Hi everyone ! I'm interested in applying for a PhD in political science at McGill (and have a prospective director there) and U of T. Where else do you think would it be reasonable for me to apply (in the US or in Canada)? How can I improve my profile and how good can it be considered to be?
Here is my profile:
PROFILE: Type of Undergrad Institution: top 20 best universities in Canada Major(s)/Minor(s): International relations Undergrad GPA: 3,5/4 (GPA for the Political Science classes only is 3,9). Type of Grad: Political Science Grad GPA: 3,95/4 for my Master's degree in Political Science. GRE: Yet to complete, but being a non-native speaker I assume the results will be (at best) average for the verbal and writing sections. Any Special Courses: A+ in Qualitative methods, A+ in Quantitative methods, A+ in Mathematics for Social Studies. IQMR at another university, funded by my university. Letters of Recommendation: I could expect one very strong letter from my director (a new professor - no tenure), one strong letter from a tenured professor from my university + one at least good letter from an internationally rising teacher from abroad. Research Experience: Two years as a research assistant in a Research Chair and a Research Center. I have received national scholarships as well as diverse Faculty grants. I currently have one publication as a third author in a book. I am working on three different research projects, one considered suitable for a top-5 journal by my co-authors (I am third author on this one [but I am first author on the two others projects]). I don't know if these projects will manage to get published before my application in December/January, let's assume to be pessimistic that they will be «under review» at that time. I also currently have 3 conferences participation and expect at least two more before my application.
Teaching Experience: None. Subfield/Research Interests: Public opinion and electoral behaviour. Other: Internship in an Embassy abroad. Internship at the Ministry of Culture. Translator for a foreign university and for a relatively high-profile political project team.
Thank you for your help!