UBC Funding

[kuejai]

I have until May 1 to decide whether I want to attend UBC-MA, but I got only partial scholarship. Does that means I might get TA if others decline the offer?

[econyun]

Originally Posted by Thesus

I doubt it matters. I had poor-to-mediocre funding at the UBC MA, told the graduate officer that I had much better money at Rochester, he said he'd get back to me, he never did, they revoked my offer (it was past March 24th) while I was waiting to hear from him.

are u going to Rochester?

[Canuckonomist]

This may partially answer keujai's question, but I feel I should post this because it embodies the coldness that is Maureen Chin, and how the administration there has turned me off the department.

So I sent the following e-mail to Maureen 2 weeks ago.



Maureen Chin,

Thank you for your letter regarding my acceptance. I am pleased to know that I have been admitted, as UBC is my top choice. It is unfortunate to hear about the unavailability of funding and financial support, but on that topic, I have a question.

I know a few colleagues of mine (not many, but a few,) who have received scholarships and TAships, but are planning on turning down the offer (by March 24th, which I hear is the date that they need to confirm.) Is there a waitlist for these positions? Does the department pass them on as they become available? In the chance that there is a waitlist, when we would we know if TAships were passed on?

Thanks for all your time, it is very much appreciated.


I thought the e-mail was fair, and friendly, and perhaps UBC would let me know how things work there.

Today I get this:

All applicants are automatically considered for funding, TAships and RAships.


We cannot offer you any funding. You are not on the waiting list for money.


We hope that you will still be able to come to UBC.

So cold. (my apologies to anyone who enjoys Maureen's company. Perhaps it's just me.)

[kuejai]

Canuckonomist,
Thanks for the info. I can't believe that Maureen actually answered her email. I guess no funding for sure then.
However, when I applied, I turned in my application since November. When I get my fall grades, I emailed her and asked if she can add that to my profile. She basically said like I have to send an official transcript there. A couple days later, I got email from her and asked for unofficial transcript. So I sent it to her. I think she has a standard email for each question or something. i.e. when she sees the word transcript, she just copies and paste and send it out
Though I really like Vancouver, Maureen makes me feel uncomfortable to accept the offer...

[canecon]

I don't actually know Maureen, but I've heard some bad stories about the Econ secretaries at UBC. But let me tell you that it would be very silly to base your decision on attending a program based on a graduate secretary!!!!!

[mogelsworth]

I agree wtih canecon. While Maureen was slow to respond to me earlier this year (she was helpful, just slow), and it sounds like others have had bad experiences, it's a big leap to assume that she is representative of the department.

Perhaps if the other departments that accepted me were falling over themselves to encourage my attendance, my interaction with Maureen would've bothered me more. Frankly, it just seems like she's busy and gets many emails.

[flipecon1]

hey canuckonomist. i actually got exactly the same response. haha.

[kuejai]

Originally Posted by flipecon1

hey canuckonomist. i actually got exactly the same response. haha.

Is it exactly the same wording? If so, my theory is d*mn right!!!

[flipecon1]

yup, same wordings. it takes them forever to respond.