McGill vs mcmaster for economics

[Onetwothree]

Hi everyone,

I'm stuck between McGill with no funding and mcmaster (economic policy) with $15k in scholarship and full TAship. I don't know what to do. I think mcgill's reputation is better than mcmaster especially outside of Canada, but I don't know if that's worth $15k. Aside from the dollar value, mcgill's unfunded offer signifies how they value my application which kinda bothers me. I have more than two years of research experience and I dont see why I can't be an RA.

What do you think I should choose? Should I try to bargain with McGill at all?

Thank you so much!

[lillymaginta]

My thoughts, go with the money!

[ltam]

Go where the funding is or if you think McGill is really worth the connections/notoriety, investigate possible external funding sources?

[booksnlooks]

I recommend talking to McGill about the offer you've received from McMaster. I did this with two schools I applied to and it worked out well...just send an email to the person who sent you the acceptance letter (esp if it's the dept chair or the grad supervisor) explaining that you're thrilled about their offer and would like to discuss an important matter that affects your decision to come to their school. Funding is an important factor in your decision and you have been offered a spot at another university with a much larger scholarship. Your first choice is McGill however financial constraints necessarily affect your decision. Is there any additional funding they would be able to offer? When I did this, my top choice school matched the other school's offer. I think you've got a great shot at this because McMaster is ranked one higher than McGill (http://ideas.repec.org/top/top.canada.html) so it's seen as direct competition. They'll likely ask you to send McMaster's letter and get back to you.

[cosmokramer]

Hi everyone,

I'm stuck between McGill with no funding and mcmaster (economic policy) with $15k in scholarship and full TAship. I don't know what to do. I think mcgill's reputation is better than mcmaster especially outside of Canada, but I don't know if that's worth $15k. Aside from the dollar value, mcgill's unfunded offer signifies how they value my application which kinda bothers me. I have more than two years of research experience and I dont see why I can't be an RA.

What do you think I should choose? Should I try to bargain with McGill at all?

Thank you so much!

I would say go with McMaster.