Canadian Psychology Applicants, Fall 2016

[Jay's Brain]

Hey y'all,

I was part of the Fall 2015 applicant pool last year, and found this to be a very useful tool to bounce ideas and questions off of other Canadian applicants and graduate students. It's a stressful process, so that's why I decided to start this thread with the same intentions of catering to the Canadian community on Grad Cafe. 

Little background...I was accepted last year, received offers from 3/5 programs, and will be starting my MA in Clinical Psychology next week!

Feel free to message for your Psychology graduate program questions and comments!

 

[TKYU]

Hey y'all,

I was part of the Fall 2015 applicant pool last year, and found this to be a very useful tool to bounce ideas and questions off of other Canadian applicants and graduate students. It's a stressful process, so that's why I decided to start this thread with the same intentions of catering to the Canadian community on Grad Cafe. 

Little background...I was accepted last year, received offers from 3/5 programs, and will be starting my MA in Clinical Psychology next week!

Feel free to message for your Psychology graduate program questions and comments!

 

Thank you for starting this thread! You seriously are the best! 

And good luck on your first week of school! I'd love to hear your experience!

Edited September 6, 2015 by TKYU

[FacelessMage]

Hey y'all,

I was part of the Fall 2015 applicant pool last year, and found this to be a very useful tool to bounce ideas and questions off of other Canadian applicants and graduate students. It's a stressful process, so that's why I decided to start this thread with the same intentions of catering to the Canadian community on Grad Cafe. 

Little background...I was accepted last year, received offers from 3/5 programs, and will be starting my MA in Clinical Psychology next week!

Feel free to message for your Psychology graduate program questions and comments!

 

Thanks for starting the thread! I hope you enjoy your program. The first month of the program can be very overwhelming, but it gets much better! 

Where is everything thinking of applying to?

[Jay's Brain]

Thank you for starting this thread! You seriously are the best! 

And good luck on your first week of school! I'd love to hear your experience!

Thanks for starting the thread! I hope you enjoy your program. The first month of the program can be very overwhelming, but it gets much better! 

Where is everything thinking of applying to?

Thank you and good luck to the both of you on your applications! I'll be sure to give everyone assurance that graduate school isn't too terrible, while answering any questions that arises! 

[EdNeuroGrl]

I am a US native looking at applying to a Canadian PhD program (Western) are there huge differences or are they largely similar? Would love any advice you'd be willing to offer. :-) Thanks!

[Jay's Brain]

To my understanding, I don't believe there are any major differences. The one that I've noticed is that Canadian programs tend to introduce the Masters into their programs as a first step towards the PhD. From what I've read on these forums (so do take this with a grain of salt), that may mean an additional year (Masters may be 2 years depending on the school) compared to the 5 year program offered at many US universities for direct entry PhD. On the flip side, this Masters is not expected to be terminal and will be fully funded if accepted. 

You will probably not be eligible for the national-based funding scholarships common to Canadians (CIHR, NSERC, SSHRC, OGS, etc), so you may want to look into funding opportunities States-side. 

Other than that, I don't believe there are too many differences to what you are taught. We go to the same international conferences and work with the same people, especially on the North American side of things. We do have more frigid temperatures which will probably be something you need to get used to if you're coming from Albuquerque!

I'm not very experienced at this (yet), so if any other students has any advice for EdNeuroGrl feel free to chime in!

Edited September 8, 2015 by Jay's Brain

[TKYU]

To add onto EdNeuroGrl's question, is the Masters program in the States similar to Canada's where you select a supervisor to work with throughout the duration of the program?

I might be interested in looking at applying to some Masters programs in the States since it seems less competitive (I could be wrong) than the Masters programs in Canada, where I am from.

[TKYU]

Another question,

I'm in the process of contacting potential advisors. This is stated on the faculty page of one of the universities that I am thinking of applying to: "*accepting Graduate Student Applications for 2015-2016". Does this mean the professors are accepting students for Fall 2015 (which would mean the statement was for the previous application cycle) or Fall 2016?

[Dedi]

Another question,

I'm in the process of contacting potential advisors. This is stated on the faculty page of one of the universities that I am thinking of applying to: "*accepting Graduate Student Applications for 2015-2016". Does this mean the professors are accepting students for Fall 2015 (which would mean the statement was for the previous application cycle) or Fall 2016?

I'm guessing that they haven't updated their page yet for the upcoming application cycle.

Btw, hi. I am a US citizen that applied to Canadian schools exclusively last year. I got accepted to 2/4 programs. My major in undergrad is psychology and animal behavior (minor in biology) and am now in the biology program at University of Toronto. I applied to and did not get accepted into the psych program at U of T, but I'm okay with that because the supervisor was the same (:

I'm also happy to take questions!

 

[Piagetsky]

I'm guessing that they haven't updated their page yet for the upcoming application cycle.

Btw, hi. I am a US citizen that applied to Canadian schools exclusively last year. I got accepted to 2/4 programs. My major in undergrad is psychology and animal behavior (minor in biology) and am now in the biology program at University of Toronto. I applied to and did not get accepted into the psych program at U of T, but I'm okay with that because the supervisor was the same (:

I'm also happy to take questions!

 

Have I talked to you before?   I'm planning on doing the same thing.  Would love to hear your experiences with regard to where else you applied (U of T -- the dream school!) and also your experiences on your reception as an American student and funding at schools other than U of T. 

 

TIA!

[Dedi]

Have I talked to you before?   I'm planning on doing the same thing.  Would love to hear your experiences with regard to where else you applied (U of T -- the dream school!) and also your experiences on your reception as an American student and funding at schools other than U of T. 

 

TIA!

I don't think we have chatted before. I also applied to UBC Animal Welfare and uWaterloo Health Studies and Gerontology (my research interests are extremely interdisciplinary). The impression that I've gotten is that external funding as an American applying to Canadian schools can be tricky. My #1 suggestion is to network with POIs, whether by email or if you happen to catch them at a conference (even better!). If your interests catch their eye, they can be on your side not only for admissions but for funding as well. 

From what I've gathered, the two main external scholarships in Ontario are OGS and the OTS (there's also Vanier but very difficult to get). Both are pretty competitive, and both have different processes. OGS requires you to submit a form online with your research plans, letters of rec, etc. while OTS requires a nomination from the grad department. This is where your supervisor networking can come in handy, because a supervisor can nominate you for the scholarship (I received the U of T internal Connaught award, which also has a similar nomination process).

I'm not familiar with provincial scholarships outside of Ontario. Many programs are going to offer a reasonable amount of funding. uWaterloo had a catch, though--your first year is funded in the Master's program, while the second year is unfunded. I don't know if this is true for all programs in uWaterloo, but the program I applied to had that condition.

[EdNeuroGrl]

To add onto EdNeuroGrl's question, is the Masters program in the States similar to Canada's where you select a supervisor to work with throughout the duration of the program?

I might be interested in looking at applying to some Masters programs in the States since it seems less competitive (I could be wrong) than the Masters programs in Canada, where I am from.

TKYU The master's program you apply to is going to vary a LOT in competitiveness. In fact there are few Masters-Terminal programs in psychology period. If you get in, it is to a PhD program. Something to keep an eye out for.

 

I am not sure how to compare how competitive they are US vs Canada. I am not at this time aware of any Psych programs that take on students as master's terminal students, except those programs that do not do PhD's... It's a weird spot right now... Many Psych PhD students who are accepted have master's degrees but not in psychology... I personally got my master's in Ed Psych, but in hindsight I should have tried to get a master's in neuroscience if I could find it...

 

Not sure if that is entirely helpful, but do be sure to look and see what kind of program you are applying to.

 

[TKYU]

TKYU The master's program you apply to is going to vary a LOT in competitiveness. In fact there are few Masters-Terminal programs in psychology period. If you get in, it is to a PhD program. Something to keep an eye out for.

 

I am not sure how to compare how competitive they are US vs Canada. I am not at this time aware of any Psych programs that take on students as master's terminal students, except those programs that do not do PhD's... It's a weird spot right now... Many Psych PhD students who are accepted have master's degrees but not in psychology... I personally got my master's in Ed Psych, but in hindsight I should have tried to get a master's in neuroscience if I could find it...

 

Not sure if that is entirely helpful, but do be sure to look and see what kind of program you are applying to.

 

Thanks! That was really helpful!

[TKYU]

How's everyone doing with their applications so far?  

[EdNeuroGrl]

So far so good, though Western hasn't even made their applications available "mid-October" hasn't arrived yet

[Oshawott]

To add onto EdNeuroGrl's question, is the Masters program in the States similar to Canada's where you select a supervisor to work with throughout the duration of the program?

I might be interested in looking at applying to some Masters programs in the States since it seems less competitive (I could be wrong) than the Masters programs in Canada, where I am from.

 

I am not sure how to compare how competitive they are US vs Canada. I am not at this time aware of any Psych programs that take on students as master's terminal students, except those programs that do not do PhD's... It's a weird spot right now... Many Psych PhD students who are accepted have master's degrees but not in psychology... I personally got my master's in Ed Psych, but in hindsight I should have tried to get a master's in neuroscience if I could find it...

 

While a few big-named Canadian schools have a Masters-to-PhD track (1 year masters, then funnel into a 4 years PhD), I do know of some schools that have separate Masters and PhD components (2 years Masters, 3-4 years PhD), but in every single situation, people are admitted into the Masters program with the expectation that they will continue on with their PhD. The only reason that this distinction exists seems to be in how schools wish to admit students. For instance, my undergrad institution goes with an MA-to-PhD track format, and will force students to start in their MA year even if they already have a Masters. The schools that have separate MA/PhD components on the other hand will recruit students who already have an MA and place them in the PhD1 year rather than the MA1 year. I think Waterloo *might* actually recruit students from their Bachelors directly to their PhD program, but the other schools that had separate MA and PhD's will only recruit undergrads into their MA program.

Not sure if that answered anything, but I guess if you perceive more competition for Canadian MAs compared to American MAs, its likely due to the fact that even 2-year MAs that technically *are* terminal recruit students who have the potential to continue at that school for PhD.

Edited October 13, 2015 by Oshawott

[Recoverygurl]

Hey all. I am 4th years Honour's Psych. student at UBC applying to Clinical for next fall. Im looking at McGill, Dalhousie, Lakehead, Concordia, and a few others. How are everyone's GRE marks...and for those who have already been accepted and in Grad. school, how important do you feel our GRE scores are?

Thanks,

Jenn 

P.S. Jay that's so impressive you got into 3/5 schools, which ones'?

[TKYU]

Hey all. I am 4th years Honour's Psych. student at UBC applying to Clinical for next fall. Im looking at McGill, Dalhousie, Lakehead, Concordia, and a few others. How are everyone's GRE marks...and for those who have already been accepted and in Grad. school, how important do you feel our GRE scores are?

Thanks,

Jenn 

P.S. Jay that's so impressive you got into 3/5 schools, which ones'?

I'm applying to Lakehead too! I am retaking the GRE next month. 

Good luck with your applications!

[lewin]

I think Waterloo *might* actually recruit students from their Bachelors directly to their PhD program, but the other schools that had separate MA and PhD's will only recruit undergrads into their MA program.

On paper, admissions are to the MA but they automatically transfer everyone* to the PhD program at the end of year one. This arrangement is mostly so first years can apply for MA scholarships. The expectation is that everyone will stay for five years and leave with a PhD.

 

*exceptions for people who need to stay a MA to get their funding and for low performers.

[Guest joshw4288]

On paper, admissions are to the MA but they automatically transfer everyone* to the PhD program at the end of year one. This arrangement is mostly so first years can apply for MA scholarships. The expectation is that everyone will stay for five years and leave with a PhD.

 

*exceptions for people who need to stay a MA to get their funding and for low performers.

This is not correct for Canadian programs at all. You are admitted to the masters and progress to the PhD following defense of your thesis. The masters programs are two years followed by 4 years at the PhD level. They are separate programs (with some exceptions, like McGill), completely different from the American model wherein you are awarded a masters following the second year of the PhD program. Therefore, there are many people who come into Canadian PhD programs with American masters degrees and begin in the PhD program rather than the masters program. In total, you usually receive 6 years of total graduate level funding (2 at masters, 4 at PhD) for one extra year above the American model.

[EdNeuroGrl]

So, tangentially... I am being offered the choice of applying to a MSc program or a PhD program. I have talked to both the department administration and the PI of the lab I am applying to. Both are somewhat ambivalent. The department admin told me it would be up to the PI. The PI told me that it would be up to me and gave me a little perspective and he seemed mostly to focus on funding. This IS a Canadian university (Western), so I'm hoping I'm not overlooking anything.

I will be finishing my M.A. in the spring at a US university. It isn't a thesis based program, but I have a LOT of research experience which was the concern I had. The PI saw my research experience so he was not concerned about me starting as a master's student for that reason. He mentioned that if I decided to apply as a master's student and then wanted to switch to PhD they could do that easily, without doing a thesis etc. And the major drawback to applying as a PhD student is that I would get a maximum of 4 years of funding. 

I am leaning towards the MSc to go in because it seems like there would be more flexibility... since going into a masters wouldn't actually necessarily result in more time on the degree I'm not sure if there are factors I'm not considering.

Let me know your thoughts, and thanks a TON in advance!

[lewin]

This is not correct for Canadian programs at all. You are admitted to the masters and progress to the PhD following defense of your thesis. The masters programs are two years followed by 4 years at the PhD level. They are separate programs (with some exceptions, like McGill), completely different from the American model wherein you are awarded a masters following the second year of the PhD program. Therefore, there are many people who come into Canadian PhD programs with American masters degrees and begin in the PhD program rather than the masters program. In total, you usually receive 6 years of total graduate level funding (2 at masters, 4 at PhD) for one extra year above the American model.

To be clear: I was responding to the comment I quoted and meant at Waterloo, social psych to be exact. It's basically a direct entry PhD but on paper students are admitted as an MA, then transferred without doing a thesis (mostly).

ETA: "Students typically enter our PhD programs directly from undergraduate studies."

Edited October 16, 2015 by lewin

[Oshawott]

To be clear: I was responding to the comment I quoted and meant at Waterloo, social psych to be exact. It's basically a direct entry PhD but on paper students are admitted as an MA, then transferred without doing a thesis (mostly).

ETA: "Students typically enter our PhD programs directly from undergraduate studies."

Thanks for the clarification! I've actually always been wondering what Waterloo's policy was because their website (and the rumor mill) seems to discourage applicants to their MA programs.

 

So, tangentially... I am being offered the choice of applying to a MSc program or a PhD program. I have talked to both the department administration and the PI of the lab I am applying to. Both are somewhat ambivalent. The department admin told me it would be up to the PI. The PI told me that it would be up to me and gave me a little perspective and he seemed mostly to focus on funding. This IS a Canadian university (Western), so I'm hoping I'm not overlooking anything.

I will be finishing my M.A. in the spring at a US university. It isn't a thesis based program, but I have a LOT of research experience which was the concern I had. The PI saw my research experience so he was not concerned about me starting as a master's student for that reason. He mentioned that if I decided to apply as a master's student and then wanted to switch to PhD they could do that easily, without doing a thesis etc. And the major drawback to applying as a PhD student is that I would get a maximum of 4 years of funding. 

I am leaning towards the MSc to go in because it seems like there would be more flexibility... since going into a masters wouldn't actually necessarily result in more time on the degree I'm not sure if there are factors I'm not considering.

Let me know your thoughts, and thanks a TON in advance!

Was your MA in the same area? If its not, taking the extra two years might be helpful in terms of learning relevant skills since you're guaranteed to have funding for 2 years MA and 4 years PhD. If it was the same, then I'd say go directly to PhD since you may not want to waste another 2 years. There's also the Ontario Trillium Scholarship to consider, which is awarded to international PhD applicants (on a competitive basis, so talk to your POI about it). I'm not sure if you'd be eligible to compete for it if you start your MA here and then go on to your PhD.

Alternatively, see if you could apply on paper as a PhD just so you can compete for OTS, but then if you don't get it and decide you want to be admitted as an Master's student, if that would be an option.

Edited October 16, 2015 by Oshawott

[Jay's Brain]

So, tangentially... I am being offered the choice of applying to a MSc program or a PhD program. I have talked to both the department administration and the PI of the lab I am applying to. Both are somewhat ambivalent. The department admin told me it would be up to the PI. The PI told me that it would be up to me and gave me a little perspective and he seemed mostly to focus on funding. This IS a Canadian university (Western), so I'm hoping I'm not overlooking anything.

I will be finishing my M.A. in the spring at a US university. It isn't a thesis based program, but I have a LOT of research experience which was the concern I had. The PI saw my research experience so he was not concerned about me starting as a master's student for that reason. He mentioned that if I decided to apply as a master's student and then wanted to switch to PhD they could do that easily, without doing a thesis etc. And the major drawback to applying as a PhD student is that I would get a maximum of 4 years of funding. 

I am leaning towards the MSc to go in because it seems like there would be more flexibility... since going into a masters wouldn't actually necessarily result in more time on the degree I'm not sure if there are factors I'm not considering.

Let me know your thoughts, and thanks a TON in advance!

And...I'm back! Wow that first month of graduate school flew by in a hurried succession!

The 4 years of funding is the guarantee from Western, correct? There's still a possibility for you to apply for external funding? 

I guess the only thing that you may have to consider is how course work will align with you. I have a few people in my cohort who are technically in their PhD1 but have to complete a few Masters courses to compensate, because they were lacking in the area. I assume after the first year that hump goes away, but always good to check what the expectations are year by year. 

There does seem to be some flexibility from what you're saying, and if the PI is encouraging it, then that might be worthwhile to do the MSc like you said

[Guest joshw4288]

To be clear: I was responding to the comment I quoted and meant at Waterloo, social psych to be exact. It's basically a direct entry PhD but on paper students are admitted as an MA, then transferred without doing a thesis (mostly).

ETA: "Students typically enter our PhD programs directly from undergraduate studies."

Thanks for the clarification. Sorry I missed that.