York vs. McMaster

[foucaultmania]

Hi everyone,

 

I have been admitted to two different PhD programs at these universities. I am an international applicant

 

1) PhD in Environmental Studies at York

2) PhD in Political Science at McMaster

 

 

For the first one, I could say this is my second application year. Last year, I was the top condidate on the waiting list since Env. Studies Programme admits only one international student. I could not achieve to be in last year, however both POI and Program Coordinator encouraged me to apply again. I applied this year, and now I am in. This is my dreamed program and we discussed very intensively on my research project with my POI and program coordinator also wants to help me in my PhD project because he also liked too much my research subject. Nowadays, I am waiting for the letter of financial support from York. They will also nominate me for a very prestigious scholarship in Ontario.

 

Second one, as far as my masters is on political science, I am deeply interested in globalization and political theory. My POI at York told me that since they admit one int. student, I should apply other programs to increase my chance. I also applied to McMaster while I was completing my application for York. But, I contacted nobody at McMaster before the application, I just applied as a formality. Last week, McMaster sent me an e-mail that I have been admitted to the program. It was really a big surprise for me. Then, on the following day, they sent me the financial details via e-mail and they also said that a very prestigious professor wants to work with me, he has been appointed as my adviser. The financial support is very limited, and I cannot maintain my life in Canada as an international student. However, two days later, that new POI sent me an e-mail that he is the chair of a very important project supported by Canadian Scientific Council, and he said that he can supply additional funding for me in that project. He likes too much my research subject (it is really an interesting proposal) and wants to work with me.

 

 

Nowadays, I could not decide what to do.

 

1) Is it a good idea to think only around the issue of funding? Both of the departments are great and both of the POIs are very prestigious and internationally respected people. Therefore, there are only two main criterias for decision. First one is the location and second one is the funding.

2) If I accept the offer of York ( that is what I will choose most probably) how could I send a polite message which points out the decline of the offer to the POI at McMaster?

3) What would you choose If you were me?

[RosamundReage]

How long are you guaranteed funding at McMaster? There is usually 6 years of funding at York and other universities usually have a lot less. You also get much better health benfits and TA pay at York, so that is something to consider. For fiances though Hamilton is a much cheaper city to live in than Toronto.

 

Both offers sound really good, but you will probably be more financially secure with York. It also really depends on who you would rather work with.

[foucaultmania]

How long are you guaranteed funding at McMaster? There is usually 6 years of funding at York and other universities usually have a lot less. You also get much better health benfits and TA pay at York, so that is something to consider. For fiances though Hamilton is a much cheaper city to live in than Toronto.

 

Both offers sound really good, but you will probably be more financially secure with York. It also really depends on who you would rather work with.

My friend, thank you very much for your message.

 

McMaster guarantees the funding for 4 years. That is a good perspective to consider, I missed that point. Yes, Hamilton is much cheaper but I do not know whether there is a huge difference in living expenses or not.

[scholarlypartier]

Hi focaultmania,

 

I am originally from Toronto and did my undergraduate degree at York. York is actually on the outskirts of the city but they are building a subway that will serve the campus, which I think will be completed by 2015. You can find cheap housing near the campus and while Toronto is generally a safe city, York is located in an area that is known for crime. If you would rather live downtown or in a different area, cost of living can be high. It depends on your standards.  The commute might also be long (45 minutes or longer).

 

Hamilton is a university town and McMaster is well known. Cost of living is significantly cheaper but overall Hamilon is not a very nice city. Toronto has more to offer.

 

This all depends on your interests, both academically and personally. It seems that York is your dream program, you applied last year and you really wanted to go. Now the opportunity has presented itself!

[foucaultmania]

Hi focaultmania,

 

I am originally from Toronto and did my undergraduate degree at York. York is actually on the outskirts of the city but they are building a subway that will serve the campus, which I think will be completed by 2015. You can find cheap housing near the campus and while Toronto is generally a safe city, York is located in an area that is known for crime. If you would rather live downtown or in a different area, cost of living can be high. It depends on your standards.  The commute might also be long (45 minutes or longer).

 

Hamilton is a university town and McMaster is well known. Cost of living is significantly cheaper but overall Hamilon is not a very nice city. Toronto has more to offer.

 

This all depends on your interests, both academically and personally. It seems that York is your dream program, you applied last year and you really wanted to go. Now the opportunity has presented itself!

Thank you very much. I will make my decision in a few days but most probably York will be my choice.