canteaus

Tsinghua University has superstar status in China. Moreover, the reptuation of prestigious Asian universities (i.e. Tokyo, Seoul National, Hong Kong University, National Univerisyt of Singapore...ect) are making leaps in international rankings. Plus, among Western schools, there is a high degree of respect for students who completed their degrees abroad because they recieved both an academic and cultural education in their relevant fields of study.

I would agree with you that your specific MA program at Toronto is more arts/humanities focused than social-sciencey (please excuse my made-up word) compared to London. However, if you're considering doing a phd. My advice is to stay in Toronto. Here's why: 1) In my personal opinion, Toronto's reputation looks better for phd applications. Most people know that Toronto is a huge research school that produces students who were either dominated by its rigourous and unforgiving grading or students who excelled through it. 2) since you're a domestic student, I would save your money and do a phd in the States or the UK (top 10 schools). If you're not seriously considering a phd. Both Toronto and London are fine schools, and its up to whatever you think will get you a job after graduation.

I think this is a great idea! However, this support group will only work if everyone is willing to not be "too-cool" during heavy assignment times. Those who are trying to remain calm might freak-out after seeing some peers who are already done their assignments...etc etc

Dalpher, my MA will be thesis-based. Also, I'm a native of Halifax....HI Surefire, WOW, you have provided so much relevant and useful information! Thank you!! You literally nailed every single major concern that I have about applying to phd programs early. Your concern about the LORs and sample writing is definitely a big issue...aghhhh The last thing I want to do is compromise my MA performance... that would really make my phd applications difficult. It's not like I'm some kind of a genius who can breeze through his MA... Since my MA is only a year (as opposed to the more traditional two-year MA programs), perhaps I can take advantage of the extra-year to gain experience and put together a bullet-proof phd application. Your advice about reflecting on my MA work after the fact is also very insightful... *sigh... I will have to think about this a bit longer. The only thing that's going for me in terms of applying directly to a phd is that schools like LSE and Oxford usually admit all phd admits into the MA program first, and then the phd program a year later...

If your going to bike in all-weather conditions, I highly recommend a SINGLE-SPEED bike They are super easy to clean + maintain! They are also much less prone to mechanical problems and weather-corrosion.

This fall, I'll start my master's program in history at a top-20 school. Even though I haven't even started graduate school, I'm already starting to thinking about my application to PHD programs. The problem is that my MA program is only one year, so if I want to go straight into a phd, I have to start my applications only four months into my master's program! This time, I want to get into a top-10 school (I'm thinking either Oxford or Berkeley..etc). What do I need to do to stay competitive? ...Is it important to have published something by the time you apply for a PHD? I haven't come close to publishing anything yet (and probably won't during my 1-year thesis-based master's program...) I also don't have much research experience (outside of undergrad). Am I rushing into a PHD? I'm only 22. I know a PHD is a BIG commitment but I'm pretty sure it's what I want to do.

Yeah, everyone's advice has been pretty sound so far. I wouldn't worry too much about it, it's not really a big deal. And besides, your supervisor would have felt obliged to email you about the "reply-all" email; it doesn't necessarily mean that he took it personally or anything like that. Cheers! Don't sweat it!

At this point, I think it will be fine for you to just call them. When you call, tell them you didn't recieve a reply to your email. Good luck! I hope you get in! I accepted a different collaborative master's program at UofT

thanks for all the great advice everyone! good to know that I'm not the only one in this boat

true...scary thought..

Last month, I was accepted into my dream grad program. I had two close professors who worked very closely with me on my application (writing letters, contacting the department..etc etc); they went above-and-beyond what professors are normally expected to do for their students and I am extremely grateful. However, now, I need more recommendation letters for scholarship/TA/grant/job applications! How am I supposed to ask my professors to write me a letter for EVERY application I apply for? I feel extremely bad. Also, I'm not even on campus anymore. So now, they have to TYPE, PRINT, SEAL, and MAIL the letters for me...sigh.. Is this the world of profession-academics that I am not yet familiar with? Any suggestions? Thanks

Thanks for all the great advice! Throughout my undergrad, I lived in both residence and a house with 5 housemates, so I am familiar with the pros and cons of both options. Here's the thing though, I am leaning more towards residence because my graduate program (MA) is only one-year. Is it worth moving into a house (desk, bed..etc) when I'm only going to be there or a year? Also, I am not from Toronto and I don't know anybody there, so residence might be a good opportunity for me to meet people. Lastly, if I were to live in a house, I would like my housemates to be fellow grad students, which makes the housemate hunt more difficult...

I'm currently reviewing my options for housing at the University of Toronto (downtown campus). I want to either live on campus (residence) or very, very close to campus. However, UofT being downtown, rent is very expensive and I think it might be worth it to just cough up the extra money for residence. I am currently considering Graduate House residence. Any past experiences/advice would be greatly appreciated!

I see! I'm currently on the wait list for EAS. Hopefully a spot opens up!

Thanks for the info! It says on the website that the MAPS program limits the number of students to 20, do you know if this is true? I heard that usually their program had less than 20 students

By MAPS do you mean Masters of Asia Pacific Studies? If so, which home department did you apply to?

So I found out today that I'm on the wait list for the only grad school that I applied to. I received a kind email from the graduate director stating that they think highly of my application. When I told one my mentor professors (at my current university) about being waitlisted she was shocked that I wasn't accepted. Do you guys think it is a good idea for me to send in a supplementary, "post-waitlist" recommendation letter from my prof? Thanks

I got waitlisted.... I don't know how to feel about this....

has anyone still not heard ANYTHING from UofT?

It's nice to know that I'm not alone here! I think we are nearing the final stretch though! Only one week left of March...

I only applied to one school. I applied in the middle of January and I'm supposed to hear "by the end of March" .... I've heard absolutely nothing from the school and this month has been emotionally exhausting.... On top of this, my last semester at school is incredibly stressful... Anyone else?

Well, I'm not too familiar with either the MGA or NPSIA programs. But I believe the enrollment number for the MGA program is pretty exclusive/limited, and for an IR program, I think a small program is very important. Also, if you are more of the "academic" type rather than "professional,"I think the Munk School is better for that. This are all very vague and generalized ideas, I don't actually know....

Congrats! Are you going to accept? I still haven't heard anything yet and it's getting a little frustrating...

I'm also waiting for the Munk School (Asia-Pacific MA), I called the program administrator for the MAPS program and she said I would "definitely hear back by the end of March"

A friend was just accepted to MPP @ UofT