UoAlberta MSc Multimedia or McMaster MEng Software engineering and virtual systems design

[tallestfinder]

This is my first post here, so please go easy on me with the forum rules

I applied to a lot of Computer science and engineering related programs in Canada, out of which UoAlberta's MSc in computing science with specialisation in Multimedia and McMaster's MEng in software engineering and virtual systems design programs were my first choices ( I'm interested in game development, graphics and HCI, so the programs seemed like a good fit ).

I got accepted into the program at UoAlberta a while ago, but I'm still waiting for McMaster to give an admission verdict   Since I'm an international student, it'll take me a few weeks to get a study permit and visa and all other relevant documentation done before the programs start, and since it's already almost June, I'm a bit worried about my chances to get into McMaster Personally, I wish to get into McMaster because the program seems to be a better fit than Alberta's program by just a little bit. 

So, can you guys advise me if I should keep waiting for McMaster to give its verdict, or should I just go with the UoAlberta program? Any advise would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

[mcmaster2017]

I don't know by the time I am writing this what has happened, but generally there are lots of factors you should consider before making a decision.

Which of the professors you are more interested in working with? Is funding important for you (I am 90% sure it is because you are an international student)? Do you have any financial support rather beside university (family, friends, ...)? You should also notice the weather of the city in which the university is located. I've heared that Edmonton is colder than Alberta. I think the overall ranking between these 2 universities is not very different but UofAlberta has better ranking in CS, right?

 

Edited June 11, 2017 by mcmaster2017

[tallestfinder]

20 hours ago, mcmaster2017 said:

I don't know by the time I am writing this what has happened, but generally there are lots of factors you should consider before making a decision.

Which of the professors you are more interested in working with? Is funding important for you (I am 90% sure it is because you are an international student)? Do you have any financial support rather beside university (family, friends, ...)? You should also notice the weather of the city in which the university is located. I've heared that Edmonton is colder than Alberta. I think the overall ranking between these 2 universities is not very different but UofAlberta has better ranking in CS, right?

 

Thanks for the reply! 

I've taken all factors into consideration regarding professors I desire to work with, living conditions, funding, etc. and still was really confused about the decision, hence this forum post

McMaster does seem like a better option overall considering it's nearer to Toronto, so it'll be easier to get some work experience in my non-course terms, also the weather seems a bit more liveable. While alberta is a better university when it  comes to CS, both universities are pretty much neck and neck when it comes to game development and other related applications (ex. HCI), but the mcmaster program is more oriented towards direct game development applications (real time systems, etc.) while the Alberta program is much more general.

The main problem with the mcmaster program is that it's already way too late, any more delays and I won't be able to get all relevant documentation done on time before classes begin. So I'm really inclined towards Alberta right now, even though I'd prefer mcmaster...

Really need some advice whether it's worth the wait, or if someone has any idea when McMaster will be rolling out final decisions.

[qkhitai]

I'm off to UoA myself, albeit in a different program. Can't offer much advice as I haven't arrived yet, but there aren't many of us around here, so it's nice to see someone considering it.

What's the deal with your UoA admission? How long do you have to accept the offer? Or have you accepted it and you're considering rescinding it if you get a McMaster admission? Also, have you gotten in touch with McMaster to ask what the delay is - or if they can clarify the situation? 

Edited June 12, 2017 by qkhitai

[tallestfinder]

20 minutes ago, qkhitai said:

I'm off to UoA myself, albeit in a different program. Can't offer much advice as I haven't arrived yet, but there aren't many of us around here, so it's nice to see someone considering it.

What's the deal with your UoA admission? How long do you have to accept the offer? Or have you accepted it and you're considering rescinding it if you get a McMaster admission? Also, have you gotten in touch with McMaster to ask what the delay is - or if they can clarify the situation? 

Accepted the UoA offer, but will rescind it if McMaster gives me an admission, however it seems to be too late if the offer doesn't come within this week..  

I have e-mailed McMaster quite a lot of times (not bordering on spam, but still quite a lot), and they haven't bothered to reply even once. I know the website specifically mentions that e-mails regarding application status will not be replied to, so I merely asked them when they'll be rolling out final decisions, but still, no reply from their side.

Also, might I ask which program you're planning on joining?

 

EDIT: Just read your description (?), East Asian studies sounds exotic!

Edited June 12, 2017 by tallestfinder

[qkhitai]

Maybe others with more experience with the application cycle will know more, but mid June seems quite late to still be sorting applications out. I'm going through my own visa processes now as a fellow international grad and it seems like I'm looking at nearly a month minimum to get it sorted out. I'd feel more comfortable with a bit of a bigger cushion though, in case anything goes wrong, so sorting out a visa is probably something you need to do asap (let alone finding accommodation and booking flights etc). I'd probably lean towards cutting your losses with McMaster if I were you and coming to UoA (not biased!). The more you wait, the more stressful your summer will be and the more risks you run.

Yeah I'm off to do East Asian Studies, should be fun!

Edited June 12, 2017 by qkhitai

[mcmaster2017]

3 hours ago, tallestfinder said:

Thanks for the reply! 

I've taken all factors into consideration regarding professors I desire to work with, living conditions, funding, etc. and still was really confused about the decision, hence this forum post

McMaster does seem like a better option overall considering it's nearer to Toronto, so it'll be easier to get some work experience in my non-course terms, also the weather seems a bit more liveable. While alberta is a better university when it  comes to CS, both universities are pretty much neck and neck when it comes to game development and other related applications (ex. HCI), but the mcmaster program is more oriented towards direct game development applications (real time systems, etc.) while the Alberta program is much more general.

The main problem with the mcmaster program is that it's already way too late, any more delays and I won't be able to get all relevant documentation done on time before classes begin. So I'm really inclined towards Alberta right now, even though I'd prefer mcmaster...

Really need some advice whether it's worth the wait, or if someone has any idea when McMaster will be rolling out final decisions.

I think it's better to send an e-mail to your supervisor and explain your situation. Tell him/her that you need to prepare documents for visa and you need the official letter of acceptance. Professor can make things be done faster, I think. I have an offer form McMaster, too (Master in Computing and software) but I received my offer like one month ago. I think it takes about 4-5 weeks for international students to receive their visa. I am not sure, but I think this time varies from country to country. Where are you from?

Edited June 12, 2017 by mcmaster2017

[tallestfinder]

7 hours ago, mcmaster2017 said:

I think it's better to send an e-mail to your supervisor and explain your situation. Tell him/her that you need to prepare documents for visa and you need the official letter of acceptance. Professor can make things be done faster, I think. I have an offer form McMaster, too (Master in Computing and software) but I received my offer like one month ago. I think it takes about 4-5 weeks for international students to receive their visa. I am not sure, but I think this time varies from country to country. Where are you from?

I'll try emailing the profs, but as qkhitai said, I think it's time to cover my losses with McMaster and move forward with UoA.

Last conversation I had with a professor was in early April and he seemed really interested (can't take names), but it's all been silent ever since.

The processing time for the study permit in my country is around 40 to 45 days, that's why I'm worried even more, because I'd have to get a medical exam done before the study permit application, and the exam requires a letter of acceptance from the university that I'll be attending..

[formerfactory]

You made a good choice by selecting U of A, the reason is two fold.  One a MEng is a professional based program with usually course work and a project and two little or no funding is available.  As an International Student MEng programs in Canada would be financially crippling to most.  MASc offers a better option since it is funded (usually) and the tuition is much less than an MEng, especially for international students.