Programs in Canada

[taoc848]

For math phd programs in Canada, i.e. U Toronto, UBC, McGill, and Waterloo, do I need to contact professors in advance and only apply if I get positive feedbacks from my potential advisors?

[fiveier.analysis]

For math phd programs in Canada, i.e. U Toronto, UBC, McGill, and Waterloo, do I need to contact professors in advance and only apply if I get positive feedbacks from my potential advisors?

It depends on the school. Read their admissions page for prospective graduate students for more information.

If recalled correctly, schools like Waterloo SFU Queens Alberta require you to have an willing prospective advisor while others like Toronto UBC don't.

[taoc848]

For math phd programs in Canada, i.e. U Toronto, UBC, McGill, and Waterloo, do I need to contact professors in advance and only apply if I get positive feedbacks from my potential advisors?

It depends on the school. Read their admissions page for prospective graduate students for more information.

If recalled correctly, schools like Waterloo SFU Queens Alberta require you to have an willing prospective advisor while others like Toronto UBC don't.

What about McGill? I didn't find relevant information for that school. Thanks!

[fiveier.analysis]

Dude have you tried using Google? The information can be found literally with a couple clicks. It's astounding someone with a college degree applying for a doctorate in STEM don't have the common sense to do trivial tasks.

[mathph]

Dude have you tried using Google? The information can be found literally with a couple clicks. It's astounding someone with a college degree applying for a doctorate in STEM don't have the common sense to do trivial tasks.

To OP's defense the website did not explicitly state that it is not necessary to contact a supervisor. So it's understandable to be a bit paranoid. Remember basic logic:
P=their website stated it as a requirement
Q=it is required
p=>q but ~p!=>~q

The general admissions website reads:

Every department at McGill has different admissions procedures. While some will expect you to connect with a potential supervisor prior to applying, others will assign a supervisor to you after you have been accepted. Make sure to carefully read the requirements of the program into which you are applying, available on the departmental website, to find out the supervisory procedures for that department. If it is unclear, contact the Graduate Program Director to clarify.

and the department admissions page reads:

1. Verify that you have the necessary background.
2. Applications are made via the University web site Apply-Now - for detailed instructions on how to apply and how to upload required supporting documents in the new version, please see: https://www.mcgill.ca/gradapplicants/apply.
3. Documents required by the Department All supplemental application materials and supporting documents must be uploaded directly to the McGill admissions processing system (complete instructions: https://www.mcgill.ca/gradapplicants/ap ... /documents).
   • Transcripts. Students are required to upload unofficial transcripts in support of their web application, final, official copies will be required of admitted applicants.
   • Letters of Recommendation. Applicants are required to ask two instructors familiar with their work to send letters of recommendation. Applicants must provide the names and email addresses of referees using the McGill on-line application. McGill will contact these referees and invite them to upload references on their behalf.
   • Personal Statement. In the personal statement, the applicants should clearly explain their choice of preferred research group(s) and preferred area(s) of research, as well as providing relevant information that will not be reflected on their transcripts.
   • Research Proposal (optional). Applicants may also submit specific proposal for their thesis research. The research proposal should be no more than one page in length. Applicants are NOT required to submit a research proposal, as most graduate students only decide on a specific research topic after one year of study in the department.

[fiveier.analysis]

Dude have you tried using Google? The information can be found literally with a couple clicks. It's astounding someone with a college degree applying for a doctorate in STEM don't have the common sense to do trivial tasks.

To OP's defense the website did not explicitly state that it is not necessary to contact a supervisor. So it's understandable to be a bit paranoid. Remember basic logic:
P=their website stated it as a requirement
Q=it is required
p=>q but ~p!=>~q

The general admissions website reads:

Every department at McGill has different admissions procedures. While some will expect you to connect with a potential supervisor prior to applying, others will assign a supervisor to you after you have been accepted. Make sure to carefully read the requirements of the program into which you are applying, available on the departmental website, to find out the supervisory procedures for that department. If it is unclear, contact the Graduate Program Director to clarify.

and the department admissions page reads:

1. Verify that you have the necessary background.
2. Applications are made via the University web site Apply-Now - for detailed instructions on how to apply and how to upload required supporting documents in the new version, please see: https://www.mcgill.ca/gradapplicants/apply.
3. Documents required by the Department All supplemental application materials and supporting documents must be uploaded directly to the McGill admissions processing system (complete instructions: https://www.mcgill.ca/gradapplicants/ap ... /documents).
   • Transcripts. Students are required to upload unofficial transcripts in support of their web application, final, official copies will be required of admitted applicants.
   • Letters of Recommendation. Applicants are required to ask two instructors familiar with their work to send letters of recommendation. Applicants must provide the names and email addresses of referees using the McGill on-line application. McGill will contact these referees and invite them to upload references on their behalf.
     
   • Personal Statement. In the personal statement, the applicants should clearly explain their choice of preferred research group(s) and preferred area(s) of research, as well as providing relevant information that will not be reflected on their transcripts.
   • Research Proposal (optional). Applicants may also submit specific proposal for their thesis research. The research proposal should be no more than one page in length. Applicants are NOT required to submit a research proposal, as most graduate students only decide on a specific research topic after one year of study in the department.

You don't think this basically implies that securing a supervisor is not needed?

OP's question basically translates to: I'm too lazy to spend 10 seconds to Google and read so do it for me because I'm either incompetent or you're beneath me.

[mathph]

Dude have you tried using Google? The information can be found literally with a couple clicks. It's astounding someone with a college degree applying for a doctorate in STEM don't have the common sense to do trivial tasks.

To OP's defense the website did not explicitly state that it is not necessary to contact a supervisor. So it's understandable to be a bit paranoid. Remember basic logic:
P=their website stated it as a requirement
Q=it is required
p=>q but ~p!=>~q

The general admissions website reads:

Every department at McGill has different admissions procedures. While some will expect you to connect with a potential supervisor prior to applying, others will assign a supervisor to you after you have been accepted. Make sure to carefully read the requirements of the program into which you are applying, available on the departmental website, to find out the supervisory procedures for that department. If it is unclear, contact the Graduate Program Director to clarify.

and the department admissions page reads:

1. Verify that you have the necessary background.
2. Applications are made via the University web site Apply-Now - for detailed instructions on how to apply and how to upload required supporting documents in the new version, please see: https://www.mcgill.ca/gradapplicants/apply.
3. Documents required by the Department All supplemental application materials and supporting documents must be uploaded directly to the McGill admissions processing system (complete instructions: https://www.mcgill.ca/gradapplicants/ap ... /documents).
   • Transcripts. Students are required to upload unofficial transcripts in support of their web application, final, official copies will be required of admitted applicants.
   • Letters of Recommendation. Applicants are required to ask two instructors familiar with their work to send letters of recommendation. Applicants must provide the names and email addresses of referees using the McGill on-line application. McGill will contact these referees and invite them to upload references on their behalf.
     
   • Personal Statement. In the personal statement, the applicants should clearly explain their choice of preferred research group(s) and preferred area(s) of research, as well as providing relevant information that will not be reflected on their transcripts.
   • Research Proposal (optional). Applicants may also submit specific proposal for their thesis research. The research proposal should be no more than one page in length. Applicants are NOT required to submit a research proposal, as most graduate students only decide on a specific research topic after one year of study in the department.

You don't think this basically implies that securing a supervisor is not needed?

OP's question basically translates to: I'm too lazy to spend 10 seconds to Google and read so do it for me because I'm either incompetent or you're beneath me.

I don't agree nor disagree with you, but you gotta learn the art of being subtle. Some words are better conveyed indirectly.

[taoc848]

Dude have you tried using Google? The information can be found literally with a couple clicks. It's astounding someone with a college degree applying for a doctorate in STEM don't have the common sense to do trivial tasks.

To OP's defense the website did not explicitly state that it is not necessary to contact a supervisor. So it's understandable to be a bit paranoid. Remember basic logic:
P=their website stated it as a requirement
Q=it is required
p=>q but ~p!=>~q

The general admissions website reads:

Every department at McGill has different admissions procedures. While some will expect you to connect with a potential supervisor prior to applying, others will assign a supervisor to you after you have been accepted. Make sure to carefully read the requirements of the program into which you are applying, available on the departmental website, to find out the supervisory procedures for that department. If it is unclear, contact the Graduate Program Director to clarify.

and the department admissions page reads:

1. Verify that you have the necessary background.
2. Applications are made via the University web site Apply-Now - for detailed instructions on how to apply and how to upload required supporting documents in the new version, please see: https://www.mcgill.ca/gradapplicants/apply.
3. Documents required by the Department All supplemental application materials and supporting documents must be uploaded directly to the McGill admissions processing system (complete instructions: https://www.mcgill.ca/gradapplicants/ap ... /documents).
   • Transcripts. Students are required to upload unofficial transcripts in support of their web application, final, official copies will be required of admitted applicants.
   • Letters of Recommendation. Applicants are required to ask two instructors familiar with their work to send letters of recommendation. Applicants must provide the names and email addresses of referees using the McGill on-line application. McGill will contact these referees and invite them to upload references on their behalf.
     
   • Personal Statement. In the personal statement, the applicants should clearly explain their choice of preferred research group(s) and preferred area(s) of research, as well as providing relevant information that will not be reflected on their transcripts.
   • Research Proposal (optional). Applicants may also submit specific proposal for their thesis research. The research proposal should be no more than one page in length. Applicants are NOT required to submit a research proposal, as most graduate students only decide on a specific research topic after one year of study in the department.

You don't think this basically implies that securing a supervisor is not needed?

OP's question basically translates to: I'm too lazy to spend 10 seconds to Google and read so do it for me because I'm either incompetent or you're beneath me.

Of course I did google before posting on this forum. The official website didn't explicitly state whether I should contact a professor in advance, so I raised my question here hoping to get response from ppl currently enrolled at or familiar with McGill. I don't see how this statement from the official website implies no need to contact a professor.

[HyperCar2022]

As I know, UofT and UBC are committee based. McGill and Waterloo are superior based. I can guarantee the accuracy about McGill and Waterloo.