ThisGuyRiteHere

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.

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.

Govt. affairs...not poli sci

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.

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

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

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.

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

Well I know one of my committees are meeting today..good luck to everyone today!

I dont care who left, I still think UChicago is respectable and Id trade places with anyone of em to go

OH THE HUMANITY!

Does anyone just want a new start. Go to a place where no one knows their name. Research their hearts out on poli sci issues. Just create a whole new life.

I know I do.

Been in the same place for almost 20 yrs (-1 yr for leaving), im so ready for something new and exciting..even if it costs me several nights per week at the library.

Lol we love you too

IN AT KENTUCKY.


IM BOUT TO SHOUT IN CLASS AND DO A PRAISE DANCE.

IN AT KENTUCKY.


IM BOUT TO SHOUT IN CLASS AND DO A PRAISE DANCE.

IN AT KENTUCKY.


IM BOUT TO SHOUT IN CLASS AND DO A PRAISE DANCE.

P.S - I have a 3.2 GPA - Econ major- with a substandard GRE score.

If i can do it, you all can.

P.S - I have a 3.2 GPA - Econ major- with a substandard GRE score.

If i can do it, you all can.

IN AT KENTUCKY.


IM BOUT TO SHOUT IN CLASS AND DO A PRAISE DANCE.

P.S - I have a 3.2 GPA - Econ major- with a substandard GRE score.

If i can do it, you all can.

IN AT KENTUCKY.


IM BOUT TO SHOUT IN CLASS AND DO A PRAISE DANCE.

If its so bad out there...why not share their wisdom with us and let us know instead of making fun of us.

I mean really if there is asymmetric information, we should be informed before we make life changing decisions.

Ill tell you one thing my dad told me (a blue collar guy - Im the first in my fam to go/try to go to graduate school).."Once you get out here, a job is a job. You work 9-5, you come home, eat and go to sleep and get ready to do that all over again." That is what scares me. I did that last year. That's the only reason why I have not withdrawn my own applications. I mean even assuming the worst and we all end up on the Post-Doc circuit (I think I would rather be a post-doc than an adjunct)...I would rather know when I die I spent 5 years doing something I loved and studying something i was passionate about for free (or atleast less than 30k-Most im willing to pay)...That most people can say they have never done or wish they have. Its tough out there and I know the Shit Boomers are f*ing every one up by not retiring, but im young, (under 25) i can afford to take risks now, so why not?

As I write this, I am currently waiting out side the school gates waiting for the white smoke to come out to let me know they have made a decision

If its so bad out there...why not share their wisdom with us and let us know instead of making fun of us.

I mean really if there is asymmetric information, we should be informed before we make life changing decisions.

Ill tell you one thing my dad told me (a blue collar guy - Im the first in my fam to go/try to go to graduate school).."Once you get out here, a job is a job. You work 9-5, you come home, eat and go to sleep and get ready to do that all over again." That is what scares me. I did that last year. That's the only reason why I have not withdrawn my own applications. I mean even assuming the worst and we all end up on the Post-Doc circuit (I think I would rather be a post-doc than an adjunct)...I would rather know when I die I spent 5 years doing something I loved and studying something i was passionate about for free (or atleast less than 30k-Most im willing to pay)...That most people can say they have never done or wish they have. Its tough out there and I know the Shit Boomers are f*ing every one up by not retiring, but im young, (under 25) i can afford to take risks now, so why not?

As I write this, I am currently waiting out side the school gates waiting for the white smoke to come out to let me know they have made a decision

If its so bad out there...why not share their wisdom with us and let us know instead of making fun of us.

I mean really if there is asymmetric information, we should be informed before we make life changing decisions.

Ill tell you one thing my dad told me (a blue collar guy - Im the first in my fam to go/try to go to graduate school).."Once you get out here, a job is a job. You work 9-5, you come home, eat and go to sleep and get ready to do that all over again." That is what scares me. I did that last year. That's the only reason why I have not withdrawn my own applications. I mean even assuming the worst and we all end up on the Post-Doc circuit (I think I would rather be a post-doc than an adjunct)...I would rather know when I die I spent 5 years doing something I loved and studying something i was passionate about for free (or atleast less than 30k-Most im willing to pay)...That most people can say they have never done or wish they have. Its tough out there and I know the Shit Boomers are f*ing every one up by not retiring, but im young, (under 25) i can afford to take risks now, so why not?

As I write this, I am currently waiting out side the school gates waiting for the white smoke to come out to let me know they have made a decision