Canuck19

Thanks for the suggestions mathenomics and EasternLance! To be honest, I had thought about obtaining an RA position in the past; but, from what I had gathered, prior research experience - while certainly beneficial - was not necessarily a requirement for many Masters programs. Moreover, my full-course load and job during the academic year, being responsible for an additional RA-ship was simply not in the cards; and, my lack of finances somewhat detracted from my ability to do RA work in the summer. Accordingly, my plan is now to look for RA work as EasternLance suggested: i.e. following my Masters (assuming I can get into one).

Thanks for the reply, CanadianEcon. UVic was primarily selected for safety reasons and, in comparison to other "safe" schools, it offered closer proximity to home. I have considered U of T, but was unsure of its competitiveness in terms of admission compared to my other choice schools (UBC, UWO, Queens). However that's good to know that they do offer many more spots. Thanks again. Much appreciated!

PROFILE: Type of Undergrad: B.A. in Economics (Satellite Campus of Top-5 Canadian School, i.e. mid-low tier) Undergrad GPA: 3.95/4.33 (85%), Econ 4.00/4.33 (86%) Type of Grad: N/A Grad GPA: N/A GRE: N/A Math Courses: Calculus I (90, A+), Calculus II (100, A+), Calculus III (82, A-), Linear Algebra (89, A), Applied Linear Algebra (89, A), Mathematical Proofs (93, A+), Linear Optimization (68, B-), Real Analysis (TBD) Econ Courses: Intro Micro (71, B-), Intro Macro (84, A-), Int. Micro I (87, A), Int. Macro (82, A-), Int. Micro II (83, A-), Economic History (95, A+), International Finance (85, A), Labour Economics (95, A+), Intro Stats for Econ (86, A), Intro Econometrics (91, A+). To be determined: Advanced Micro, Advanced Macro, Advanced Econometrics, Financial Econ, International Trade, Economics of NA/Europe/East Asia. Other Courses: Intro Stats (A+), Two English Courses (B, B-), Sociology (A-), Two Pysch (A, A), Five Poli Sci (A, A, A, A-, A-), One Phil (A). Some others in progress. Letters of Recommendation: Three Econ professors; knew me by name before asking for their recommendations (if that means anything). All said they would write me a strong recommendation. One served as the TA coordinator. Research Experience: None, beyond course work. Teaching Experience: Served as Undergrad TA for both Economics and Math. Research Interests: Applied Micro (IO, Labour), Econometrics, Financial Econ I have currently applied to MA programs at Queen’s, Western, and UVic. Looking at UBC, SFU, Ottawa, Calgary, and Waterloo for 5 schools in total. For the final two spots, however, I have concerns about my lack of research experience and GRE; specifically, I’m worried that if I apply to UBC and SFU (the two that I’d prefer) that such deficiencies may result in all out rejection, considering the reputation of those schools nationally. So, what do you think my chances are at those schools (particularly Queen’s, Western, UVic, SFU, UBC)? Should I add another safety school in favour of SFU or UBC? I’m willing to hear all suggestions, even if you suggest a school other than those listed. Thanks for your time. It’s much appreciated.