jeenyus

Diakonos, would you be willing to share your score last year? I scored poorly this round and was wondering if you could tell us what you did in the meantime that might have improved your score (such as publications, conferences..etc). Thanks. Please feel free to PM me. Gutted today, but hearing from some of you that it might take a couple more rounds is comforting. Thanks for the encouraging words.

Just opened my letter here in Toronto. Unsuccessful my score 10/20 -- whatever that means. Good luck to everyone else!

Ditto. Good luck everyone! I hope you're successful crimsoc!

I know, right? So confused about when letters are being sent out. So who wants to contact their dept admin?

I hope you both are right and they're sent out this Friday. I was neurotic and checked threads from previous years. Looks like SSHRC mails out letters the second last week of April, and people started to report their letters around the 28-29-30 of April-ish. Yeah, total desperate speculation -- I know

We should start a pool. Who thinks we're getting letters this week (those of us living in Canada)? Because I'm a bit of a pessimist, I think they're coming week of the 27th. Oh, and I'm in Toronto.

I'm so anxious. Strangely enough, I kind of don't want to know. At least if we stay in limbo forever, I can't be extremely disappointed if I am rejected. It's such a crapshoot though, so I won't beat myself up if I don't receive it. But a rejection will sting nonetheless.

Yes I think I know of one woman. I put "think" because I've never confirmed this with her. While I was an MA student, she entered the doctoral program straight from undergrad with a SSHRC. She took MA classes for one year but she was technically a doctoral student. I wasn't clear about the logistics of this: I thought she was an MA student the entire time I was there, but she only took one year to complete her MA and started her PhD the following year and had a doctoral SSHRC that she listed on her CV (it began the year she started taking MA courses with us). I don't think she applied for the PhD program either, she was simply bridged into it. So from my understanding, she came straight from undergrad into the doctoral program but had to complete an MA the first year as a requirement. I can't be sure of any of this and it is based on my observations and some assumptions. It probably happens though within particular disciplines. I was in the Humanities at a Canadian University, which also made this very strange. I could see this being more probable in the sciences.

April is upon us. Last month of waiting everyone! *crosses fingers*

Yes that is ideal. This is what I have heard: the reason why it's hard to get off the waitlist is because they supposedly make more offer of awards than they can actually give out, knowing that not everyone will accept (for various reasons like getting a SSHRC or going out of province for grad school). To get off the waitlist would mean that they didn't make their quota for a year. So yes I think a few people get off the waitlist but not many. Again this is all hearsay. Who knows!

Oh and by "drink" I just had a coffee!

Hey guys(gals) I've been absent for awhile but wanted to say thanks for all your helpful responses. SeriousSillyPutty, your post is amazing. I realize that not everyone is an expert at small talk and new social situations and that it can be fun once you get used to it. Update: met with the supervisor and it was totally fine. I showed up early, had a drink and thought of questions I could ask beforehand if things got quiet (like some of you suggested), and asked them when the conversation died down. It was great and totally not awkward. Honestly, this was the first time I was really chill during a situation like this. I think preparing beforehand and just giving in that I was going to be nervous anyway made a big difference. I can't believe I'm saying this but I think next time it won't even be a big deal. Thanks again and hopefully this thread will find its way to other people with social phobias.

Kind of: when your professors fill out the ref. form, they indicate where you stand for various categories compared to your cohort. You are ranked by "background preparation, originality, ability at research, research potential, industriousness, judgement, oral and written skills, and overall ability within the top 2%, 5%, 10%, 20%, 50% or bottom 50% of students at a similar stage previously evaluated by that professor." So in a way, you are competing against them. Also, your department ranks you before the applications leave the school. If you have a crazy cohort then I think this could hurt your chances if you consider these two factors. Also for people asking about the wait-list - it's very rare to come off it. I was on it two years ago and never received it. I know of several people in my program who were on the wait-list and were unsuccessful. That doesn't mean it's impossible but I would caution people not to get their hopes up.

Hi everyone, Does anyone else have social anxiety? How do you deal with it? After recently accepting an offer of admission, I'm meeting my supersivor for the first time ever next week during a visit and I'm so nervous about this that I can't even sleep. We are meeting for coffee. My fear is that I will be on the spot, socially awkward and unable to come up with interesting things to say. I feel like the pressure will be on me to keep the conversation going. I am not very good with making small talk with strangers. We've talked on the phone and from what I can tell this person is a very nice and approachable. Basically I get so nervous that I begin to sweat profusely - to the point where I'm dripping, my hair is wet, and I get giant pit stains. So embarrassing! I have a prescription for a benzo but I would prefer not to use it, especially if my supervisor decides to order a glass of wine (I would be expected to drink as well). Anyone else out there? Any tips? I've tried breathing exercises and they do work at calming me down, but they don't stop the sweat flood from coming.

Got my letter today: direct applicant and rejected Group B.

Nothing in the mail today. *sigh* I too have a few offers but I would love to know if I have a SSHRC or not - it would help me make a decision about which program to choose. One of the programs is in a much more expensive city.

I'm really sorry to hear about your dad. Remember you have options. I know you said your family is urging you to still attend but first I wanted to ask if this is this your first choice school? You mentioned "one of my interviews" so I'm assuming you have other options. If this is a school you are not strongly considering, why not spend this time with your dad? If it is your dream program you could always reschedule or ask to have it via Skype, no? Either way I don't see anything wrong with telling the grad secretary or the graduate chair what happened. Life happens to all of us at one point or another, and this is a sad and unexpected event you have no control over. They will understand this. It doesn't make you look like you're looking for sympathy but rather can shed some light on you as a person and candidate. If you decide to attend it will show how committed you are to pursuing your academic goals despite huge personal struggles. If you do not go they will understand and will probably try to accommodate your situation. Hope your dad recovers and that you find some peace during this difficult time.

I wouldn't worry too much about your application. One of the programs I applied to extended their deadline due to a glitch in the electronic application system. Sometimes there are administrative errors they need to sort out as well.

For anyone who might be wondering, UBC History will have decisions by next week.

Obviously because you would at least be a 'useful' Dr.

Oh and I forgot: "Can you tell me the history of [insert well-known event, war, or person]."

them: "what can you do with a PhD in History?" me: "research, publishing, teaching. I will be a historian and professor of history." them: "so you're going to be a history teacher? Why don't you just teach high school?" me: *facepalm* AND THIS: them: "why didn't you just go to law school."

I don't mean this in a rude or disrespectful way, but how can you possibly assume what your colleagues are thinking? To you, their so called "crappy decisions and interpersonal approaches" might seem unfortunate, but that isn't really any of your business, is it? How do you know what's going on inside their heads? Do they openly "resent" you for your personal life? I'm just trying to convey a different perspective and in no means am trying to insult you. Also, the judging seems to be going both ways - you are technically judging them for their decisions as well by calling them "crappy" and "unfortunate." It just seems really self-centered. These are your perspectives, but their experiences might be different. Why focus on this anyways? You seem to be happy with your decision to place more importance on your personal life so why not just be happy and leave it at that? Either way this seems like a really toxic cohort where everything is polarized into "academic path" and "non-academic path" where both sides are judging each other. edit for grammar

When I applied for my MA I was wait-listed at my top choice. I was told I was the 1st on the wait list which really made me feel better because I knew the odds where that someone would turn a spot down. But still I was a nervous wreck for about two months. I found out in May I was offered a spot after refreshing my e-mail constantly for days. It just appeared in my inbox and I nearly had a heart attack of joy. I had a meeting shortly after and could barely contain my excitement. My two cents: Something that would help would be finding out where you stand on the wait-list so you can get a realistic expectation of your chances. Also, I know it depends on the programs because some spots are usually not given up. But these are things you can ask the graduate director. *sending you positive vibes*

Anybody who applied directly to SSHRC get any news about their status in the mail? (A or B list)? Nothing for me so far...