Funding is a factor for research based students. My supervisor-to-be and the dept. coordinator told me about it before I applied. However, of course, it also depends on the applicant's credentials (publications, grades, previous research experience etc.).Blast said:
as for me, silence means there isnt really any changes on my application status to mcgill yet... the wait is agonizingyankitwizzy said:
Contrary to your beliefs I think Montreal is quite expensive compared to other cities in Canada. Don't get fooled by price tags. The VAT/GST and PST taxes + MANDATORY TIP (wtf?) is pretty highJosh21 said:
But if you are smart, you can file for tax returns each fiscal year and you get some money back(~ $80-100) from govt depending upon your stated income/expenses. 'Good' pizza is pretty expensive too compared to shitty street stuff and same goes with 'good' restaurants where you actually sit and eat (not Subway/McDs). Spending $100/week is insane too. If you buy groceries and make your own food at home, you can live in $150-200/month comfortably. Be flexible in food. Try Arabic/Lebanese/Chinese cuisine from time to time along with Indian stuff. Rent, as you have stated, is OK. Its not worth for what you pay usually but if you hunt well (the way I have roamed on Montreal streets) you can get a good deal. Renting a studio is pretty bad too. Its more expensive, and boring IMO. Try for new constructions in concrete. They will give you less trouble. 
I think mandatory tip is for all provinces? I havent really been forced to tip anyone here though yet, its awkward if you dont but yes still optional.sue_in said:Contrary to your beliefs I think Montreal is quite expensive compared to other cities in Canada. Don't get fooled by price tags. The VAT/GST and PST taxes + MANDATORY TIP (wtf?) is pretty high
Coming to the point about language, culture and traditions, be prepared for a culture shock if you are from a small town in India/Pak. The metro/NCR guys are well-off as we are used to this stuff day in and day out. Language is predominantly French on my side of the hill (Mount Royal) in and around UdeM, HEC and Poly and English on the other side of the hill (Downtown - McGill and Concordia). I personally find this francophone region better as I see more open spaces, less huge buildings (which I have got bored of) and less desis (gives me an opportunity to improve French, try French cuisine etc) The french which they speak here is pretty much different from the French in France. Its more of a Quebecois accent - harsh and loud (Pardonnez moi Mesdames et Messieurs)
Also, get a bike (aka cycle in India) here. Its almost mandatory if you want to travel, explore and have fun. The metro is not as good as Delhi/Bangalore Metro. Its better than Kolkata Metro though. Buses are definitely better and awesome but rates public transit rates are high as compared to homeland.
Standard is around 10% tip I guess but I'm pretty sure thats the same in other major cities like Vancouver aswell so its pretty much the same overall.sue_in said:
lol. yeah the wait is really agonizing. My status has been on "ready for review" for a long time now. I noticed that if you have good stats and a scholarship, they admit you quickly. What are you stats? Do you know anything about the average stats for MEng (Thesis) for ECE?bigkahuna said:as for me, silence means there isnt really any changes on my application status to mcgill yet... the wait is agonizing
how bout yours?
I just contacted the graduate coordinator in the department I am applying for, they said they will send out notifications within this month!... more agonizing wait!yankitwizzy said:
Did the prof promise you anything? Did he conduct an interview for you?bigkahuna said:I just contacted the graduate coordinator in the department I am applying for, they said they will send out notifications within this month!... more agonizing wait!
I am applying for PhD in Biological sciences, and had been in contact with a prof. I applied for a fellowship, but still pending in decision. I am not sure, maybe they are still waiting if I will get a secured fund before they finally decide what to do with me! LOL
The fellow that got admission into Mechanical Engineering. did his status on Minerva change from "Ready for Review" to something else before he got the admission? Does he have funding? Do you know his stats?Blast said:
hi, the prof. actually have some offer (scholarships, TA/RA etc), but I prefer an external fellowship. We just made tons of email exchanges and a very casual skype conversation.yankitwizzy said:
Sorry I'm responding now. I do not know about the mechanical guy's minerva status. Yes he had full funding before he applied, and graduated with first class honors in Mechanical Engineering. I do not know his exact GPA.yankitwizzy said:
