Jump to content

cake268

Members
  • Posts

    12
  • Joined

  • Last visited

Profile Information

  • Program
    Museum Studies--maybe

cake268's Achievements

Decaf

Decaf (2/10)

0

Reputation

  1. How realistic is it to work while in a master's program (MPP and MPA)? Of course, this assumes going full-time. Is it realistic to want to work part-time, and are there typically positions available on campus (RA-type positions)? How realistic is it to expect to find paid internships during the summer months versus the unpaid ones I've done as an undergrad and recent grad? Obviously a lot of this depends on my motivation, qualifications, etc. But maybe some general opinions will help me out. Same question about PhD programs. I've been accepted to one program that has no funding for the first year, with guaranteed funding after that for students in good standing. How realistic is it to think that I might be able to find a part-time job that I can balance with the first year program, before I get a TAship or similar in the following years? Is it realistic to think I can work during the summers, or are TA-ships year round and/or are people expected to be doing research and other tasks during this time (social science PhD program, FWIW)? Both of these questions are factoring into whether I accept the PhD program offer or go for an MPP and reapply from a stronger position (better grades, an MA under my belt, etc) in a couple of years.
  2. I've applied to a few MPP-type programs and USC SPPD was my "safety" (to the extent that that word applies here), and I didn't really intend to go there. However, the funding they offered is fairly good ($18K/year for tuition), relative to other programs I've been admitted to. So, now I am actively considering going there--of course, I still haven't heard regarding all of my applications. My question is regarding SPPD's international program. I'm specifically interested in international development work, either with a nonprofit or a WB/IMF/UN type of organization. I also applied to Princeton's WWS, Georgetown GPPI, George Washington Trachtenberg school (admitted) and LSE (rejected for first choice program so far). USC's program is ranked well, but I'm just not sure how it compares when it comes to an international focus. Of course, the other downside relative to other programs I applied at is the location, since GW and Gtown are both in the DC area. But, to the point, does anyone have an opinion on whether USC SPPD offers a good degree for those seeking an international focus in development work specifically (NOT urban planning)?
  3. I was adamantly against this idea when my girlfriend suggested it the day of the test, but now I'm reconsidering a week later. I took the test last week and scored 590V 750M, I'm relatively confident I got a 6 on AW (by far my strong suit). I expected to get ~670V, 750M, 6AW. I was sick the day of the test (threw up afterward), though I'm not sure that was the reason for my score. I'm applying to political science PhD programs, a few in the top 10, a few in the 10-20 range and a couple outside of the top 20 as "safety schools" (though I'd be relatively happy going to them because they're in nice places). My GRE scores are a bit more important than for most applicants, because my GPA is relatively low. I have a 3.40, but it's on the upswing (~3.85 last 3-4 semesters, ~2.9 before that). My letters are good but not anything particularly special. My application in general has nothing special about it. My scores put me a full 60 points below the "average admitted student" profile at the top schools, and 10-20 points below the mid-range schools. I'll be right in the mix or a bit above the average at my "safety schools." My scores put me at 83% V and 87% Quant overall, and within Poli Sci PhD applicants, 66% V and 91% Q overall. I don't think that the verbal score really represents my ability, especially since that type of stuff is usually my strong suit (800 on SAT verbal, I know it was years ago and easier, but still). However, re-taking is not a simple matter of "will you score higher?" when you factor in cost, and stress. I've got my back against the wall with application deadlines anyway and will be relatively lucky to finish them all in time. Also, the scores would only reach 4/9 of the PhD programs I'm applying to in time and all 4 of the MPA/MPP programs I am applying to (which I am slightly less concerned about admission to, but would still like to be safe). So....what would you do? I can retake immediately because it's a new calendar month. Should I?
  4. I'll throw my two cents in here, now that I've taken the actual test. Perhaps this will be helpful to people taking the test later this year and next year.... My scores on the PowerPrep exam were: 660V 680Q (before studying) 670V 760Q (after studying, mostly math) My actual scores were 590V and 750Q. So...the math was pretty accurate, once I studied it. I did a lot worse on the verbal section than I anticipated. I was pretty sick on test day (had to leave the room twice, but not during timed portions that mattered), and threw up within about 10 minutes of getting home. But still....I was a little surprised by the verbal score since that's usually my strong suit. But math seemed to be right on in terms of scoring.
  5. Thanks for mentioning that Jenny.....I had only taken the 2 GRE Powerprep tests until today, when I decided to try a Princeton Review one....and it completely demoralized me. So, I'm glad to hear that I wasn't the only one, given that my test date is tomorrow. BTW, congratulations on an 800 on verbal....that's got to feel nice.
  6. For those of you that have taken the actual GRE already, did you use the GRE Powerprep software and the practice tests it includes? And if so, how accurate were the scores you got on the practice tests from Powerprep, relative to what you actually got on the GRE. I'm feeling reasonably good about my scores on the practice tests, but I don't want to get complacent only to find out that they aren't really an accurate gauge of what my score will be on the real test. Anyone care to comment on the accuracy, even if it is just anecdotal evidence? Did you score higher or lower than on the practice tests? By how much? Thanks!
  7. I had a similar question, because I won't be done with my applications until its right down to the wire. My first deadline is December 1, and I've got classes and things still going on--so I just know there is no way I'm getting my application done early. With that said, I'm not concerned about sending my transcripts or GRE scores early, since people mentioned that they just start a file. My concern is with my letters of recommendation. All my recommenders are ready to go and I'd like to just let them do it now and get it off their plates---but since it's not like an official score report, an official transcript, etc, I'm a little concerned. Will they still "open a file" for me if all they recieve now is a letter or two, with online app, GRE scores and transcript forthcoming later?
  8. I'm certainly no expert, but I can't imagine that that would hurt you at all. From everything I've heard, LoR's generally are to distinguish between candidates that are otherwise identically qualified--so your admission will probably not hinge on those recommendations anyway. And since this is only one of 3 or 4 letters, and it's a very MINOR thing within that letter (one that no one will notice, most likely), I can't see how it would affect you.
  9. Sorry, I'm sure people get tired of these types of threads, but I really can't help myself. I'm just looking for some general opinions on my chances at PhD programs for political science, or at least MA programs with an option to continue onto a PhD pending good performance in the MA program. I'm looking at: UC Berkeley UCLA U Colorado, Denver Georgetown UNC Chapel Hill UC-Santa Barbara University of Washington (Seattle) I'm specifically interested in international political economy and international economic development. BA in Political Science from a decent, but not great private school (top 50). Cumulative GPA: 3.3 In-Major: 3.48 Coursework in Economics (but no minor): 4.0 GPA **I know my GPA looks pretty bad, but I'm hoping that it will help that my cumulative from my last 3 semesters was 3.84** B+ in our major quantitative methodologies course (basic econometrics), and an A in our senior research thesis course. My thesis was on state-building in Africa, specifically how low population densities and natural resource abundance lead to weak tax extraction systems and, in turn, weak institutional development. No published research, but a pending book review on state-building literature. I'm working as an RA on a well-known project related to my field (one semester). Lots of work experience (4+ years during undergrad) but not related to political science or really anything useful. One good internship, and some very good advocacy and volunteer experience in local government and environmental issues. Verbal 680 Quant 720 AW 6.0 (95 percentile or so). Letters of recommendation from recognizable names, but not super-strong. Good, but not excellent letters. I think my SoP is pretty good, but who knows. Be honest....I'm not sure how much it matters that my GPA improved toward the end of my undergrad years, when it is so low overall. Thanks!
  10. 1. Yeah, I was sort of thinking that but still debating. I'll leave it out I suspect. 2. There will be interviews for top candidates.....so I may or may not get to that stage. But that's at least a good idea and gives me an option other than forcing it into a resume in a place it doesn't below. Thanks a lot...that was helpful.
  11. So...this isn't exactly for a grad school application, as I'm not quite to that point yet (a few months more). At the moment I'm applying for between-degree paid internships since I graduate in December. I'm looking for something to do between December and September of next year when I'll be--hopefully--starting graduate school in Political Science. One of the programs I'm applying for is pretty competitive, and includes people who just finished undergrad work like myself, as well as grad students and people who have finished grad programs. I'm wondering what is appropriate to include on my resume/CV at this point. I have a lot of work experience, most of which I'm including. I don't have a lot of outside-of-work achievements, especially I was a somewhat lackluster student in college. Obviously most high school stuff is ridiculous to include, but does that include stuff like National Merit Scholarship, Eagle Scout, etc? Include (if space allows) or not? Second question is regarding an outside activity that has some slight relevance.....I've been on several long rock/mountain climbing trips, for as long as 8 days in a fairly remote part of Canada (and several more in the U.S.). I wasn't an "expedition leader" or anything, but I also wasn't being guided, as these were all self-supported 2-man trips. Basically, the point of this is that I've done something that required significant motivation, commitment, organization and a bit of leadership. It's not part of my personal statement, and it doesn't seem appropriate anywhere in the application except potentially under an "outside interests" section on a resume. Should I include it? Just looking for thoughts, as my university's career center was rather less than helpful on this particular subject. Thanks!
  12. A question to those who have applied to or are in museum studies programs right now: Is the amount of financial assistance available really variable (it seems to be based on the comments in the "results section" here) and are there schools that are more notorious for being generous than others in this field? For someone getting an MA in museum studies (assume a good school, but not THE best), after a BFA and an internship or three, what are people expecting to earn? I'm hearing a lot of different answers, which leads me to believe its pretty much a crapshoot. Some have said experienced people are earning 30-40K, the Bureau of Labor Statistics says $35-$45K for curators, one website says 46-66K, etc. My girlfriend is considering finally going back to get a masters, but she's concerned that she'll actually make less money afterward than she does now (in a completely unrelated field). The prospect of additional student loan debt isn't too pleasant either, especially since I'll hopefully be going to grad school as well. Any insights?
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use