laviola

Haha - comical. I was hoping some serious discussion was happening here...

Just a thought - but perhaps they accept 'older' students because they have some relavent experience and *dare I say* are likely more mature (read: unlikely to go on some crazy rant blaming their rejection on anything and everything besides the state/relavence/desirability of their own qualifications...).

You're right...if only they had met you in person. Sigh.

You will be fine.

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

I'm sorry you are so angry that you feel you need to blame everyone (older mature students, those from within the provincial region, Asians... just to restate the people you DID stereotype and subsequently blame in your previous post), but I'm even more sorry that you don't seem to understand why I had a problem with your obvious prejudice. I'm not going to engage with you further in this conversation (if it can even be called that). I'll just reiterate that you really need to take a look at your own shortcomings in this regard. Once your personal anger has cleared, perhaps you'll be in a better position to understand what I'm trying to tell you (none of which has anything to do with being naive, or uninformed about how admissions work, or anything else erroneous you chose to take from my post).

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 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 don't think I've ever responded to someone's post in the way that I'm about to, but I really can't stay quiet this time.

I'm truly sorry you've had some rejections, but your post reeks of stereotyping, and prejudice, and bitterness on so many levels. If you keep getting rejected, I'd suggest you take a look at the weaknesses of your own applications instead of looking to blame everyone and everything else around you.

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'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'm so sick of people who have an acceptance (to somewhere they want) talking about how nervous they are to hear from other schools, and how they're having such a hard time waiting, etc etc.

I'm just like, at least you're in. Put on your big boy pants and stop complaining.

I must admit, I've shared your sentiment a few times. This is my second season trying. A lot of my friends have moved ahead of me academically now, but I think I've gained a lot in taking the year off to work and gain as much experience as possible.

What I tell myself is to keep trying and persisting. There are a lot more people worse off than you than those who are moving ahead. No one likes to be rejected, but sometimes those rejections put things into perspective. The adcomms may not think you're right for their program just yet, but what have they based this decision on? Words on a piece of paper, and if you're lucky, an hour long interview. Getting into grad school does not guarantee anything these days, you'll still have to deal with life and employment at some point after, so try to look at things for the long term. Try to make good networks, volunteer and build the resume, so that you improve as a potential candidate and then apply again.

You're bound to get your big break, and if things don't work out just yet, they will as you keep at it, and you never know, some other opportunity might popup for the better..so keep your head up!

^ What's your first choice? I guess you'd be ok with Calgary? I'm from Ontario so I can't even imagine living in Saskatchewan. :|

^ What's your first choice? I guess you'd be ok with Calgary? I'm from Ontario so I can't even imagine living in Saskatchewan. :|

... so far... at 4:30 EST? ...

I nearly applied to McGill's poli sci program but decided against it. Did you apply to Ottawa U? I would think that would be people's first choice for poli sci in Canada, although Carleton has a really good program for that with better professors too.

Can you bottle poutine?

JElliott - what are the bigger named schools you speak of? U of T and where else?

Dammit not the kind of positive news I need ... for the record (in case my future fiance reads this) I am not a parsimonious man by nature it's just that the whole enterprise reeks of "oooo look at me!" I mean granted I look so good in a 3-piece suit, it should be criminalized, BUT I can do that whenever I feel like. Plus everyone says it's not a day about me and quite frankly that would be the worst thing imaginable: me all gussied up and some lady being the center of attention? What is this world coming to?



For the record future wife you are the most BEAUTIFUL person I know and I am grateful for everything you did/have done/are doing for me and you make me a better person