(Canada 2021) MPP/MPA Applications

[BTF]

Hey guys,

I'm a current Carleton MPPA student and am happy to answer as many questions as you have about the application process, funding, co-ops, research, etc. 

Best of luck,

BTF 

 

[Rubies]

Thank you for your initiative !

I will apply to the program this year. It seems like the best option to me, since I could do both a coop and a thesis.

To start with, I would be curious to know what your thoughts are about the economics courses ? From what I can see, most Canadians programs do not have any pre-requirement, but Carleton does. It seems like a plus for me, but it might be an illusion as well. Do you feel like the curriculum is truly more advanced there ?

Also, regarding the coops, I know Carelton is famous for its internships with the Federal government. Have you seen many job postings in other institutions ? (As an international student, I wouldn't have access to the federal or provincial governments).

Finally, as I said I'm interested in the research track. I'm curious to know if the A- requirement is very challenging to meet (I have a somewhat competitive gpa as an undergrad, but for some reasons I am worried the gap could be wide between my program and grad school, especially without a quantitative background). Do you have to take the 10 courses before enrolling in the thesis, or can you do a few of them during the second year, while redacting ?

Again, thank you so much for taking this time to help

Edited September 6, 2020 by Rubies

[BTF]

On 9/5/2020 at 9:47 PM, Rubies said:

Thank you for your initiative !

I will apply to the program this year. It seems like the best option to me, since I could do both a coop and a thesis.

To start with, I would be curious to know what your thoughts are about the economics courses ? From what I can see, most Canadians programs do not have any pre-requirement, but Carleton does. It seems like a plus for me, but it might be an illusion as well. Do you feel like the curriculum is truly more advanced there ?

Also, regarding the coops, I know Carelton is famous for its internships with the Federal government. Have you seen many job postings in other institutions ? (As an international student, I wouldn't have access to the federal or provincial governments).

Finally, as I said I'm interested in the research track. I'm curious to know if the A- requirement is very challenging to meet (I have a somewhat competitive gpa as an undergrad, but for some reasons I am worried the gap could be wide between my program and grad school, especially without a quantitative background). Do you have to take the 10 courses before enrolling in the thesis, or can you do a few of them during the second year, while redacting ?

Again, thank you so much for taking this time to help

 

Answers to your questions:

1. I would be curious to know what your thoughts are about the economics courses?

They are just economics courses. Nothing special or underwhelming, they focus more on the theory and less on the math. The MPPA program is designed to bring people from various disciplines together, this means they cannot provided in-depth courses on any particular subject, especially economics. I did my undergrad in Criminology, my experience with economics is slim.

2. Do you feel like the curriculum is truly more advanced there?

No curriculum at any school is "advanced", some schools just place emphasis on other areas, you can typically break theses areas into three broad categories; stats/economics, management, and policy analysis. Carleton would be more an economics and management focused school. Given we have two courses on both management and economics with only one course on policy analysis.

3.  Have you seen many job postings in other institutions ? (As an international student, I wouldn't have access to the federal or provincial governments).

Co-op jobs are posted for each sector: private, non-profit, and federal and provincial government. As a non-canadian citizen/resident you will have a near impossible time getting into the government without getting bridged in through a co-op.

4. I'm curious to know if the A- requirement is very challenging to meet?

Depends how hard you work. Many are just there for the co-op and don't much care for doing well. I don't blame them, the government does not care what your grades are, well, generally. Some professors grade much harsher than others. There are at least three I've had that said they do not give A+'s or have given less than 10 in their career. Seemed odd but that's life I guess.

5. Do you have to take the 10 courses before enrolling in the thesis?

Read the MPPA Thesis Form. You need to finish all the pre-reqs and first year courses prior to thesis registration. This means you'll likely have 8/10 courses completed. Assuming you take 4 in the fall and 4 in the winter. 

https://carleton.ca/sppa/academics/documents-and-forms/

 

[RSH9]

I was just wondering if other people feel that admissions may be a lot more competitive this cycle due to more than average deferrals from this past cycle given all of the uncertainty around how school is going to work this year?

[Rubies]

On 9/7/2020 at 1:25 PM, BTF said:

 

Answers to your questions:

1. I would be curious to know what your thoughts are about the economics courses?

They are just economics courses. Nothing special or underwhelming, they focus more on the theory and less on the math. The MPPA program is designed to bring people from various disciplines together, this means they cannot provided in-depth courses on any particular subject, especially economics. I did my undergrad in Criminology, my experience with economics is slim.

2. Do you feel like the curriculum is truly more advanced there?

No curriculum at any school is "advanced", some schools just place emphasis on other areas, you can typically break theses areas into three broad categories; stats/economics, management, and policy analysis. Carleton would be more an economics and management focused school. Given we have two courses on both management and economics with only one course on policy analysis.

3.  Have you seen many job postings in other institutions ? (As an international student, I wouldn't have access to the federal or provincial governments).

Co-op jobs are posted for each sector: private, non-profit, and federal and provincial government. As a non-canadian citizen/resident you will have a near impossible time getting into the government without getting bridged in through a co-op.

4. I'm curious to know if the A- requirement is very challenging to meet?

Depends how hard you work. Many are just there for the co-op and don't much care for doing well. I don't blame them, the government does not care what your grades are, well, generally. Some professors grade much harsher than others. There are at least three I've had that said they do not give A+'s or have given less than 10 in their career. Seemed odd but that's life I guess.

5. Do you have to take the 10 courses before enrolling in the thesis?

Read the MPPA Thesis Form. You need to finish all the pre-reqs and first year courses prior to thesis registration. This means you'll likely have 8/10 courses completed. Assuming you take 4 in the fall and 4 in the winter. 

https://carleton.ca/sppa/academics/documents-and-forms/

 

Thank you very much for all the infos ! I had read the documents available, but you've made it more clear to me now

[acetone26]

Hi, 

I know as for many Canadian MPA/MPP programs the GRE is not required, but considering how competitive 2021 fall admissions might be do you think submitting GRE scores will be an asset? Did you have peers in your graduating class who did the GRE? 

[BTF]

29 minutes ago, acetone26 said:

Hi, 

I know as for many Canadian MPA/MPP programs the GRE is not required, but considering how competitive 2021 fall admissions might be do you think submitting GRE scores will be an asset? Did you have peers in your graduating class who did the GRE? 

No. Improving your GPA is a much better use of your time. I dont know anyone in my cohort who did the GRE. It isn't required for a reason.

[aj23]

On 9/2/2020 at 3:14 PM, BTF said:

Hey guys,

I'm a current Carleton MPPA student and am happy to answer as many questions as you have about the application process, funding, co-ops, research, etc. 

Best of luck,

BTF 

 

What were your stats if you don’t mind? What was the application like? When did you get accepted? Last, were there any other schools you applied to?

Thanks for doing this btw!

[BTF]

Last two years GPA: 91.04%

Overall GPA: 84.34%

HBASc in Criminology, BA in Psychology, Certificate in Global Entrepreneurship.

Accepted sometime in February-March.

Applied to UofT, Queens, and Carleton

Edited September 22, 2020 by BTF

[PT7]

Thanks for your initiative BTF!

How would you compare Carleton, UoT and uOttawa from the perspective of an international student? I feel like the co-op element would be a very important consideration here given that it would be one of the main entry points into the market. Also in terms of courses, which university would be better suited for a more finance-management-development-policy with a greater focus on preparing one with skills to enter the workforce than research and academia? (this is also given my apprehension of the federal government not being as receptive to non-citizens) Which side does Carleton tip towards? 

Once again, thanks so much for your help  

[BTF]

On 10/5/2020 at 1:56 AM, PT7 said:

Thanks for your initiative BTF!

How would you compare Carleton, UoT and uOttawa from the perspective of an international student? I feel like the co-op element would be a very important consideration here given that it would be one of the main entry points into the market. Also in terms of courses, which university would be better suited for a more finance-management-development-policy with a greater focus on preparing one with skills to enter the workforce than research and academia? (this is also given my apprehension of the federal government not being as receptive to non-citizens) Which side does Carleton tip towards? 

Once again, thanks so much for your help  

1. How would you compare Carleton, UofT and uOttawa from the perspective of an international student?

I am not an international student, I do not know. Paying high tuition with little chance at a government job seems like a gamble.

2. Which university would be better suited for a more finance-management-development-policy with a greater focus on preparing one with skills to enter the workforce than research and academia?

I don't know, read the program websites and their offered courses.

3. Which side does Carleton tip towards? 

I don't know, Carleton has several programs. Which program are you talking about?

[lattesandlearning]

On 9/22/2020 at 10:50 AM, BTF said:

Last two years GPA: 91.04%

Overall GPA: 84.34%

HBASc in Criminology, BA in Psychology, Certificate in Global Entrepreneurship.

Accepted sometime in February-March.

Applied to UofT, Queens, and Carleton

Are the last two years more important than your overall GPA? What else would you say made your application stand out? 

[BTF]

2 hours ago, lattesandlearning said:

Are the last two years more important than your overall GPA? What else would you say made your application stand out? 

Are the last two years more important than your overall GPA?

Read the program websites. This is covered in the admission criteria sections for all programs.

What else would you say made your application stand out? 

Personal statement, references, writing sample, and CV. The idea is to have a well rounded application.

[UrbanMatrimonist]

On 9/3/2020 at 3:14 AM, BTF said:

Hey guys,

I'm a current Carleton MPPA student and am happy to answer as many questions as you have about the application process, funding, co-ops, research, etc. 

Best of luck,

BTF 

 

Hi! I'm an international student considering Carleton's MPPA as one of the programs I'm applying in the foreseeable future.

I'd like to ask the following:

1. Are there other co-ops that Carleton provides aside from the federal and provincial governments such as those in the private sector, i.e. consulting?
2. How likely are you get funding such as RAships, TAships, entrance awards, whether international or domestic student? Is it oriented with the student being a good fit with respect to the program's areas of research?
3. How would you assess the Carleton's program and your future prospects so far, despite the pandemic?

I would like to hear your insights on this. Thanks!

Edited October 18, 2020 by UrbanMatrimonist

[BTF]

47 minutes ago, UrbanMatrimonist said:

Hi! I'm an international student considering Carleton's MPPA as one of the programs I'm applying in the foreseeable future.

I'd like to ask the following:

1. Are there other co-ops that Carleton provides aside from the federal and provincial governments such as those in the private sector, i.e. consulting?
2. How likely are you get funding such as RAships, TAships, entrance awards, whether international or domestic student? Is it oriented with the student being a good fit with respect to the program's areas of research?
3. How would you assess the Carleton's program and your future prospects so far, despite the pandemic?

I would like to hear your insights on this. Thanks!

1. Are there other co-ops that Carleton provides aside from the federal and provincial governments such as those in the private sector, i.e. consulting?

Yes, just less of them. Private sector and consulting is more an MBA thing.

2. How likely are you get funding such as RAships, TAships, entrance awards, whether international or domestic student? Is it oriented with the student being a good fit with respect to the program's areas of research?

This is covered on their website. Read that.

3. How would you assess the Carleton's program and your future prospects so far, despite the pandemic?

It's like all other program, sometimes its great and sometimes it's a waste of time. If your goal is to work for the federal government in Ottawa you should take Carleton's MPPA program. Future prospects is vague, ask a more specific question.

[Akvad]

Hello Members,

Does any one have any idea when will Concordia mppa winter 2021 acceptance forms will be sent? Has anyone received till now?

Thanks

[aj23]

Have any of you folks started applying?

[jakedanclan]

On 12/27/2020 at 4:55 PM, aj23 said:

Have any of you folks started applying?

I am beginning to write my letters of intent this week/weekend. I'll be applying to Munk, Max Bell, and Concordia...maybe Carleton. Im not entirely convinced that the 35k is worth the former two options.

[newbie2020]

Hi guys, does anyone typically know when admissions start rolling for for UOttawa and Carleton for their public admin masters? I’ve also submitted an application to Concordia too for their MPPPA. All application have been submitted for Fall 2021.

[BTF]

16 hours ago, newbie2020 said:

Hi guys, does anyone typically know when admissions start rolling for for UOttawa and Carleton for their public admin masters? I’ve also submitted an application to Concordia too for their MPPPA. All application have been submitted for Fall 2021.

Typically, first round admissions are sent between end of February to end of March

[ZabiQs]

Hi BTF,

Thanks for the thread and all the info you're sharing! I have two questions if you don't mind answering.

1) I'm assuming the more relevant the writing sample is, the more it helps with my overall application? Would you agree? For example, I'd choose to submit my term paper from my class on federalism vs. constitution/charter. 

2) My understand of the program structure is Fall 2021 - Winter 22 are study terms, Summer 22 is a work term, and then you're left with 1x study term and 1x work term. If that is correct, do you agree that it would be better to study in Fall of 22 and then work Winter 23 in order to have an easier time to be bridged to a full time job offer? Or is there a better route?

I should add that I'm interested in working for the federal service. Thanks so much.

Cheers.

Edited January 4, 2021 by ZabiQs

[BTF]

51 minutes ago, ZabiQs said:

Hi BTF,

Thanks for the thread and all the info you're sharing! I have two questions if you don't mind answering.

1) I'm assuming the more relevant the writing sample is, the more it helps with my overall application? Would you agree? For example, I'd choose to submit my term paper from my class on federalism vs. constitution/charter. 

2) My understand of the program structure is Fall 2021 - Winter 22 are study terms, Summer 22 is a work term, and then you're left with 1x study term and 1x work term. If that is correct, do you agree that it would be better to study in Fall of 22 and then work Winter 23 in order to have an easier time to be bridged to a full time job offer? Or is there a better route?

I should add that I'm interested in working for the federal service. Thanks so much.

Cheers.

Hello ZabiQs,

Answers to your questions:

1) I'm assuming the more relevant the writing sample is, the more it helps with my overall application? Would you agree? For example, I'd choose to submit my term paper from my class on federalism vs. constitution/charter. 

No, the writing sample's content is largely irrelevant, the people reading it are looking for your ability to right a coherent argument supported by appropriate evidence.  My writing sample was from a Psychology of Aging course paper about the course contents application to the Curious Case of Benjamin Button film. My arguments and supporting evidence were well articulated. This paper's content was nothing even remotely related to public policy and administration.

2) My understand of the program structure is Fall 2021 - Winter 22 are study terms, Summer 22 is a work term, and then you're left with 1x study term and 1x work term. If that is correct, do you agree that it would be better to study in Fall of 22 and then work Winter 23 in order to have an easier time to be bridged to a full time job offer? Or is there a better route?

Yes, that's generally the program's structure. I have no idea if that's the best approach. Plenty of people take that approach and plenty do not. Focus on getting into the program and then on getting a summer coop job before you worry about getting bridged in. Assuming you like your coop employer, I think it's ideal to get a summer coop, then ask to be kept on as a part/full-time FSWEP student during your next study term and then go back full-time. This provides a years worth of experience. The downside to this approach is you only work at one place. Like I said, there are several approaches, none are perfect, do what makes sense for you.

 

Hope this answers your questions, feel free to ask more questions as they come up,

BTF

[ZabiQs]

3 hours ago, BTF said:

Hello ZabiQs,

Answers to your questions:

1) I'm assuming the more relevant the writing sample is, the more it helps with my overall application? Would you agree? For example, I'd choose to submit my term paper from my class on federalism vs. constitution/charter. 

No, the writing sample's content is largely irrelevant, the people reading it are looking for your ability to right a coherent argument supported by appropriate evidence.  My writing sample was from a Psychology of Aging course paper about the course contents application to the Curious Case of Benjamin Button film. My arguments and supporting evidence were well articulated. This paper's content was nothing even remotely related to public policy and administration.

2) My understand of the program structure is Fall 2021 - Winter 22 are study terms, Summer 22 is a work term, and then you're left with 1x study term and 1x work term. If that is correct, do you agree that it would be better to study in Fall of 22 and then work Winter 23 in order to have an easier time to be bridged to a full time job offer? Or is there a better route?

Yes, that's generally the program's structure. I have no idea if that's the best approach. Plenty of people take that approach and plenty do not. Focus on getting into the program and then on getting a summer coop job before you worry about getting bridged in. Assuming you like your coop employer, I think it's ideal to get a summer coop, then ask to be kept on as a part/full-time FSWEP student during your next study term and then go back full-time. This provides a years worth of experience. The downside to this approach is you only work at one place. Like I said, there are several approaches, none are perfect, do what makes sense for you.

 

Hope this answers your questions, feel free to ask more questions as they come up,

BTF

Thanks for the answers BTF. Really appreciate it.

Cheers.

[Vacation14?]

A bit late to the party but anyone know which programs are considered the most competitive so I can avoid them

I applied back in 2016 to what I can see now are one of the most competitive (Carleton, Ottawa and SFU) and got totally rejected, so I decided to take further courses (as a non-degree student) and apply again in the future

So far the only Universities on my list are Saskatchewan and Windsor

[BTF]

6 hours ago, Vacation14? said:

A bit late to the party but anyone know which programs are considered the most competitive so I can avoid them

I applied back in 2016 to what I can see now are one of the most competitive (Carleton, Ottawa and SFU) and got totally rejected, so I decided to take further courses (as a non-degree student) and apply again in the future

So far the only Universities on my list are Saskatchewan and Windsor

Hey Vacation14?,

If you took more courses since your 2016 application round I assume your application is a bit, if not much more more competitive now. If that assumption is true, and your average GPA in your last 20 courses is a B+ or above, then you should apply to the schools that make sense for your future goals. If your goal is to work in the federal government then you should apply to Carleton or Ottawa. If it's to work in the Ontario government then UofT and Queens might be better. Don't discount a school because it seems more competitive. Apply to schools you want to attend and have a clear reason for wanting to do so.

Think about what you want to do, where you want to do it, and why that program at that school can help you reach that goal. Your statement of intent is where you make this argument.

If you have any questions please feel free to message me.

BTF