Big Dilemma - Do I have any chance to study a MSc Physics in Canada?

[Rodapics07]

Hello, everyone! I hope you have a great day.

I'm from Colombia, and I'm currently in my last year of a Bachelor of Science in Physics with an AGPA of 4.3/5 (Colombian Scale) and 3.6/4.0 (converted using Scholaro). I'm from a top university in Colombia, but we're ranked in the top 2000 on the QS World University Rankings. I submitted the TOEFL with an 89/120 score, and I'm planning to submit it again with the goal of getting a +100 score.

I'm hoping to get a Master's in Physics in Canada next year. I'm thinking of applying to McGill University, the University of Waterloo, the University of Toronto, and the University of British Columbia. I've already emailed about 20 professors to ask if they'll be accepting students in their research groups next year. I'm hoping to find out if there are any openings. So far, only three have replied, and they all say there aren't any spots left.

Before I start the application process, I'd really like to know if there's a good chance of getting admitted to one of those universities. I don't want to undervalue myself by underestimating my chances, but every application involves a fee, and I'd like to know that it's not a waste of money.

Also, I know that every university has a system for calculating GPAs on a 4.0 scale, but can I trust the GPA that the university gives me? I really want to know this because for some universities my GPA is like 3.7, but for others it is 3.3, and in the worst case it is 3.0. Can I trust in the GPA that scholaro give me?


Thanks for your attention :D

 

[CrysPhys]

Also, I know that every university has a system for calculating GPAs on a 4.0 scale, but can I trust the GPA that the university gives me? I really want to know this because for some universities my GPA is like 3.7, but for others it is 3.3, and in the worst case it is 3.0. Can I trust in the GPA that scholaro give me?

You should contact each candidate university for this. They will either do their own conversion, or, more likely, designate one or more agencies that, for a fee, will do the conversion (as well as determine how equivalent your degree is to a domestic one).

 

[Vanadium 50]

First of all, the only way to tell if you will get in is to apply.

Next, you aren't just looking at "a university in Canada". You are looking at one of the very best universities in Canada. You are asking to move up >1900 places in the rankings with a GPA that, at best, would not guarantee admission from a similarly tiered Canadian university and at worse (the 3.0) would likely exclude you. Your TOEFL may get better, but as of now, isn't.

You didn't mention any factors beyond grades that might move the needle in your favor.

Finally, beware of admission requirements listed on web sites. If it says. for example "Minimum GPA 3.2" that does not mean they have to take you if you are above that number. It means they will not take you if it is below. The actual threshold may be considerably higher.

 

[Vanadium 50]

To add: I don't see why this is a "dilemma". Yes, there are some unfortunate aspects, but that doesn't make it a dilemma. You won't get in if you don't apply. It;s that simple.

I looked for US universities ranked near #2000 and found none. I did find some around 1400. If I student graduated from one of those with a 3.3-3.6 (which seems to be around the middle of the converted range) and told me they wanted to do graduate work at Toronto, my advice would be to apply more broadly. Much more broadly.

 

[Mondayman]

Worth noting too that Toronto is amongst the most expensive places to live in North America.

 

[gwnorth]

You haven't provided enough information to determine your chances but given your list of universities I'm presuming you're wanting to do a thesis-based research masters. If this is the case then you'll need to have significant research experience as well as very strong letters of recommendation. You're also correct that you're definitely going to need a higher TOEFL score.

Even given that, the programs you've listed are among the top programs in the country and ranked within the top 100 globally. If your GPA conversion is correct, you're just not realistically a competitive applicant for these specific programs.

To give you a comparison my son was admitted to a master's at UBC and a direct-entry PhD at UofT. His profile was:

- 4.0 GPA from a highly selective research university with an Honours BSc in Physics and a minor in Math
- 24 months of research experience working in several different labs, both at the university and in industry
- completion an independent senior year thesis which lead to a poster presentation at a national conference (and the potential for a paper that he's still working on)
- recipient of a national undergraduate research award and various departmental and university awards
- 2 years experience working as an undergraduate teaching assistant
- 3 very strong letters of recommendation

Even then he was rejected by McGill (after an interview) and the Perimeter Institute for a master's.

This isn't to say that you couldn't get admitted to a Physics MSc in Canada provided you have relevant research experience, just that you should expand your search beyond these 4 schools (unless they're the only ones you would consider attending).

 

[Vanadium 50]

There has been some student unrest in Ontario, with failing students, many international, protesting their grades. I do not know if this will impact the number of international students admitted going forward, but if it does, it will probably not be to increase them.

 

[gwnorth]

Most of that "unrest" has been at one university, Algoma, which has developed the reputation of being a "degree mill" targeting international students. There's been a crackdown on the over enrolment of international students at the college diploma and university undergraduate level but it should have little impact on graduate studies and especially not at the calibre of schools that the OP is targeting.

 

[Vanadium 50]

Marc Miller, who I understand is the relevant minister, announced earlier this year a cap on student visas. His office claims that the number will be down 35% relative to 2023.

I don't know enough about Canadian government to estimate what, if any, impact this will have. Just going with what they said.

 

[gwnorth]

The cap applies to college diploma and undergraduate degree programs. Graduate degree programs are not affected.

the Government of Canada will set an intake cap on international student permit applications to stabilize new growth for a period of two years. For 2024, the cap is expected to result in approximately 360,000 approved study permits, a decrease of 35% from 2023...Those pursuing master’s and doctoral degrees, and elementary and secondary education are not included in the cap.