kylesnav

Hmm, it seems I'm in a struggle between emphases. I do feel like CP definitely caters more towards my interests. But once upon a time I desperately was fighting against being a Philosophy major, so the idea of theory definitely catches my eye. Funding is definitely a huge concern of mine at Georgetown, especially since I would never be willing/able to accept acceptance (if I could even get that far) from a program in which I wouldn't be funded. Faculty is a huge factor in my interest in Georgetown. Nexon, Byman, Kroenig, and all the great faculty in their IR program seem extremely out of reach given the competition to get in the program alone. How many cross-emphasis electives does one really get to become involved in? I imagine a major in IR/CP and a minor in the other would allow a development of knowledge in IR theory, CP methods, and international political economy, but I really don't know to what extent. Thanks for the great response.

I'm planning on applying to Ph.D. programs this fall, for the following fall. However, I am unsure as to what programs offer the best programs for certain research interests. Currently, I am an undergraduate of Middle East and North African Studies focusing on politics and political movements of the Middle East. I am finishing a Political Science minor, and from what I understand I am looking to major in international relations and minor in comparative government for my graduate studies. I have an interest in IR theory and methodology, but also like the practical application of comparative. I have an interest in the growth of Shia politics and its effects on regional politics (Hezbollah and Iran), specifically the political developments that have resulted from activity in Najaf, Iraq. Comparatively speaking, I would like to look at the difference in ability and political capital of Sunni movements and Shia movements (e.g. practical differences between a non-state actor like Hezbollah and ISIS). Lastly, I have a growing interest in international political economy and counter-terror. From my interests I imagine my research will require a healthy blend of quantitative and qualitative analysis. I'm wondering what programs would cater to my interest best, or rather, how I can find what each program specializes in. From my research so far, Georgetown seems to be a good bet. Secondly, are my assumptions about the differences between IR and CP accurate? From what I understand, IR involves a lot of theory on IR itself, and CP focuses more on the practical comparison of two entities to draw conclusions. Finally, as for programs, I'm aiming for the top 20 or so. I have a 4.0 GPA, great letters, an undergraduate teaching assistantship, and a strong grasp on Modern Standard Arabic. I'm lacking statistics/economy classes, but will be taking an introduction course to both in the spring, and will mention that in my SOP. This may not be true, but I've also heard that many PoliSci grad students have come from equally unsubstantial math backgrounds. It may be worth noting I have a fairly strong history in programming, which I have heard is helpful in quant class. Another pitfall will be official "research" experience, I've written substantial research papers in the past, but nothing with faculty in an official capacity (which I hope to rectify this fall and spring). I'm not sure if this will negatively affect me, but I am also graduating a year early. Given I do well on the GRE, do I have a good chance at one of these top schools? I am currently at a regular state school. Sorry for the incredibly long post, and feel free to correct my misconceptions or offer other advice.

This is true, it may be a bit late in the game to jump into a new language just prior to graduation. I have no formalized research experience. However, I took a 400/500 level hybrid class in which we wrote a substantial research paper composed of an abstract, secondary literature review, primary literature review, and the application of a pre-existing theoretical framework (Bourdieu's sociological concept of cultural capital) to our thesis. This is also the paper I had been planning to use for my writing sample. I definitely have moderately specific interests and a grasp on some of the work being done within them now, however my primary concern is as you said, [research] experience.

Hello, I have been sure of my decision to pursue a Ph.D. for about a year now. I am graduating a year early from the University of Arizona majoring in Middle East and North African studies, minoring in Arabic and Political Science. Though it can change, I currently have a 4.0 and have yet to take the GRE. I plan to pursue Political Science (International Relations) in graduate school given that Middle East Studies programs seem to not offer a strong focus on politics much less anything modern. My research interests involve the role of Shi'i Islamism particularly within Lebanon, Political Islam in a more general capacity, counterterrorism/security, and the all of the aforementioned in its relation to the West. I'm not the most extracurricularly involved students, however I am in the Arabic Flagship Program, I am abroad in Jordan for the Summer, and was an undergraduate teaching assistant for a course in my program. Lastly, I have three strong letters of recommendation from Professors in my department whom which I are very familiar with my work, whether in language or politics. Though I am proud of my achievements, all of my hopes are shattered when I look at current candidates who have had much more grandiose achievements. Thus I have several questions: I have been offered admittance into several --pay $100 for admittance-- honor societies and am wondering if any are these are worth joining? As I imagine graduate schools see through these. (I am sure you hate these questions but...) Are my chances realistic at any of the following schools (in order of my current preference): Georgetown, NYU, Columbia, Stanford, and the top tier Princeton, Harvard, etc.? I would not take acceptance without funding, so -- I'm not sure if that changes the answer. Am I correct in saying that being a Middle East Studies major may be beneficial when it comes to regional knowledge and research interest? Or would I have been better off majoring in Political Science? Lastly, should I drop the Political Science minor (though I would still have 15/18 required credits for the minor) to take a year of Persian? My Arabic studies focus on Modern Standard / written Arabic and I will be confident in my research ability in Arabic after graduation, yet would love to pursue another language. Thank you. -Note: I realize after reading this that this is the most cliche "What are my chances?" post, however I really have no idea what to expect as far as to what's realistic. Don't hate me.