TTPB, I do not know. After seeing Grad Cafe, I got to know. I was getting a little worried because I had not gotten an interview from these folks. I thought it was a good match. I have good research experience (2 years worth total) and 1.5 years in applied ML and 0.5 in ML theory. I just dint have papers and that was my only reason for not applying to PhD programs in many places except doing a random crap shoot at the top 5 programs. Should the situation persist, I would like to contact the Graduate Admissions Office and demand a refund.

To the poster of Alberta Computer Science MS admit below: Are you the same person who has seen the admit first from the GARS portal on 15th February, then got the email with funding information on the 18th?

TTPB: Why was this not mentioned on the website or conveyed before or during application process?

TTPB, thanks a lot. Is there any way to ask them for refund? It reflects very badly on their side for not even letting the applicants know of such a situation. Applicants do not apply for Masters instead of PhD for fun. They do it because they know most likely they won't make the cut for the PhD program. It is so sad, this situation from an institution of high esteem and prestige like Toronto.

I mailed them to ask if international applicants were not being considered for Masters. Prof. Graeme Hirst (Associate Chair, Graduate Studies) confirmed it and said that they are automatically converting all international MSc applicants into PhD-direct applicants. And yes, this was not conveyed to the applicants in any manner. They are confirming this now only when questioned about it.

TTPB: Nah! nothing as such.

Has anyone heard back since that mass notification few weeks ago? Thanks!

lack of research experience and low awa score might be the reason.

TTPB: How do you know they're converting MSc applicants to PhD applicants. Their website says nothing

Anybody got a reject from Berkeley?

TTPB who sent an email: I sent an email too and got a generic response saying the admissions are being decided on a rolling basis and all decisions will be made by mid April. So I guess if the people getting it now, don't accept they will roll over to the people next in line. If you hear anything else, let us know over here.

Generic email to check portal. Area of Research: Bio-robotics Hard luck. All the best to everyone!

Yet another rejection.....

Expected an admit.

To the poster below who was contacted by POI, was that your first contact with POI? As in, did you write to her/him before this? Did you have any interview? Also, Can you tell us the area of POI?