flopson Posted March 31, 2014 Share Posted March 31, 2014 Apologies for starting so many self-centred threads but the forum seems slow so... I just got accepted into Queens MA with a TA-ship. My profile was not strong and so I am VERY happy and will almost definitely accept (I have ten days and am wait-listed for U of T and UBC MA; unless they accept me soon this is by far my best offer--other admits: McGill MA (10K$) and BGSE (no $)) Having said that, I am not TOTALLY stoked about the prospect of living in Kingston, Ontario. I grew up and have lived in Montreal my whole life, a fairly big, culturally bumping city with a lot going on (and that I participate in to a large degree--often to the detriment of my studies.) HOWEVER, it's only a year and I am eager to buckle down and cram economics for 10 months without all the distractions of my home city. I love that I will have an office (!) and I love that there is a mandatory thesis and that I will be a TA. The rent doesn't look too high. If the department is really as "collegiate" as rumours indicate, that would be great. Mainly I am just looking for some reassurance. Not necessarily to make the decision, but to ease my mind. I will likely accept before finding out if I got through wait-list at UBC or Toronto. They want me to give a "firm-acceptance" by April 10, whatever that means. Basically looking for someone to say "you are crazy for even feeling slightly hesitant about this." My main question is: are Queens placements really that good? I have no chance of ever getting into top 10 or 15 PhD but anything top 20 - 30 would be an astronomical achievement given my UG grades. Is there really room to improve by acing an MA if your undergrad GPA is bad? Or is it just confirmation bias (best students who would have gotten into top programs regardless apply to best MA programs then get in)? The most recent threads I could find on Queens placement were from 2007, and my impression was that it had a better record than U of T or UBC. Is there any indication that this is still the case? Links to useful threads also helpful (Advanced Search function not working for me) and any info from Queens students or alumni. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BiggyK Posted March 31, 2014 Share Posted March 31, 2014 I have already accepted my offer of admission from Queen's and I am also hoping to hear from Queen's students/alumni. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Josh21 Posted March 31, 2014 Share Posted March 31, 2014 congrats, good to know it all worked out. I'm from mcgill too although 2 years away from graduating. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
What next Posted April 1, 2014 Share Posted April 1, 2014 I think you should be thrilled to go to Queens. However, I don't see any harm in waiting until the last minute to post your acceptance. Why not see if you have others options (meaning you got through UBC or UofT's waitlist). Also, while I haven't ever looked at Canadian Master's placements, the big 3 (Queen's, U of T, and UBC) for them are supposed to be legit. So yeah, it's quite feasible if you do well to crack the top 30. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JoanneBschool Posted April 9, 2014 Share Posted April 9, 2014 I completed a masters program at Queen's last August, and heading back this fall for a masters/PhD program. I grew up in Ottawa so was hesitant about living in Kingston- but ended up really enjoying it. Most students live within walking distance to campus, which is right on the lake and close to downtown. It's also close to Toronto/Montreal/Ottawa and it's fairly easy to get Rideshares for when you want to visit home. It is a smaller city, but I think you get out what effort you put in. There is a lot you can do to get involved with the community and explore the area. If you do attend, a good start to the year may be to attend orientation events for graduate students put on by the School of Graduate Studies. It's a good way to meet new people and develop a support network. As for placements, I think it really depends on your particular program. From what I understand in my own program, what they look for in PhD applicants is how well you do in coursework, research project and publications. I would talk to your supervisor and the department to get a sense of what the MA would offer you and how it could fit into your long-term plans. Good luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flopson Posted April 9, 2014 Author Share Posted April 9, 2014 Thanks for the post. Would you mind if i PM'd you some specific questions about the program? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JoanneBschool Posted April 9, 2014 Share Posted April 9, 2014 Not at all. Send me a PM :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hockey2014 Posted April 16, 2014 Share Posted April 16, 2014 I am trying to decide between an MA in Economics at Queen's or University of Toronto. I have heard negative things about the program at the University of Toronto from a former student who graduated last year. However, it seems that most people on this forum would place U of T before Queen's. Can anyone offer advice on which program they think is better if I am planning on working in the private sector after? Also this is my first time posting so sorry if it is posted in the wrong place! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
setsanto Posted April 16, 2014 Share Posted April 16, 2014 Can anyone offer advice on which program they think is better if I am planning on working in the private sector after? Toronto is more centrally located, and consequently has a greater number of recruiters come through town. Both are very good programs though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
QuickShare Posted May 3, 2014 Share Posted May 3, 2014 flopson congrats, could you show your profile? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flopson Posted May 8, 2014 Author Share Posted May 8, 2014 flopson congrats, could you show your profile? i posted most of my relevant grades here: http://www.www.urch.com/forums/phd-economics/148587-profile-evaluation.html#post954354 the other grades that were on my transcript at the time i applied were Advanced Calculus B- Honours Analysis 3 B (Grad) Geometry & Topology B+ Probability B Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sevet Posted May 8, 2014 Share Posted May 8, 2014 What ended up happening with UT and UBC? From your profile I assume you got into both places? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flopson Posted May 8, 2014 Author Share Posted May 8, 2014 Rejected from both Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sevet Posted May 8, 2014 Share Posted May 8, 2014 And therein lies the mystery of this whole application process. My friend and I both got rejected by Queens but accepted by UBC. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
123yup Posted May 9, 2014 Share Posted May 9, 2014 And therein lies the mystery of this whole application process. My friend and I both got rejected by Queens but accepted by UBC. Are you an international student? It might explain the mystery. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sevet Posted May 9, 2014 Share Posted May 9, 2014 Are you an international student? It might explain the mystery. Nope, Canadian citizen and did my undergrad in Ontario. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flopson Posted May 9, 2014 Author Share Posted May 9, 2014 My friend and I both got rejected by Queens but accepted by UBC. I'll trade you ;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sevet Posted May 9, 2014 Share Posted May 9, 2014 If we could trade, I would haha Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.