laviola

I've recently decided to shift my focus from international relations to an MPP/MPA program, as I believe the former is more practical and more grounded in learning the quantitative aspects of the field. I've heard it's a great degree, too. I applied for a few masters degrees last year and wasn't successful, but I was still in school and had no idea what to put in my applications essays etc, and wasn't very focused. This time, I think I have a better handle on things, but my GPA still worries me. Most of these programs require at least a B+ gpa, which is fine because my overall gpa for the 4 years IS a B+ (maybe even slightly higher) and my gpa for my specific major was an A- or A, but MPP programs look more at the overall GPA or last 2 years, which for me is probably a B+ or slightly below. Now, because I'm so close to/on the average gpa, I feel like I need something to make me stand out. I'm only 22 and just graduated, and I have a couple years of work experience for the government, but I get the feeling these schools usually hand out acceptance letters to people over 25. I don't want to wait 3 more years just to get a masters degree, I think that's really stupid. What are my chances of making it in? Should I shoot for certain schools? I'm Canadian and I'm open to studying abroad, but I really don't want to take the GRE/GMAT/extra tests the States make you take, especially as their schools are WAY too expensive for me anyway. Should I merely focus on writing a good personal statement and hope to get in somewhere? Are there any programs in Canada that require less than a B+? I appreciate any help. Edit: I should add - this is specifically asking if there are programs with lower requirements (here or abroad) or if a really great personal statement can make the difference, and if so, what are the ways of going about doing this.

Life will go on. I will just call them up and ask, but at this point there's only 1 program left I would want to go to. I have another option, but I've decided to forgo my previous major. All of this made me realize I didn't even really want it and that I think I was taking the easy way out by going for it. If I don't hear back or don't get in to the one I want, I'll just keep doing what I'm planning on doing. No big deal. Ask me that this time next year and my answer will be very different though.

Are any of those schools offering an abundance in financial aid? I would consider that, then the program - whichever suits you best in that order. I find it's not as important in this day and age to pursue the program first (I'm a cynic)! I hear York has a great program though, that's definitely a good list of choices you have. Wow, that early? I thought they weren't even handing out offers yet. That makes me a little nervous. :\

UCLA is one of the top ranked for some programs, but I'm not sure about its computer science program. You should apply to all 3 though especially if you're in that area. Just a note though: CalTech isn't just the best in the west coast.. it's the best in the world. In terms of funds, UCLA would be cheaper than USC (I don't honestly know how much CalTech tuition is, that'd be on their site), especially if you're a CAL resident by now. If you've been there at least a year before the start of your program, I think you'd qualify for in-state tuition? Someone can correct me if I'm wrong there, but I think that's the policy. Do you have preferences in terms of exact locations in LA or campuses? I've been to all 3, and I'm sure you've visited at least 1. CalTech is suburban and quite different from both UCLA and USC considering it's in Pasadena, probably making it the one with the least amount of surrounding distractions. UCLA is in a smaller more secluded college area, kind of a film area, and USC is right near downtown and the campus is much more urban.

I've been thinking about applying to some programs in Scotland and Spain, to name a few, and their application deadlines aren't actually for at least a couple of months, so I have a chance to think about it and decide if it's worth it. Has anyone here applied to schools there, and if so, do you think it's worth it for North American applicants? I know the tuition fees there are rather high for internationals, but are there generally good opportunities for NA applicants? I'm sure it's on a school-to-school basis, but I do know a lot of these schools are rather generous to certain countries and I'm not sure USA/Canada are included in that. If it helps - I'd be applying in international relations with a foreign language track included.

^ You think they sent out first rounds or you know for sure? I don't even know if they got my application. On their online login, it looks as if I hadn't applied, but I have a login? It's weird.

I've been there and it's definitely half and half. Are you a girl? I would recommend wearing something like non-black suit pants (to mix it up a little and not look so stern) and a black blazer. You could wear a white blouse underneath or something similar depending on the colouring. Wear nice accessories, don't go over the top, but definitely show some personality in it. I would also say wear comfortable-ish shoes. I can picture the outfit lol, I wish I could draw it for you or something. Definitely dress well but don't dress in all black.

I applied to the MA in political science.

I applied to both. Wait listed for Carleton just like you, and still waiting to hear back from Ryerson.

Has anyone heard from the University of Western so far? Anyone have any idea when they send their notices out? I know people that heard back really late, but I wonder if that was just because they were wait listed. Anyone know?

Indeed. I definitely did look into the programs quite a bit, and the reason why I wasn't interested in Concordia's was because it was so theoretical, and I would rather do a practical, internship-based, program if it was down to journalism. I have applied for a different program as well, though, and at this point I'm leaning towards it. I feel as though perhaps coming back and re-applying in 5-7 years might have me be more successful. It's interesting you say they value high GPAs, because so much of the class is just so much more experienced in the workforce, and I feel as though perhaps their GPA didn't even have much to do with it. I've heard that, often in journalism, work experience is valued more, but UBC does definitely have high GPA standards. And just to set the record straight - I wasn't even talking about Asians having it easier in general or that I blame "them". I'm half asian (with a completely Dutch name, I should add)... I have no idea how what I said was offensive? I know admin people at UCLA, they have said that when they look at international students, they indeed look for people/encourage admission for people from the Pacific region. I've been told similar things about the UBC, but who the hell really knows?

When did I ever say I blamed Asians? When was blame ever brought into this? I don't need you telling me what I think or don't think.

^ I agree, but at the same time, I understand how he/she feels.. I'm younger than the op, but when you're in your early/mid 20s, you think you're running out of time for everything, and that there's no way to do it all later. That, and I think some people would rather do school in succession and be finished with it earlier rather than later (parental, social, etc pressure). However, unfortunately, many grad schools are insistent on dismissing younger applicants as not worthy enough. To the op - I am so sorry, that is really difficult to deal with. I imagine you spent lots of mentally-excruciating time and energy on these applications. However, keep going at it. Never give up. Ask around and see if anyone you know has some sort of connection that could help you. Focus on fewer things too - pick the things you REALLY want and put all of your energy into that. Otherwise, you run risk of spreading yourself too thin.

I'm not blaming anyone, actually. I'm not even blaming the school. I'm not even really mad about it anymore. Everything happens for a reason, and I'm a firm believer of that. However, are you really going to tell me schools don't ever have that kind of criteria for admissions? Much of the classes they've admitted in the past were either much older, or from the area, or both. I've had professors tell me of this, but I've always been so optimistic about the process that I always assumed they were just being cautious. The school I went to undergrad does this by often prioritizing francophone students, and it's blatantly obvious to anyone who goes there, including francophone students. The truth is, I actually had a professor tell me he would supervise me if I stayed at Ottawa U, but I didn't want to do the program there so I didn't even apply... but I had favouritism there based on having been a francophone (he even stated that was a factor) and being from the city. What makes you think UBC doesn't do the same thing? That's seriously so fucking funny that you honestly think they don't take that into consideration. It really is naive to believe they assess everything on your application and merits. The application is actually rather meager, and isn't really enough to know your applicant - I would have been much more comfortable with an interview, especially for journalism of all things. A lot of it does come down to things you may find irrelevant or silly. I don't even mind anymore, honestly. I was more so disappointed with being rejected to a program, not even the school itself anymore, because it means I have to reassess my goals. It is probably a blessing in disguise too, considering I really second-guessed the school and program. If anything, I could be thanking them graciously in a couple of years for forcing me into a different (and probably the right) path. Graduate school is no joke, I'm reassessing everything because of this process. I wasn't referring to that program; I was referring to UBC journalism. I've looked into their previous classes; they were mostly older than I am, and much more experienced. The program seems very suited to people who already have 10 years of experience and are looking to learn more (probably because they're unemployed), as these programs often are (and for the record - even their program descriptions state that). There is a provincial bias the same way as there are state biases in the USA. California State universities are often much more Californian-biased, you really think Canada's that much of a rainbows-and-sunshine country that it doesn't do the same thing? Ontario universities often have lower rates for OOP for those reasons.

I'm waiting on Western too.. same with Ryerson. Anyone know when those two schools will send stuff out? Any info on their stats?

When does UWO normally send out info? My sister got her acceptance there for med so late, so I'm not sure when.

I've heard that they mostly cater to regional students (people from BC). They do offer some to OOP students, but from what I've heard, it's a lot harder to get in if you're not from there or a UBC undergrad student. I didn't believe it before but everyone I know that applied there has been rejected, whereas far less qualified candidates from the area got in instead. I think I read something on their site that suggested that they do look into BC students first too, but I dismissed it. The program I applied for is a lot of... older students, I've come to notice; seems they aren't as invested in youth for masters. HOWEVER, I see you're from Singapore. If UBC is anything like UCLA, you're probably okay.. and I think it is.

I received 2 rejections, one being my top school. When I read the 1st one (not my top school), I was upset, but I held it together. The second one made me lose it though... I started to cry, it was kind of embarrassing, but it was like my dream being crushed. I didn't even think it was THAT difficult to get into either, but apparently the class is tiny. I still got upset though, really angry and everything. Now I'm worried I'll get rejected to my remaining 3.. I assume I got rejected to 1... so I don't know what to do now.

I just got rejected by UBC and Carleton... the first responses I hear back and they're BOTH rejections. I'm heartbroken. UBC is the one I thought I would go to. I have UWO (2 programs, but 1 starts in May...) and Ryerson to hear back from. I'm really worried and I honestly don't think I'll get in anywhere now. I'm starting to second guess my choice of majors, and I have to start thinking of a back up plan. This really really sucks. I was sad, then mad, sad again.. and now I'm starting to process it all. Anyone know what the rate of getting in to those 2 schools are or if there are stats per program? I have to say, I heard bad things about the way UBC is run and who they admit...

UBC are sending responses out next week and the week after I think! That's what I was told anyway. Still waiting on hearing back from all my schools.. getting anxious about Western since people are getting responses. I guess it depends on the program too.

Well, I don't... so that's why I was wondering. I didn't even apply to my undergrad school for grad school, so I wouldn't really know where to go or who to ask. Thanks for the tip Andsowego! Haha I got a couple of those from Carleton.

Where did you hear that? I always wonder how people find that info out. That's good news though, I do know their decisions go out starting in about a week for a couple weeks after that, so there's time.

^ I have that thought sometimes too!

Western are driving me crazy, I'd like to know if they accepted or declined! Haha. To be honest I'm not sure I'll go with poli sci anymore but I'd like to be able to have that choice. Did anyone else apply there? Toronto's cool but I'm not sure I'd wanna live there full time (although.. it's definitely better than Ottawa just for the fact that there's more to do). Never been to Vancouver yet but it's got a West coast feel and I prefer that to east coast. Montreal is amazing though. Ottawa is more conservative too. There are a lot of hipsters or lefties on campus, but a lot of students are more conservative than at other schools, and the people that work in Ottawa are quite conservative (although being someone from Ottawa, I don't think people from the suburbs are necessarily like that).

I caved today and contacted 2 of my schools about admissions. UBC said they'd let me know within the next 2 weeks, Carleton hasn't responded yet. Ryerson should let me know within the next 3 weeks, and I'm not sure about Western.. I checked the online thing and they don't have any decision on there. :\