ThisGuyRiteHere

So, as you said, it helps if done properly. Among my top choices, those that I contacted, have admitted me or came close to (Dinged by Alabama due to institutional cut off not dept.). Those I have not (GMU, Albany) I am having a struggle with. So, it is what it is. For the programs that have 100+ applicants for 10 spots, it helps if someone can say, "Oh that's chuck he contacted me earlier..." Rather than "Ok, Charlie Brown from Peanuts Lane, 3.5 GPA, 310 GRE, what do you guys think..." If most jobs are achieved through networking (70%), why would it not apply to school? Different strokes for different folks. There is no standard way in which to do things. If you feel comfortable, do it. If not, don't. I am a 100% ESTJ Extrovert per my Myers Briggs Test. So I make things happen (or atleast try my best to). That's all I have to say about the matter.

I agree with this. I just introduced myself, told them my GPA/GRE, my research interest and asked about the program. It was literally a 4 sentence email, but as I previously said It helped when I did. My thing is dont be scared to talk to people and just network. P.S. I read a book yesterday called Getting What You Came For about PhD/Grad School Success and the guy who wrote it went to Stanford and it turns out this point was discussed. He said it can help your cause or do nothing. It wont hurt your cause though. A key point someone mentioned earlier, it depends when you do it. I did this in October when trying to figure out where to apply. Also, if they are not taking on students and that is the only person you fit with, you just saved yourself an application fee and can use it somewhere else.

Congrats to JHU today!

And see, if you never would have spoken to him, you may have applied and got autodinged.

What I am saying is i knew it was a stretch. And I wanted to talk to someone and after reaching out I could not find anyone to talk to and therefore I ruled out applying. Speaking with a department and your fit/qualifications will give you some indication on whether you should apply or not. Its better than reading a website. I am trying to get people to see that they should not be scared to reach out to a department. You are paying $50-$100 dollars just for someone to read your application therefore before spending that money, you should make sure that you should be applying to the school in the first place.

I asked what books or resources would you recommend that I review before showing up. Shows that you are interested and the school and you are a dedicated scholar. lol

I think everyone needs to keep their heads up. I just am so glad that I have options (kind of) because 3 months ago, I was going to apply for a MA and just take the loans and go for it. However, one of my LOR's said try for a PhD. And that if you dont like it, you can always trade up or leave. While I may not be applying to the top 20, I still got into decent schools and have yet to hear from the rest. And with my stats (they are NOTHING like you all), the only thing that really sets me aside is that I am a URM and I have an economics degree. Anyway what I did: 1. Search diligently for programs where you can find atleast 2 POI's. I went through number 25-100 on USNWR. 2. Email the DGS and introduce yourself to the program, share your stats, research interests and gauge how competitive you are with the program. Over 1/2 of the schools I applied for I did this. The ones i didnt..well those are the ones I am having problems with. Its like getting a job. When they get to your file, you want them to remember "Oh yea, thats the guy/girl that emailed me about the program and said his research interests were XYZ. Lets give him a close look. Its better than being a file in a stack. *I REALLY wanted to go to Pitt. Good Poli Econ program. I emailed the DGS twice, and never got a response. so I didnt apply. Whereas I emailed another DGS at another school and was pleasantly surprised and wanted to talk in length about the program and inquire about my background 3. SOP - My SOP was short, a 1.5 pages. It was direct and to the point. I read that MD's have to limit their SOP's to a page so I felt that writing some long paper would do more harm than good because THE MORE YOU WRITE, THE MORE YOU CAN CONFUSE THE READER OR EVEN TALK YOURSELF OUT OF A SCHOOL THROUGH A LACK OF FOCUS IN WRITING. 4. Make sure your application aligns with your research interests. Your transcript, resume, etc. should become one big story to why you are applying to the program. 5. Stay in touch with your contacts through the process. Once you finish it, let them know. Touch base every so often. etc. Make them feel like you want to go to their school. I feel like if you do this from Harvard all the way to Southern Illinois - Carbondale, it will help your admission prospects. Hopefully this helps someone. Whether this cycle or someone going back through previous cycles next yr to read it.

In at New Mexico...no word on funding...grrrrr

Govt. affairs...not poli sci

well...to the bar

Told you today would be a big day

Im going to go run some errands for the majority of the working day. If I dont hear anything by 4pm, I will start sending emails again. Its almost becoming a weekly routine

Congrats to NW

It shall be a day of glory!

The world isnt ready for our research! We will all change the world (for the better that is!) Just hold on.

I feel like I am waiting outside the Vatican waiting for the White Smoke to appear to know that a decision has been made...

Just like "liking" your own FB status lol

I am just trying to help everyone stay optimistic. Its too early to be pessimistic. If you get into Stanford, Ohio State and UVA, you cant go to all of them. So therefore if you are on the waitlist at 1-2 of the institutions, then a spot will open up. Its that simple. Just remain positive everyone.

Congrats to the Stanford Folk. Look at the bright side. You can only choose 1 school and those that Choose HYSP are going to open up all the UChicago, NYU, etc. acceptances for everyone else. Its gona be a long ride till Tax Day

I am looking at: 1. Employment Outlook/Funding 2. Faculty 3. School Location 4. Who seems like they really want me Everything else is negotiable.

Good Luck to Stanford people..Friday is gona be a big day! lol

What are you looking to study

2 of my main schools committees are meeting tomorrow..I will be a nervous wreck through class tomorrow :/

Keep ya head up

Comparative Politics as the main. Either IR/Public Policy for a minor or second major..Feel free to message me if you would like a more specific answer