Applying to NPSIA for 2018

[Chuupa]

I think french is definitively easier than certain languages, but the grammar is awful (I speak as a native french speaker). My neighbour tried multiple times to take the french exam for I'm not too sure what and failed everytime time. She eventually gave up. I don't know which level they expect people to reach, but being bilingual with french is hard, especially for the writing part. 

I think taking extra courses is a good idea ! I can also help, I did that before

Edited February 28, 2018 by Chuupa

[srudyk]

11 minutes ago, Sagnik_G said:

I agree, even though French is easier to learn than certain languages, it's unlikely to achieve full fluency in 2 years while pursuing a whole Intl. Affairs degree. I'm not exactly sure what they expect the level of fluency to be is, perhaps some of the people who are already in right now will be able to answer that better. If I had to guess though, I'd say perhaps Intermediate to Upper Intermediate maybe. 

I think I read somewhere that you need to achieve a B1 level of proficiency, which is intermediate level but certainly not completely fluent. This is specifically for German since that is what language I am interested in taking, but I think it would be similar for other languages.

[LoopyLex]

59 minutes ago, Darda18 said:

@LoopyLex Thank you fro answering our questions!

For those who are not accepted in the first round, would the department let us know where we are in the process if we call in, maybe our position on the waiting list?

I've been accepted to GSPIA with funding but have been stuck on "Recommended for Assessment" for over a month now, although I see that the online status isn't too accurate. I still haven't decided where I'll go, and got an extension on accepting my GSPIA offer, just worried about past horror stories of only hearing back in May/July.

No problem, it keeps the ladies in the office happy cause they have less calls, haha. As far as I know, they don't disclose where anyone is on the waiting list. Considering that no official acceptance letters have come out yet, I would probably hold off for now. I know it's hell to wait, but everyone should know somewhat where there standing is in the next few weeks.

53 minutes ago, sunshine18 said:

For those that are not strong in their second language, what do they usually do to strengthen it in order to pass the language test? also, do you only have 1 chance to pass it?

There's a lot of different routes for you to meet the language requirement! You can either prove you have a background in it (classes in undergraduate, immersion, etc) or take an intermediate level class and pass with a 70 or higher. There used to be just a general test you could try and pass for multiple languages, but the company that did it went under. Right now, you can also take a 5 month long online course for French (pretty sure it's just Rosetta Stone!) and if you pass the final test that counts. They're working on figuring out a new testing/learning option for other languages as well, but if you're planning on living in Canada, it doesn't make much sense to learn another language aside from French.

I'm from Northern Ontario, so never really got much in terms of second language training. Right now, I'm taking lower intermediate French to help improve my grammar and the basics, and then am planning on taking the online option this summer. While challenging to learn and language, take masters level classes, and be involved elsewhere, the language component is not as daunting as I originally felt it was.  

EDIT: Also, I know you're all probably sick of hearing about Duolingo...but Duolingo. I put in 10 minutes or so everyday over the summer since I was worried about my French, and it helped me to get into lower intermediate rather than just beginner. Other free language software is out there too if you're super worried about the language component and want to get a head start.

Edited February 28, 2018 by LoopyLex

[Risotto]

Loopylex, I'm sure I speak for everyone here when I say thank you for all of the invaluable advice and insight you've provided!

I just re-added Duolingo to my phone - great idea! My German is rusty and my French is essentially nonexistent.

As for the application, my last name starts with J, my references were all in by the end of November, but my statement of intent took some work and wasn't in until mid-January. I'm a domestic student. My top choices were Intelligence followed by Security. I don't have any updates to share other than that Carleton Central still has me down as "Recommended for assessment."

Edited February 28, 2018 by Risotto
Added more info

[Delidas]

Checked Carleton Central this afternoon, and my specialization is now specified as being Conflict Analysis and Conflict Resolution. 

[sandradee]

also checked Carleton central... my status is now "Review in progress by Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Affairs" and my specialisation says IOGP

[sunshine18]

45 minutes ago, sandradee said:

also checked Carleton central... my status is now "Review in progress by Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Affairs" and my specialisation says IOGP

Mine still says recommended for assessment. Hopefully I see what my specialization is soon!

[Irwi]

Not sure how relevant this is. I just got accepted into the MPPA program at Carleton. Still holding out hope for NPSIA as my first choice, but very relieving to know I have an option and will be in Ottawa this September.

[Corenn]

For people with GPSIA offers:

Did they specify in your admission offer whether or not part of that funding is from assistantships? I received funding, but it didn't mention assistantships even though I indicated in my application that I'm interested.

Thanks!

 

[Chuupa]

@Corenn Congrats on getting into GSPIA ! Did you apply to NPSIA as well ? And when did you receive your offer ? I am starting to stress so much. I really feel like I won't get in... Hopefully I'll get in SIDGS :'(

 

Edit : AHHHH !!!! I got in as well ! I went to see ... and I saw it. I cried. I am so so happy

Edited March 1, 2018 by Chuupa

[Corenn]

@Chuupa Don't overthink it, spending so much time this way is bad for your heart. All the best!

Also, are most people's GPSIA offers expiring this coming week? Is there another forum for GPSIA 2018 or is this the only international affairs one this year?

 

[Chuupa]

Mine is expiring on the 21st of march (still cannot believe it) ! And I don't think there's a thread only for GSPIA ^^ 

[gemmi]

Have you guys heard about another thread for Mcgill Political science MA applicants?

[deanlavi]

Hey all, 

I'm catching up on this thread and it's definitely bringing up some anxiety.

I've applied for munk and npsia, I'm in my 4th year of honors spec. Political Science and major in Criminology. My gpa is 3.7, cGPA 3.3, fluent in English, Hebrew, and Arabic.

President of a Poli Sci affiliated club (Transitional Justice and Post-Conflict Reconstruction), middle management experience working on/running political campaigns federally and municipally, 3 years experience of internships and fellowships in Canadian advocacy/lobbying groups (CJPAC and CIJA).

Been stuck at recommended for assessment for almost a month now. Have not gotten the acceptance email other here have and now Im starting to worry.

 

Those who've been accepted and current or alum MA npsia members on this forum, please chime in if you get the chance. How am I looking, and when do you think we'll/i'll know more 

 

Thanks everyone, and fingers crossed,

Dean

[Flyflyaway]

just joining in now (I've been lurking for a few days) 

I received an unofficial offer last week to npsia, my first choice is IOGP. my specialization hasn't been updated on carleton central. npsia is my first choice, but a few days ago I got into the MPPA at Carleton with almost full funding for the 2 years, and now am torn... I have till the 19th to accept, do you guys think we'll receive our official offers before then? I'm still thinking npsia regardless, i think? is there anyone here in the mppa program at carleton that could shed some light on their experience? or anyone that knows about the program?

 

also, congrats on everyones various acceptances and I'm crossing my fingers for those who have yet to hear!

Edited March 1, 2018 by Flyflyaway

[Lucky_Tere]

19 hours ago, Darda18 said:

@LoopyLex Thank you fro answering our questions!

For those who are not accepted in the first round, would the department let us know where we are in the process if we call in, maybe our position on the waiting list?

I've been accepted to GSPIA with funding but have been stuck on "Recommended for Assessment" for over a month now, although I see that the online status isn't too accurate. I still haven't decided where I'll go, and got an extension on accepting my GSPIA offer, just worried about past horror stories of only hearing back in May/July.

Hi @Darda 18, I am in the same position as you, and my deadline for GSPIA is March 2rd. Could you plz share how did you get the extension? Thank you

[Irwi]

Were all informal email offers sent on the same day, or have they been coming gradually?

[Delidas]

Sort of a broadband reply to a lot of people, but getting extensions has been pretty easy for me. 

I applied to six different programs - because I guess I have too much time on my hands - and still haven't heard back from two of them. I've sent Emails to the respective admissions offices of the three schools that have formally accepted me, detailing my situation in a straightforward way, and they've all been happy to acquiesce to an extension. Queen's extended the deadline by twenty days for me, and while it may be anecdotal, I think that if a school likes you enough to admit you, they'll do their best to accommodate you. 

Just send an Email off, be frank, and you really can't go wrong. 

[spadeofhearts]

8 hours ago, deanlavi said:

Hey all, 

I'm catching up on this thread and it's definitely bringing up some anxiety.

I've applied for munk and npsia, I'm in my 4th year of honors spec. Political Science and major in Criminology. My gpa is 3.7, cGPA 3.3, fluent in English, Hebrew, and Arabic.

President of a Poli Sci affiliated club (Transitional Justice and Post-Conflict Reconstruction), middle management experience working on/running political campaigns federally and municipally, 3 years experience of internships and fellowships in Canadian advocacy/lobbying groups (CJPAC and CIJA).

Been stuck at recommended for assessment for almost a month now. Have not gotten the acceptance email other here have and now Im starting to worry.

 

Those who've been accepted and current or alum MA npsia members on this forum, please chime in if you get the chance. How am I looking, and when do you think we'll/i'll know more 

 

Thanks everyone, and fingers crossed,

Dean

Hi Dean - I would not worry too much. Thus far, it seems that everyone's assessment has remained at 'recommended for assessment.' It also seems that very few people on this thread received an acceptance email, unofficially. 

Apparently we are due to know for certain in mid march. 

Hang in there - no news is good news too! 

 

[abibret]

5 hours ago, Lucky_Tere said:

Hi @Darda 18, I am in the same position as you, and my deadline for GSPIA is March 2rd. Could you plz share how did you get the extension? Thank you

Just email them and say that you are waiting to hear from NPSIA, and ask if it would be possible to receive an extension on the deadline.

This can sometimes also serve as a good negotiation strategy. If they know you have interest in another school/program, and if they really want you to accept their offer, they may increase their funding offer as an incentive. This happened to me - I asked a different school for an extension on the deadline because I hadn't heard from NPSIA, which they provided, and a few hours later I received another scholarship offer from them. 

Edited March 1, 2018 by abibret

[Darda18]

8 hours ago, Lucky_Tere said:

Hi @Darda 18, I am in the same position as you, and my deadline for GSPIA is March 2rd. Could you plz share how did you get the extension? Thank you

As most others have said, you can just ask. I myself called their office and let them know, and she informed me that she put an extension until April.

Just  to be safe, I also asked what would happen if I accepted and then changed my mind. They simply said it would be a bit more work for them, but that I wouldn't actually lose anything or be forced to attend (haha imagine that).

[limbsun]

@Chuupa Omg congrats!! Are you planning to accept your offer from GSPIA or are you also waiting to hear back from other programs?

[Delidas]

Just got my official offer from NPSIA. If you received an unofficial Email last week, I'd check Carleton Central. The funding is broken up into a few different categories, but mine totals out to about 29K for the two years.

Not too shabby.

Now to wait on Geneva...

Edited March 1, 2018 by Delidas

[sandradee]

Received my official offer as well. 15k. not sure what I think about that. Good luck to everyone else! 

[sunshine18]

25 minutes ago, Delidas said:

Just got my official offer from NPSIA. If you received an unofficial Email last week, I'd check Carleton Central. The funding is broken up into a few different categories, but mine totals out to about 29K for the two years.

Not too shabby.

Now to wait on Geneva...

Congrats on the funding! I'm still waiting for my status to change from recommended for assessment and my specialization. Hoepfully I get to know soon and how much funding im offered