York/Ryerson Communication and Culture - Heard Anything Yet?

[frankdeg]

Aprilfool, I'm so sorry to hear that. I think you should definitely reapply for next year. My understanding for these grad programs is that having a strong supplementary application can really help and that the prior GPA isn't as crucial in the admissions decision for these degrees. I think a strong research proposal can go a long way! That being said, I have not gotten in (yet???). Definitely consider asking the program director if there is anything you can improve in your application next time. 

 

Again, I'm really sorry to hear this news! At least now you know and can carry on.

 

April, I am also sorry that you did not get into the program. I agree with TinaBelinda that a strong supplementary application goes a long way in the application process. As my GPA was a bit lower than most that applied, I feel my work experience, volunteer hours, and references assisted a long way with my full application (mind you, I have yet to receive a formal letter from Ryerson regarding my acceptance). I wish you all the best and also agree that you should contact the director at a later date to ask if they is anything else that can be added to your application next time. The director was very kind and helpful to me when I spoke to him this week.

 

Loren and TinaBelinda, I wish you all the best and hope you receive word soon regarding the fall program. 

Edited April 4, 2013 by frankdeg

[aprilfool]

Tina, Loren and Frankdeg, thank you all for those kind words. 

 

I do understand the point of having good supplementary documents especially a strong research proposal would lead me a long way. However not only in Ryerson but also other universities have the "minimum requirement" where the GPA stands as one of the hard conditions. I emailed them again and asked for why and this time they told me I didn't make the minimum requirement. (  My average GPA is B, didn't make it to B+ or A-. And so ashamed to say that I even had a C. T_T But again, it was 10 years ago, and I was very stupid.)

 

I think my research proposal wouldn't  even stand a chance to be read before eliminating me right in the first round due to my GPA. 

 

Is there any other way to go around here ? Should I write to the directors before applying to see if he could give me a wild card ? Or something like that ? (Of course this hypothesis will be based on the fact that I could have a better supplementary package next year to impress him )

 

What upsets me here is not I didn't get in. I knew I was not good enough. What bothers me is that it seems like there is nothing I could do about my drawback. It is not something I can work on.

 

This is karma, I know. Never realized that this would come back and bite me on butt.

 

I am open to your advice and discussion. No offence will be taken. 

 

At last, again, I hope you guys can have positive feedback soon ! I will be very happy for you !! I hope all the bitter waiting will become sweet memory for you.

 

XXX

[aprilfool]

I see people got cold feet in answering here again...

 

Don't worry. I will be fine.

 

I wish all the best to you guys.

 

XXX

[TinaBelinda]

I just found out I did not get into York's PhD. They asked if I'd like them to send my file over for review for admission through Ryerson and I said yes. We'll see. I know the funding for PhDs at Ryeron isn't great and I'm not sure there's room for me now at this point in the admission cycle. Just wanted to update.

[Loren]

April, sorry for not replying. If you're interested, here's my bit of advice. Make yourself known to the staff, and show that you're interested in the program. Possibly contract a potential supervisor at the beginning of the year, before the start of application season, and see if they're interested in your research and/or if they think it's a good fit for the program in question. Universities take in students based on the research and how it fits with people within the program. It's a good idea to familiarize yourself with the staff, and to look through who would be the perfect fit, or at least the closest.

 

Good reference letters hold a lot of weight when it comes to applications, so be sure that when you ask for a reference letter, that a) the referee knows you fully as a student and/or TA/RA, and b ) you ask them to write you a good reference letter. It makes a difference, and you'd be able to see who is willing and who is reluctant. It's a good idea to not push for a reference letter when you see a sign of any reluctance at all. 

 

Also, there's the CV. My MA supervisor told me that schools look at how invested students are in academia during their time away from it, so try attending as much conferences as possible. Either as an attendee, a moderator and/or a volunteer, just to put it on your CV. Of course, presentations are the best. Show that you are continuously working to make yourself better and that you're not falling behind in your field of study.The other side of that is trying to get publish. Look out for Call-For-Papers in anthologies or journal articles, and submit. You can put that on your CV, no matter at what stage (ie: manuscript in progress, submitted, first round peer review, second round, etc.). Again, this will show them your continued interest. That you didn't fall out of the wagon. 

 

Finally, ask the program. Tell them of your situation, and if they have any advice of what you can do to make your application stand out. Most of the time, they'd be able to tell you, and accomodate you, especially if you make yourself known to them. I hope this helps, April.

 

Tina, I am sorry to hear about your update. I do hope Ryerson works out for you! If you don't mind me asking, how did you find out? I'm still waiting on any word myself, but I trust I'll be back here soon enough. For now, take care.

Edited April 9, 2013 by Loren

[frankdeg]

I wanted to say hello again and I wish Loren and TinaBelinda the best of luck. Tina, I hope you hear from Ryerson soon!

 

I just received my acceptance yesterday in the mail from Ryerson. I did not receive any funding/scholarships at the moment, but am hopeful in the coming days to hear some news from the director in case someone did not choose Ryerson (I may be eligible for scholarship if someone does not accept Ryerson). I saw the prices of grad school and have heard from others that things may be difficult without funding, and I agree that things may be a challenge. I'm still on the fence between Carleton and Ryerson.  

[raise cain]

Sorry to hear that, but ComCult is pretty great at recognizing the variety of skills that people have coming into such a program. I got into the MA with a 2.7GPA! I was also accepted to the PhD program but declined with a better offer from Concordia.

Not sure if you are applying for the MA or PhD though? 

 

I would also advise people apply to York vs Ryerson, because York has WAY WAY MORE MONEY than Ryerson as funding, bursaries, scholarships, chances at SSHRC in the PhD, etc...

 

Hi Guys,

 

I am out. I got reply from Ryerson today.  It is faster than I expected. Here is what they say:

 

The comcult admissions committee has met and made their decisions.  Unfortunately you will be getting a non-approval letter in coming week.  Entry to this program is very competitive.
Thanks for your interest in this program.

 

I think my low GPA killed me. But it was 10 years ago and there is not too much I could do about it except to show them that I have rich working experiences. What if I had a strong research proposal, recommendation letters and good work backgrounds, but the GPA is still stopping me from getting through the first round? 

 

I am thinking to come back again next year. But what can I do ???? How can I overcome this shortcoming?

 

I sincerely wish you guys can get in. I understand how hard the entire journey is and I give you my best wishes .

 

Thanks.

 

XXX

[WalterBenjamin]

TinaBelinda, 

 

I would not get upset about your application getting transferred to Ryerson. I know people who prefer the Ryerson side of the program over the York side. While York has a tone of money - that's true - RY PhD students have a lot more control over their TA/RA loads and the commute time to your TA duties (all administrative matters) is a lot shorter. Most ComCult PhD students registered at York have to be at York campus twice a week to teach in addition to the classes they are taking. And the teaching load is heavy. At RY, you can pick a gradership / a less demanding teaching position while you are still working through your coursework and get into teaching in your second year. This saves a tone of time. 

 

In addition to that, the director at RY is awesome. Very approachable and professional. Very in tune with the needs of his students. 

 

BTW, to all those who want to try applying next year: one of the ways to get to know the program is probably to attend the grad student conference. One could meet the directors in person, talk to students, some professors, and maybe even pitch your application file in a way. ) It's over for this year, but it's an annual event. 

[aprilfool]

April, sorry for not replying. If you're interested, here's my bit of advice. Make yourself known to the staff, and show that you're interested in the program. Possibly contract a potential supervisor at the beginning of the year, before the start of application season, and see if they're interested in your research and/or if they think it's a good fit for the program in question. Universities take in students based on the research and how it fits with people within the program. It's a good idea to familiarize yourself with the staff, and to look through who would be the perfect fit, or at least the closest.

 

Good reference letters hold a lot of weight when it comes to applications, so be sure that when you ask for a reference letter, that a) the referee knows you fully as a student and/or TA/RA, and b ) you ask them to write you a good reference letter. It makes a difference, and you'd be able to see who is willing and who is reluctant. It's a good idea to not push for a reference letter when you see a sign of any reluctance at all. 

 

Also, there's the CV. My MA supervisor told me that schools look at how invested students are in academia during their time away from it, so try attending as much conferences as possible. Either as an attendee, a moderator and/or a volunteer, just to put it on your CV. Of course, presentations are the best. Show that you are continuously working to make yourself better and that you're not falling behind in your field of study.The other side of that is trying to get publish. Look out for Call-For-Papers in anthologies or journal articles, and submit. You can put that on your CV, no matter at what stage (ie: manuscript in progress, submitted, first round peer review, second round, etc.). Again, this will show them your continued interest. That you didn't fall out of the wagon. 

 

Finally, ask the program. Tell them of your situation, and if they have any advice of what you can do to make your application stand out. Most of the time, they'd be able to tell you, and accomodate you, especially if you make yourself known to them. I hope this helps, April.

 

Tina, I am sorry to hear about your update. I do hope Ryerson works out for you! If you don't mind me asking, how did you find out? I'm still waiting on any word myself, but I trust I'll be back here soon enough. For now, take care.

 

 

 

 

Oh dear Loren, I am so thankful to see your long reply and detailed suggestions. This warms my heart , really. T_T

 

Yes your advice is really helpful.  I am starting another round of preparation already. It is difficult, but this is the only way to keep me alive. Fight for the dream. And in the other hand,  this year I will work hard and try to save more money to get better financially prepared too.

 

I am thinking about writing to professors in Sept ( August or July be too early ?  )  I want to talk to them before starting a  new research proposal and writing samples. From this perspective, earlier the better ?  But I am afraid that they would be either away in summer or too exhausted to answer admission requesting emails.

 

I have to say this failure really hit my confidence. I started to second guess myself. But yes,  to get realistic and try to get to the bottom of the situation is the only thing I can do now.

 

This winter is just too long.  I hope you and Tina can have good news soon.

 

Thank you again.

 

XXXX

 

 

[aprilfool]

Sorry to hear that, but ComCult is pretty great at recognizing the variety of skills that people have coming into such a program. I got into the MA with a 2.7GPA! I was also accepted to the PhD program but declined with a better offer from Concordia.

Not sure if you are applying for the MA or PhD though? 

 

I would also advise people apply to York vs Ryerson, because York has WAY WAY MORE MONEY than Ryerson as funding, bursaries, scholarships, chances at SSHRC in the PhD, etc...

 

Hi Cain, I was applying to MA to Ryerson.

 

2.7 GPA, which year was that ??? I don't think I can do any leapfrog at all...they said I didn't meet minimum requirement. So basically I was stopped at the gate. Have you talked to any faculty members before submission ?

 

Sounds you have very strong supplementary documents and you are very competitive. What is your strongest part ? Research proposal ? Publications ? More advice from you will be great ! Thanks in advance !

 

Best,

[aprilfool]

I just found out I did not get into York's PhD. They asked if I'd like them to send my file over for review for admission through Ryerson and I said yes. We'll see. I know the funding for PhDs at Ryeron isn't great and I'm not sure there's room for me now at this point in the admission cycle. Just wanted to update.

 

 

Tina, if they say so I think there is possibility. Otherwise why bother ? 

 

I emailed the program coordinator Jo Ann Mackie to find out my status. And she always replied promptly.

 

However I think probably an initiative approach to the program director won't do any harm ? 

 

Finger crossed for you dear. 

 

XXX

Edited April 10, 2013 by aprilfool

[TinaBelinda]

April, sorry for not replying. If you're interested, here's my bit of advice. Make yourself known to the staff, and show that you're interested in the program. Possibly contract a potential supervisor at the beginning of the year, before the start of application season, and see if they're interested in your research and/or if they think it's a good fit for the program in question. Universities take in students based on the research and how it fits with people within the program. It's a good idea to familiarize yourself with the staff, and to look through who would be the perfect fit, or at least the closest.

 

Good reference letters hold a lot of weight when it comes to applications, so be sure that when you ask for a reference letter, that a) the referee knows you fully as a student and/or TA/RA, and b ) you ask them to write you a good reference letter. It makes a difference, and you'd be able to see who is willing and who is reluctant. It's a good idea to not push for a reference letter when you see a sign of any reluctance at all. 

 

Also, there's the CV. My MA supervisor told me that schools look at how invested students are in academia during their time away from it, so try attending as much conferences as possible. Either as an attendee, a moderator and/or a volunteer, just to put it on your CV. Of course, presentations are the best. Show that you are continuously working to make yourself better and that you're not falling behind in your field of study.The other side of that is trying to get publish. Look out for Call-For-Papers in anthologies or journal articles, and submit. You can put that on your CV, no matter at what stage (ie: manuscript in progress, submitted, first round peer review, second round, etc.). Again, this will show them your continued interest. That you didn't fall out of the wagon. 

 

Finally, ask the program. Tell them of your situation, and if they have any advice of what you can do to make your application stand out. Most of the time, they'd be able to tell you, and accomodate you, especially if you make yourself known to them. I hope this helps, April.

 

Tina, I am sorry to hear about your update. I do hope Ryerson works out for you! If you don't mind me asking, how did you find out? I'm still waiting on any word myself, but I trust I'll be back here soon enough. For now, take care.

April, sorry for not providing more helpful tips. I wish I had some! Loren's suggestions sound great and I will follow them if I reapply if I don't get in this year.

 

Loren, I found out in an email from the program administrator. (I had called last week and left a message inquiring about how things were moving along.) 

Edited April 11, 2013 by TinaBelinda

[TinaBelinda]

Tina, if they say so I think there is possibility. Otherwise why bother ? 

 

I emailed the program coordinator Jo Ann Mackie to find out my status. And she always replied promptly.

 

However I think probably an initiative approach to the program director won't do any harm ? 

 

Finger crossed for you dear. 

 

XXX

 

Thank you, April. 

Edited April 11, 2013 by TinaBelinda

[TinaBelinda]

TinaBelinda, 

 

I would not get upset about your application getting transferred to Ryerson. I know people who prefer the Ryerson side of the program over the York side. While York has a tone of money - that's true - RY PhD students have a lot more control over their TA/RA loads and the commute time to your TA duties (all administrative matters) is a lot shorter. Most ComCult PhD students registered at York have to be at York campus twice a week to teach in addition to the classes they are taking. And the teaching load is heavy. At RY, you can pick a gradership / a less demanding teaching position while you are still working through your coursework and get into teaching in your second year. This saves a tone of time. 

 

In addition to that, the director at RY is awesome. Very approachable and professional. Very in tune with the needs of his students. 

 

BTW, to all those who want to try applying next year: one of the ways to get to know the program is probably to attend the grad student conference. One could meet the directors in person, talk to students, some professors, and maybe even pitch your application file in a way. ) It's over for this year, but it's an annual event. 

WalterBenjamin, thank you so much for posting this! All that information about Ryerson's opportunities is VERY reassuring! I noticed you were in a similar situation last year. Did you get into the program? Are you liking it?

 

I emailed Professor Moore and he said he would get in touch with me after their meeting if they can offer me admission... Yikes!

Edited April 11, 2013 by TinaBelinda

[aprilfool]

Now I regret a bit that I didn't apply for M.A in professional communication in Ryerson. I think with all my working experiences this one would be much easier for me. But I want to do PhD after MA, and PC don't have a doctoral program as it is more about applied science. In your opinion, if I have a MA in PC, will it help me or not for further pursue of a Doctoral degree in communication ?  

 

XX

Edited April 11, 2013 by aprilfool

[D84]

Now I regret a bit that I didn't apply for M.A in professional communication in Ryerson. I think with all my working experiences this one would be much easier for me. But I want to do PhD after MA, and PC don't have a doctoral program as it is more about applied science. In your opinion, if I have a MA in PC, will it help me or not for further pursue of a Doctoral degree in communication ?  

 

XX

I'm finishing up a MA in Professional Communication from Royal Roads, which as i understand it is similar to Ryerson's,  and have been accepted to Simon Fraser's PHD program in communication. So, it definitely seems possible to go from a pro comm masters to a PhD in comm.

[aprilfool]

I'm finishing up a MA in Professional Communication from Royal Roads, which as i understand it is similar to Ryerson's,  and have been accepted to Simon Fraser's PHD program in communication. So, it definitely seems possible to go from a pro comm masters to a PhD in comm.

Very encouraging D84! Thank you !

[TinaBelinda]

Okay guys, I got into Ryerson's PhD! I can't believe it! Found out last night.

[Hopeful3]

Now I regret a bit that I didn't apply for M.A in professional communication in Ryerson. I think with all my working experiences this one would be much easier for me. But I want to do PhD after MA, and PC don't have a doctoral program as it is more about applied science. In your opinion, if I have a MA in PC, will it help me or not for further pursue of a Doctoral degree in communication ?  

 

XX

Have you considered the MA in comm studies at Laurier? I know for a fact they are still accepting applications If you're interested, though, you'd have to apply immediately. The funding isn't as great as Ryerson, but the cost of living in Waterloo is very reasonable. 

[Hopeful3]

Okay guys, I got into Ryerson's PhD! I can't believe it! Found out last night.

Congratulations!!!! One of the things I've heard (from multiple reliable sources) about the Ryerson PhD is that you get a lot of attention and support

[TinaBelinda]

Congratulations!!!! One of the things I've heard (from multiple reliable sources) about the Ryerson PhD is that you get a lot of attention and support

Thank you! That is what I've heard as well!

[aprilfool]

Okay guys, I got into Ryerson's PhD! I can't believe it! Found out last night.

 

So Happy For Your !!!

 

All the bitter now turns into sweet !!!!

 

Congratulations !!!!

 

XXX

[aprilfool]

Have you considered the MA in comm studies at Laurier? I know for a fact they are still accepting applications If you're interested, though, you'd have to apply immediately. The funding isn't as great as Ryerson, but the cost of living in Waterloo is very reasonable. 

 

Thanks for the information ! I will check it out !

 

 

Edited April 13, 2013 by aprilfool

[raise cain]

Congratulations!!!! One of the things I've heard (from multiple reliable sources) about the Ryerson PhD is that you get a lot of attention and support

The York PhD and York in general also gives you lots of attention and support.

 

ComCult is one of the few joint programs that actually works like a joint program, unlike some other that are just that by name.

 

Congrats to all those admitted! 

[frankdeg]

Okay guys, I got into Ryerson's PhD! I can't believe it! Found out last night.

 

Congratulations!!!