CitizenHobbes

Awesome! That's good to hear! I've been doing some writing myself for this online magazine that some of my friends put together. It's a nice change of pace from research/academic writing, and also something that can open up many interesting doors later on after one's phd program! Best of luck to you!

I had that happen too. Just remember that, because you're only in electronic contact, they won't know what advice you do (or don't) follow. A lot of it is good advice, some of it bad, and some you can't use at all (e.g., sometimes it's not feasible to visit a school on the other side of the country). Also, try getting in touch with some of the graduate students in your field at the schools as well! They tend to be more open to giving advice, if a bit more harsh, depending on who you talk to.

In this case I would send the sample that looks most closely like the kind of writing you'd be submitting to this magazine. But it's definitely worth the time to apply! The fact that the magazine doesn't yet feature articles like the ones you'd like to write shouldn't stop you. They don't have the published because you're not yet writing for them haha.

It's a good thing to list on a CV, sure (it's actually something that I'd like to do myself.... could you give more information about that??), but as far as the SoP, you'll want to stick closely to academic pursuits (research interests and anything else immediately relevant to that).

Examination table

I was in class with five minutes left in lecture. I was going to close my computer until I saw the Apple Mail logo with the new mail badge. I looked at my inbox and saw a new email from a top 10 school; I figured my undergrad screwed up something with transcripts and needed them sent. But then I took the time to read it and saw the "Congratulations!" It weirded me out because I didn't expect a response until February or even March (as I've read in another area on these forums). I was in such disbelief that I actually waited a full 24 hours before I told anyone! I only believed two days later when a professor got in touch with me... I didn't even realize how they got my cell #!

I second this suggestion. What you can do is look at the graduate students at the schools (and specific programs) you're considering applying to. Oftentimes they'll have personal webpages, or at least a page on the department website. If they have a link to their CV, look at/download it and use it as a kind of template, of course with the understanding that you'll likely not be able to fill in everything they did. Even if it just means getting inspiration for format or font, it's a good place to start.

In looking for programs for my field, my first stop was checking the US News and World Report's list of graduate school rankings. It's not THE ONLY stop I made, and I don't recommend you just leave it at that, but it helps when getting a feel and an idea as to what schools are considered "the best" in your field. From that list, pick some schools where you could see yourself for 5-6 years, look up some professors at those schools who seem interesting to you. You can also take this initial list of schools to a professor/advisor and ask if the know of any good programs to look into (but might for some reason or other not be on the US News list).

Yeah, it never hurts to start contacting them at the end of August. They're just starting to get back into the swing of things (i.e., checking email regularly) but not yet inundated with all of the work and demands that a fall semester entails. They'll read and respond when they're free, at any rate.

Upon first reading of the OP, I would first ask what area in political science you're interested in. Looking at the extracurriculars you've listed, I'd have to assume that you're interested in the middle east? I would suggest including both activities, since they're relevant and show that you can engage your field of research both within and outside the traditional sphere of academic research.

I guess I'll bring this back, just to see if I can get anything! No shame in my game, and I ain't too proud to beg. http://db.tt/oeXn6Nr

It's been mentioned earlier in this thread, but I have both a messenger bag and a backpack, and I use one or the other depending on what I have to carry, what I have planned during the day, and how long I'll be away from home or a base of operations (i.e., job, office, etc.)

Hey Natsteel, I use a lot of these programs too, in almost the exact same way! I have two questions for you, though. 1: So am I right in understanding that you differentiate your use between Notebook and EverNote as you use Notebook for taking class notes, but EndNote for random note taking? (I'm assuming web clippings and the like.) What stops you from using EverNote to take class notes? Preference? Or is there a practical reason I'm missing? Also, you say that you back up your data to DropBox. Do you do this with EverNote too? If so, how? I've been wanting to do this but I haven't figured out how to manage it Thanks!