Should I apply to more schools?

[MachiavellianPencil]

Hey Everyone,

I'm a Canadian applicant for a Master's in Philosophy.

I have:

~3.7 cumulative GPA

~3.83 last 2 years GPA

A great reference letter from one prof, unknown from another.

I had a prof read over my statement of interest, and he said it was "excellent". However, I think I focused it on a rather obscure matter in political philosophy.

I applied to the University of Toronto, the University of Western Ontario and Queen's University. Should I apply to more programs? I'm considering applying to LSE and York University.

Thoughts?

[coffeekid]

My experience is in the American system, and I don't know a lot about these specific programs, so you should take the following with a grain of salt.

Masters programs in philosophy are an interesting beast, from what I've heard/experienced. The most pressing issue for you is going to be the specifics regarding number of students admitted and funding situations at the programs you mentioned. I know some stronger masters programs exist that admit somewhere in the ballpark of a Ph.D. program (4 - 10) and hand out nice stipends, and I know programs who are happy to let in as many competent people that are willing to shell out serious dough. If these programs are at all like the latter and you're OK with that situation, then I'd say you probably don't need to stress applying to many other programs, though knowing more about your profile would be helpful (e.g. - are you Canadians victims of the GRE as well?). However, I wouldn't advise going that route; I know horror stories about debt and these sorts of degrees.

If you're dealing with competitive masters programs with good financial packages and selective admissions, then the sad truth is that you should apply to as many as you can afford and is reasonable. Even phenomenal applicants are subject to some luck when 200 people are taking a stab at 5 spots. You'll have to flesh out what the situation with these institutions is.

Lastly, not exactly sure what you mean by "obscure", but philosophy tends to be esoteric, if that's what you mean, especially with a specialized SOP or writing sample and when it is being submitted to an institution that has strength in that sub-discipline. Just make sure that "obscurity" means sophisticated and focused, not cryptic.

[kate.elizabeth]

Hey,

What was your GPA in %? Your letters are very important, so if you're not sure how good they are I would maybe suggest applying to more schools. What about your writing sample?

I am also a Canadian applicant, and I also applied to UWO and U of T for the MA (and two other schools). I received an acceptance from UWO over a week ago, but I'm not sure whether they are making more offers. If not, you could still get waitlisted.

I had an 89% average last semester (90, 90, 90, 86) in fourth year seminar courses and similar grades in my third year. I worked on my writing sample with one of my letter writers over the summer, and all three of my letters of recommendation were likely very good. I have not heard back from other schools yet, though.

I hope this helps!

[kate.elizabeth]

Oh, and I know that U of T receives 120+ applicants for the MA, and Queen's 80+. I have no idea about UWO.

[Lanaaa]

I would say apply for more....you can never be too careful. I'm applying to Queen's too, but as a PhD student. Good luck!

[PhilosoraptErs]

It has been recommended to me that applying to less than ten is a bad idea, but 16 may be a waste of money.

http://philosorapters.posterous.com