Any hope to get one of those schools?!

[CS_Student]

I am applying for Master in CS. I am generally interested in theoretical computer science (combinatorics, complexity ... )

Here is my package:

GRE: Verbal = 570 - Quantitative = 780 - Analytical = 4.5
TOEFL iBT: 109 (Speaking = 22, Writing = 29)

No GRE subject test.

LORs: Not very helpful, I think. I have got my B.Sc. from Ain Shams University (an Egyptian university = unknown professors) so my recommendation letters don't worth a penny, but they are all positive (some of them are extremely positive).

GPA: My overall grade of the 4-years undergrad studies= 91%. I have also finished a one-year graduate program (Pre-Masters) at the same university, with an overall grade of Very Good (80%-90%)

Transcripts: Nice. Most of my Math and CS-related scores are above 85% (some are 100%) but my score in theory of computation is 75%; it is one of my lowest scores ever, although this is my field of interest (Is it going to give a bad impression?)

Research Experience: Almost nothing!

Personal Statement: Not very impressing!

I depend completely on departmental financial aid (teaching assistantship and research assistantship). I am currently a teaching assistant at my school, perhaps it may support me.

The universities I am applying for:
Toronto
Waterloo
McGill
British Columbia
Calgary
Alberta

What do you think of my chances? Should I seek some lower universities? Are there other Canadian universities that offer a full coverage of tuition fees and living expenses for Masters students?

(Thank you in advance for your interest)

[MDK]

Are there other Canadian universities that offer a full coverage of tuition fees and living expenses for Masters students?

I would suggest York university. They offer a good package for MS students

Frankly, your list is full with the best universities in Canada . I think you should consider some safe choices such Concordia and McMaster ( I'm not sure if they have your research interest)

I guess the most ambitious college of your list is U of Toronto , not only because it's the best in Canada but also the complexity research lab is one of the best among the world ( since Stephen Cook is there).

Finally, your profile isn't bad, in fact it's a good one; Just remember to apply to widely ranked universities

[CalmLogic]

You may want to call up the University of Utah and ask them how many TA positions they offer to international MS applicants. They certainly seem to offer more than most other places:

http://www.urch.com/forums/computer-...tml#post513141 (2 questions - really finding it hard to get answers - Regding MS)

[CS_Student]

Thank you guys for your precious advice. I have added York, McMaster and Utah to my list. Concordia doesn't have my research interests at all.

I still have the capacity to apply for one or two more schools, would anybody suggest more safe choices for me?


Thank you for your cooperation.

[CalmLogic]

If you don't know already, Utah's application deadline is December 15th! HURRY! Submit as much as you can to them by that date and have the rest (recommendation letters, etc.) sent later if need be.

U of U School of Computing - Graduate Admissions

[CS_Student]

If you don't know already, Utah's application deadline is December 15th! HURRY! Submit as much as you can to them by that date and have the rest (recommendation letters, etc.) sent later if need be.

I am really grateful for your concern. I have already submitted my application and my transcripts.

All that remain are the TOEFL/GRE scores. I think they will reach Utah a week after the deadline.

[CalmLogic]

I still have the capacity to apply for one or two more schools, would anybody suggest more safe choices for me?

There are a lot of other safe/safer choices but the issue is financial aid. If you would settle for a partial tuition waiver at UF, that's one consideration.

Except for UF, I don't know of other schools with relatively low tuition rates that offer partial tuition waivers to a substantial number of MS applicants. Except for Utah, I don't know of other schools that are known for giving out a significant number of TA positions prior to the first semester.

[MDK]

BTW, Canadian Universities are more generous than American one's when it comes to Msc students.
RA is always given to PhD students. and TA is almost bonded with TSE, so if you want to be a TA from the first semester I would recommend giving the TSE

[CalmLogic]

BTW, Canadian Universities are more generous than American one's when it comes to Msc students.

Right, if CS_Student is admitted into a Canadian school like Toronto, he is home free regarding financial aid.