jferreir

When it comes to philosophy, I think your application is (roughly) prioritized as follows: 1) Writing Sample/LORs 2) Research Fit/SOP 3) Publications/Conferences (quality over quantity) 4) Grades/GRE 5) Extracurricular At this level, I think grades are largely superfluous. That is, if you're applying in accordance with the Gourmet Report, you should simply assume that most applicants will have a 4.0 GPA. Keep in mind that this year was especially difficult given the increase in applications and the decrease in available funding. While almost everyone has a mixed opinion about the MA route, it really is a personal choice. In my view, the MA route provides an excellent opportunity to deepen your understanding in the history of philosophy, while also allowing you to secure a few publications. Additionally, it gives you some time to mature as an individual (both intellectually and personally). Finally, it should be noted that the top MA programs in philosophy do not necessarily coincide with the Gourmet Report. Depending on your interests, you'll probably have to do some individual research and contact potential supervisors (should you do the MA by thesis). Other than that, keep your head up. With so many qualified applicants out there, some decisions just seem arbitrary (even to those who gain admittance). Best of luck!

I'm on a ranked waiting list at UofT, but I never received a formal letter (just an email from the DGS). I wouldn't expect your SGS status to change while you're on the waiting list; the only other status update will be "Decision Made", followed by a formal admissions letter. Also, I remember seeing a few political science posts in the "Results Search" section of this website, so you might want to give that a try. As for envelop size, one of my acceptances came in a deceptively small envelop. That said, I'm sure it varies by school. Best of luck!

Wow, thanks for the confidence boost! I know my intentions are good, so I really hope everything else falls into place. Excellent point. Not to worry, I can assure you that I will never act like a conceited ass with an undeserved sense of entitlement. I know what it means to work for something and I would never waste an opportunity like this! In one sense, being accepted is a really humbling process; I didn't expect to make it past high school. It's times like these I'm grateful for that one teacher who never gave up on me.

Well, so much for anonymity... I posted the schools in my sig. Anyway, to answer your question, yes, I am Canadian. I was also fortunate enough to be nominated for a SSHRC scholarship, but I'm still waiting on the official decision. I was accepted to UBC this morning (from the waiting list), but the funding situation is still uncertain (renewable TAship with no further info). Right now, I'm just grateful that I have a somewhat viable option. Hopefully I can secure some on-campus work and bursaries to cover the difference, but I think I'll be limited to a 1 year program (which kind of blows). Given my finances (or lack thereof), I'm really holding out for Toronto. Let's hope things work out. So, not everything ended poorly, but I'm still upset about this whole application process. Everything just feels so... arbitrary. I'm excited and happy, but I don't know if I should feel proud. I can't help but think about all those deserving yet unfortunate applicants...

Totally envious... I'm waiting on UofT which probably won't get back to me until April 15th (which, of course, is the same day that I have to respond to my other offers). Joy!

Great news! I was notified in mid-March that I was placed on the waiting list for my second choice school. I just received an email this morning stating that I've been accepted with funding! Now, I just have to wait and see if my first choice school is willing to do the same... Summary: It ain't over until the fat lady sings!

Thanks for the input. Now, just to clarify a few things... While I understand that I could potentially be "over specialized", one of these schools only offers the MA by coursework. For this specific school, my intention was to enroll in a guided research project with one of the professors (he already agreed). Given that the nature of the degree is to improve the depth/breadth of knowledge in the discipline more generally, I still question the "over-specialization" explanation (although it could be true). Concerning qualifications, I do not have any publications under my belt, but I really don't think that's a concern for the MA degree. In fact, out of everyone I know that has gained admittance into the two schools in question, none of them had any publications/conferences on their application. With respect to grades, we use a different grading system up north: 80%-84% = A- 85%-89% = A 90%-100% = A+ Although I don't deny that grade inflation exists, I think it's less of a problem over here. Additionally, attaining grades over 90% is not just difficult, it's exceptional. One faculty member in my department confessed that in her 17 years of teaching, she has only awarded one grade over 90%. Most schools stipulate that you need at least a 75% cumulative average, but the actual requirement is about 80% for most respectable schools. So, if I have grades near 90%, that should give you some indication of where I stand relative to the minimum admission requirements. I never thought my grades were spectacular, but I did outperform most students in actual graduate courses - I was hoping that would count for something. :| Any other thoughts?

I'm almost certain that's not the case. My research interests are very focused and somewhat specialized. At each university, there is at least one faculty member that is a defining figure in those sub-disciplines. At the risk of sounding conceited, I really can't imagine any other applicant with a greater research "fit". Concerning the department/programme as a whole, I still think it's an excellent fit. In fact, I've already been in contact with some of the professors while I was working as a research assistant in my department. The plot thickens...

Well, I'm a little apprehensive about sharing this sort of stuff, so here is some generic info: Discipline: Humanities Degree: Terminal MA GRE: Not Applicable Schools: Non-US, but top-tier (and very realistic, according to profs) I know someone from my UG who gained admittance into one of the schools, and we have a similar academic background (albeit with different research interests). Is that enough?

Long story short, I've been admitted to my UG school with minimal funding and a questionable "fit". Truthfully, it feels like their offer of admission was out of obligation (which perhaps explains the lack of funding). Either way, while I'm grateful for the acceptance, I simply can't afford to attend. I was really excited about my other two applications, but I've been placed on the waiting list for both, and I'm growing more pessimistic by the day (for good reason). I just don't understand what I'm doing wrong. I have reasonably high grades (close to 90%), I have already completed a few graduate courses (again, close to 90%), I have glowing LOR's, a solid SOP and writing sample, various awards, and a wealth of extracurricular activity that is directly relevant to the discipline. The two schools I applied to were not "reach" schools and both were an excellent fit. I have no problem with being placed on the waiting list, but I want to know what qualities (or lack thereof) are preventing me from making the first round of offers (i.e. being one of those "desirable students"). And let's face it, those on the waiting list are less desirable than those who have gained admittance. To be perfectly honest, I feel like I put my best foot forward... I guess it just wasn't good enough (and not knowing why is the most frustrating part). I know someone is bound to say "don't take it personally; application numbers are up while spots are down." But seriously, how can I not take it personally? I'm so embittered by this whole process and I really don't know where to go from here. I don't know if I'll have the courage to apply again next year, not knowing what I can improve upon.

I believe the April 15th deadline is firm. I actually received two responses from the DGS - the first was a response to my inquiry, the second was a formal waiting list notification. Concerning the first response, I was given my rank on the waiting list (#1) and told that a decision was likely to be made before my other response deadline (April 13th). In the second email, the generic message stated that successful applicants were required to respond by April 15th, but that they sometimes respond sooner. Of course, the generic message also indicated that my probability of acceptance was directly dependent on the decisions of other applicants. At this stage, though, I really can't imagine anyone rejecting their offer. It seems that most decisions have already been made, so if a successful applicant was going to pursue graduate studies elsewhere, then they would have probably rejected their offer by now (why wouldn't they?). To my knowledge, successful applicants were notified 1 or 2 weeks ago... I wish I had a contingency plan. :cry:

When I spoke to the graduate coordinator last, I told him that I needed a decision by April 13th (extended response deadline for my only acceptance). He said that successful applicants are required to respond by April 15th, but he "expects" that I should receive a response by April 13th. Well, today is April 6th and I still haven't heard anything. Should I send him one last email with the following questions? - How many applicants have yet to respond? - Historically, how many applicants from the waiting list are granted admission? - Can you please email me ASAP if every applicant has accepted their offer? On top of the other response deadline, I've been offered a 1 year contractual job that also depends on this decision. If I don't receive an answer soon, I can kiss that potential job goodbye. Someone please put me out of my misery!

Is anyone still waiting on U of T? I'm currently on the waiting list, but with a response deadline of April 15th for successful applicants, my chances of acceptance are dwindling by the day. When is it appropriate to give up all hope? I just can't imagine anyone turning down their fully-funded offer on April 14th... This is so goddamn stressful!

I heard the same, which is why I was taken by surprise when people started posting their results. If I remember correctly, the results from last year were released around late April. I can't imagine application numbers declining since then... Christ, I'm just so tired of waiting. I'm on the waiting list for my two top choices, I'm waiting on SSHRC results, and until I hear back on both of those fronts, I can't take a contractual job that was just offered to me. My future literally depends on the 3/4 answers that I'm due to receive this coming week. WTF! I hate this process - I hate not being in control!

Have the SSHRC Masters results actually been released? Someone posted that they received official notification last Thursday (not yesterday), but I'm still in the dark. I've checked the mailbox compulsively since last Friday and all I have to show for my efforts are a few pizza pizza coupons. What gives?

Congrats! Were you on a waiting list, or was this a direct acceptance?

Don't worry, you're not alone. With each passing day, my hope slowly deteriorates...

I'm presently on a ranked waiting list, so I doubt the outcome of external funding will have any impact on my chances of acceptance. On that note, I'm growing more pessimistic with each passing day. Do successful applicants usually wait until the late minute to reject an offer? Especially one from a top ranked program with unmatched funding? :cry:

Concerning the MA at "brand-name" universities, you both have valid points. Your best bet is to contact current students and ask what their experience has been. I would suggest contacting both the MA students and the Ph.D. students. In my experience, MA students may not necessary know that they're being undervalued/overlooked... and many times, they're reluctant to accept it. Concerning the original question, I'm very close to giving up on graduate school altogether. So far, I've been accepted to one school with minimal funding. After crunching some numbers, I just don't think I can afford to accept the offer (even with external funding). I've been placed on the waiting list for two schools, only one of which guarantees full funding (the other is notoriously cheap). Essentially, my future as a graduate student depends on whether I gain acceptance to that one school. Right now, I'm at the top of the waiting list, but it's a very prestigious program, so my odds of acceptance are anyone's guess. I really wish funding wasn't an issue :cry:

Dear University X, Final decisions have been made concerning the MA programme in philosophy. Sadly, I am not able to accept your offer of admission at this time. However, I would like to place you on a (very short) waiting list. Of course, I understand that this is not a firm response to your offer, and I understand that other applicants may be waiting in turn. I will let you know as soon as possible whether I am able to accept your offer -- which, of course, depends on the undisclosed conditions of my competing offers. Decisions are due by April 15, but I'll probably take longer to respond. Good luck, J.P.F.

Ahh, that frightens me... I also thought that April 15th was the latest we would receive a response - not the earliest! Unfortunately, the one school I've been accepted to offered minimal funding, so I'm 110% sure I can't afford it. I'm still struggling to pay my gov't loan, my bank loan, and my line of credit. At this point, all I see is red :cry: Can anyone confirm this April 15th nonsense?

First, I'm sorry to hear about Program X. It's never a good feeling when someone craps on your heart (Super Troopers, anyone?). Now, down to business... Pursuing a graduate degree at a different school is not tantamount to betrayal. In fact, I've heard many professors actually recommend it (networking, research diversity, etc.). That said, I think you're getting ahead of yourself... I know you had your heart set on Program X, but you have to be motivated/excited about Program Z. That is, you need to focus on the present task; concentrate on working hard toward your MA and worry about pursuing your Ph.D. when the time comes. If you're not excited about Program Z, you probably won't work to your full potential (and you'll be miserable to boot). Besides, you never know, after completing Program Z your interests/goals may change... I've seen weirder things happen! If you really can't get excited about Program Z, then perhaps you should re-evaluate and determine a different course of action. In my view, it just seems silly to invest so much time/effort/money into something you're not committed to. Above all, learning should be fun (what's the point otherwise?). Take a deep breath and reassure yourself that life goes on and you will too. I know it's not an easy pill to swallow, but alas, we all get shit on from time to time! :wink:

The above is a quick recap of what's going on. Essentially, I'm deathly afraid of being rejected... primarily because I can't afford to attend the other schools I applied to (wishful thinking + a poor economy). To my knowledge, all successful applicants were notified last week and are required to respond by April 15th. Generally speaking, do most applicants wait until the last minute to reject an offer? I would think that most applicants would have a clear idea of where they're going by now... My anxiety is heightened because: - There were over 300 applications - It guarantees an unmatched funding package (in a tough economy...) - A current student is unaware of anyone that was accepted from the waiting list in the past 2 years - The graduate coordinator has been kind, but extremely vague So, if you were in my position, would you feel confident? What would you do to help yourself sleep at night?

Hmm, that's interesting. I also heard (anecdotally) that the success rate is about 50% once you're forwarded to the national competition. However, many people on this forum seem to believe that the success rate is almost 100% in the Masters stream. While I'm not an expert on the matter, I do know that SSHRC instructs each school to nominate X amount of applicants, and Y amount of alternates for the national competition. Now, if the success rate after the nomination is about 50%, then that would suggest that SSHRC's "quota" is disproportionate to the number of available scholarships. Perhaps there are two explanations for this: (1) SSHRC is not confident in the evaluation process of most universities, and thus provides overestimates for their own evaluative process. I find this highly questionable. (2) Someone is mistakenly calculating the 50% success rate by looking at all applications received by SSHRC (not simply those forwarded by the universities). Last year, SSHRC received 2,686 applications for 1,300 scholarships (Masters). If you calculate the success rate based solely on those numbers - irrespective of which applicants were nominated by universities - then the success rate is about 48%. Naturally, since "independent applicants" are not subject to evaluation prior to SSHRC's internal review, it's reasonable to assume that their success rate is considerably lower than those applicants who were nominated by universities. That being said, I *think* SSHRC has an internal allotment for "independent students", so for a university-nominated 100% success rate, SSHRC would need a considerable amount of unsuccessful independent applications (based on last years numbers). So, while I'm completely unaware of how this process actually works, I have psychologically settled on a success rate of between 80% - 90% for university nominated applicants. Does this make sense? Someone please correct me if I'm wrong; I'm completely baffled by this process!

Generally speaking, you want to email the graduate coordinator of your program. Depending on what information you requested in the email, the graduate coordinator may not feel that a response is necessary. For instance, if the waiting list is ranked, then expressing your interest in the program won't affect your present status. Generally speaking, I think most departments will respond to a short and polite email. That said, they're probably in crunch-time so I wouldn't expect a response within the hour. In my case, one department responded while the other did not. In the end, all we can do is wait (unfortunately). Good luck!