MA in Economics at UBC or Toronto increases my chances for a PhD?

[Zortpoint]

Hi guys,

I'm listening many things about UBC or Toronto, some people say that MA at this universities increases a lot my chances for a PhD, other say than even if you take the MA, for the same University is hard to be accepted. But what should i believe? I am taking a MA at UBC, and in the first term I was above average in each course for at least 5 points, so close to average of 90, but at the end, with all this noise I don't know what are my chances. I already sent my applications to the big four in Canada, but I'm scare, and I don't have too much money to spend in more applications, I'm thinking in Alberta because there is one of the most important guys in the field that I want to make research, but... Alberta? I mean, is a good University but from big 4 to Alberta???. Any idea? should I apply to more schools? should I wait?.

Thank you guys, good luck with your applications

[PrettyVacant]

Hi guys,

I'm listening many things about UBC or Toronto, some people say that MA at this universities increases a lot my chances for a PhD, other say than even if you take the MA, for the same University is hard to be accepted. But what should i believe? I am taking a MA at UBC, and in the first term I was above average in each course for at least 5 points, so close to average of 90, but at the end, with all this noise I don't know what are my chances. I already sent my applications to the big four in Canada, but I'm scare, and I don't have too much money to spend in more applications, I'm thinking in Alberta because there is one of the most important guys in the field that I want to make research, but... Alberta? I mean, is a good University but from big 4 to Alberta???. Any idea? should I apply to more schools? should I wait?.

Thank you guys, good luck with your applications

Actually, Alberta is a prestigious university. A few months ago, it was ranked 4th in all Canada, above Queens, McMaster, etc: See here.

I would definitely consider applying if I were you.

Edited January 20, 2011 by PrettyVacant

[wtncffts]

'Rankings' are department specific, anyway. I don't know about Alberta's economics department, but as PrettyVacant said, Alberta is certainly up there. I'm not sure what you mean by 'the big 4'; it's not a term I've heard anywhere. UBC, Toronto, McGill, and ??? Queen's? If there's differentiation, it's always, in my experience, the first three and the rest.

On your specific question, I'm not sure what you're saying. At least in my field, an MA is required to apply for a PhD at Canadian universities, at least for Canadian students (that is, I know direct-entry American students, but they're exceptional). If you're asking specifically about whether a UBC or Toronto MA gives you an advantage over others, I don't think so. In my view, because most schools here are public, the level and standards of education are pretty similar. An MA from UBC and from, say, Saskatchewan, are quite comparable. As to whether an MA itself is advantageous, it really depends on the work that you've done. Your writing sample, SOP, and letters of recommendation are, from what I gather, the most important parts of your application.