Hi, I'm currently a third-year undergraduate student studying political science at a top-10 university in Korea, which, of course, isn't ranked very high in international rankings. I'm 100% certain that I want to pursue a PhD after graduation, so I'm looking for advice on how to prepare adequately. Although I haven't decided on the major yet, right now it seems like the best fit for my academic interests lies in sociology. So I just have a few questions.
1) How much research experience is recommended? - There are few opportunities for research during the undergraduate studies in Korean universities: virtually none in the undergraduate curriculum. To get some research experience, I have just started working as a research assistant for one of the professors. Assuming he continues to let me work with him, I'll get barely a year of research experience by the time I graduate. I am assuming that is not enough.
2) Is it a good idea to apply straight to grad school? - Reading through the applications, it seems like most of the applicants took at least 2,3 years off after graduating from university before applying for grad school. I would prefer to go straight to grad school after graduation, but I'm wondering if this would be a disadvantage.
3) How do you get into the top programs? - I'm still naive and innocent-perhaps i'll get a reality check few years from now- so I'm dreaming of going to at least one of top 10 grad schools in the U.S. My grades are good, probably around 3.9 range using the American GPA scale. Assuming I get an epic score on the GRE and amazing LORs from my professors, is it possible for me to get into one of these programs? I'm worried because my current university isn't very renowned internationally, but I heard some say that the prestige of your undergraduate institution doesn't matter much. Although I don't think that's true.
4) Is switching from political science to sociology possible? - I am aware that there is another thread that asked the same question. But my situation is more complicated because I don't think my undergraduate studies relate to what I want to study in grad school at all. I am specifically interested in sociology of education. None of what I'm studying or researching right now seems directly relevant.
5) Any other advice for the newbie? - Anything I can do to raise my chance of getting into top programs. If going straight to grad school isn't feasible, what should I do after graduation, etc...
It seems like it's application season for everyone here. I'm sure I'll be going through the same things a few years from now. Good luck everyone in your application process, and I would appreciate any advice. Thank you.