Journey of Growth (Do read my experience in details in SOP section!)

McGill University

7.3(23 Reviews)

Reason for choosing my college

• Firstly, it is a top-ranked college in the world. Secondly, the research work which I was doing in IISc Bangalore, in McGill it was the extension of that work but with different materials but the same technique, laser powder bed fusion.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Reason for Rejection

• Faced supervisor issues, lack of support during conflict and emotional toll as an international student. Had to switch my career but gained valuable lessons and resilience while tackling the situation. So be prepared for the worst situation, especially in terms of funding.

• I would recommend to get some research lab experience either from IISc or Top IIT's. This would open the door for admission, especially for STEM backgrounds.
• Prepare a cover letter that is genuine and explain your journey and why you chose the programme and what you did to achieve the milestone.

• I choose McGill because of its global reputation, strong research in additive manufacturing and its location in Montreal, which is a vibrant multicultural city. The direct PhD offers, vibrant campus and career aspect stood out to me. Though challenging, my journey taught resilience, both academically and personally. When you're coming here, be ready for the worst situation too.
• If some conflict happens, you will be left on your own. In my case, it was friction between me and my supervisor and a funding issue. So while choosing PhD make sure supervisor is the only important thing nothing else matter like ranking etc.

• Class schedule is not that intense for PhD and MSc thesis-based programmes; it will be approximately 3-4 classes per week and each will be two to three hours depending upon the credit.
• But for a non-thesis, it is too intense. Regarding ethnicity, we have a good number of Indian students on campus; i would say the majority. Here the courses are more practical.

• Here the faculty is good. The same level you get in IISc and IITs. Just the difference is here you have more industry-sponsored research. Because of that, you get more exposed to the industry.
• Personally, I liked Prof. Mihriban; she does research on aluminium. I have taken her Aluminum class and she is passionate about her teaching.

• McGill has two campus one downtown and the other Macdonald. Regarding student bodies, we have PGSS for graduate students and SSMU for undergraduates.
• We have Indian student associations; to be honest, they are not that effective. We have lots of activities going on on campus – fewer for grads and more for undergrads.

• So for TA, it is 33 CND per hour before TAX. The rate may vary depending upon the work for an on-campus job, which can range from 15 CND per hour for grader to 33 CND per hour.
• For off-campus work, it is mostly 15 - 17 CND per hour at Tim Hortons, Metro, Provigo, McDonald's, Uber eats or some Indian restaurant.

• Mostly I was involved in TA activity. So I have taken TA from my second year of enrolment. The pay is good but demanding. Personally, I don't have experience for a part-time job. But I have friends who are involved in part-time jobs both on campus and off campus. As getting a TA job is competitive.

• Here the job searching is totally different from India. Here you have to network by yourself with different people. Here, networking is everything! Your professor can help or can't, depending upon your relationship with the professor.
• But trust your talent; you will land something for sure. it may take some time, especially for international students, as they don't have Canadian experience.

• For finding accommodation, it is mostly through friends, which is the most trustworthy, as international students are more prone to SCAMS. Be aware of it!. Some other platforms are facebook marketplace, Kjiji.
• But make sure you sign the proper document and read the agreement terms and conditions. Some landlords create an issue, especially for those of Asian origin.