me: Something about CFD and modelling
My dad: "OK, I'm going to tell my friends that you're moving away to pursue modelling"

That's a little excessive

I think people are offended because it seems like your only concern is whether or not you can brag about being accepted into an Ivy League school.

^ There's no way he hasn't somehow misled the school if he has not told them about this in any way. Typically you are required to provide transcripts from ALL post secondary institutions attended. If he failed to do so, he has failed to give information specifically asked for.

I currently live in a building owned by: http://www.flagshipcorp.ca/

They have a lot of locations, are pet friendly, aren't picky about tenants, and overall I am happy with them. I would suggest going for a larger commercial landlord if possible if moving from far away. It will probably be an easier process for you.

My dad: "What will you be researching?"
Me: Something about CFD and modelling
My dad: "OK, I'm going to tell my friends that you're moving away to pursue modelling"

I go to one of the best graduate schools in Canada, and I am surrounded by professors and grad students with successful marriages and families. This includes students in their mid-20s and up, as well as professors working towards tenure. I don't think it has anything to do with age or your willingness to work hard for success, but more your mindset. If you've made up your mind that a relationship will hold you back, there's probably nothing that will change that. If you have the willingness to make your personal life and academic/work life work, then it will.

Why does it matter to you so much?

Why does it matter to you so much?

Just adopted a 4-year-old retired racing Greyhound, pick him up next Friday!

I think people are offended because it seems like your only concern is whether or not you can brag about being accepted into an Ivy League school.

Agreed. I see nothing wrong with paying a professional, if you so choose, to read and edit your SOP. I don't think the OP was inquiring about services that will write it for you.

Here is what my budgeting looks like:

Stipend: $29,500 for first 12 months, at least $10,000 for the last 8 months - luckily in Canada this is ALL TAX FREE! Woohoo
Tuition: $16,000 ($8,000 per year)

Subtracting other lump expenses such as books ($1000), travel ($2000), gifts ($700) and moving expenses ($500), I'm left with just under $1500 a month. If I get a TA position I can expect to make at least another $2000, giving me an extra $100 a month. This is the breakdown:

Rent: $500 (the rent on our place is $1200, my boyfriend is subsidizing me somewhat)
Food/Eating Out: $300
Cable/Internet: $50
Cell Phone: $50
Transit: $100
Entertainment: $100
Clothing: $80
Personal Care: $100
Savings: The rest

I've kept pretty detailed records of my spending habits for the last 4 years, so this is based on that. Luckily I don't drink coffee and I am still covered under my parent's medical insurance. My boyfriend just bought a car and will be paying all the expenses on that, so I will have access to a car without having to pay much for it. Reading how some of the students on here live makes me think I'm living a cushy lifestyle. Quite frankly I wouldn't be willing to sacrifice some of these comforts just for grad school.

My dad: "What will you be researching?"
Me: Something about CFD and modelling
My dad: "OK, I'm going to tell my friends that you're moving away to pursue modelling"

Just adopted a 4-year-old retired racing Greyhound, pick him up next Friday!

I will just say it would be completely inappropriate for you to write to this student's coach about this. That is not nearly the right plan of action. Talking to the lab instructor is where you should start. Whoever is in charge of you should be able to help you with this.

My dad: "What will you be researching?"
Me: Something about CFD and modelling
My dad: "OK, I'm going to tell my friends that you're moving away to pursue modelling"

CrazyRedHead perhaps doesn't realize what postgraduate work in engineering is like. It certainly isn't about completing classes only, and research and completing a thesis is completely necessary to get an MSc/MASc or PhD in engineering. While it is more applied, it is still very rooted in theoretical science, and independent research is done in engineering postgraduate study. It isn't necessarily easier or more difficult than a science postgraduate degree.

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?