dworkable

I'm thrilled and also terrified because I just submitted my first application! I am applying to Ph.D. programs in political science at a handful of well-ranked universities, and since each application asks for something just a liiiittle different, I am anticipating lots of work in the next couple weeks. Is there anyone out there who has advice on tweaking applications for different universities? Former applicants: did you change "fit paragraphs" in your SOP or something more drastic? I'm enjoying tailoring my SOP and Personal Statements to universities right now, but I think that enjoyment will probably wane as I finish more applications. I am also wondering if it is far too late to contact POIs from schools with deadlines in mid-Dec. I have hesitated to contact many professors due to conflicting advice from my mentors and on these boards...but now I worry maybe my hesitance is shooting me in the foot. So, how are applications going, everyone?

some other posts in the applications section might help

If you have already applied, stop worrying! I'm just another applicant, but from what I have heard, I don't think that one low GRE score is enough to knock you completely out of the running if you have a decent GPA and good LORs/writing. Obviously it's REALLY not a plus, and you should re-take if you can/plan on re-applying in the future so that your application stands out. Some schools will be suspicious of your ability to do quantitative work. Study!! The GRE is just one of those hoops you have to jump through to get into a good program, unfortunately. If you can't re-take, though, just focus on writing a great statement of purpose and don't panic.

I recently spoke with my former advisor at my undergraduate institution and mentioned to him my new-ish interest in the works of two particular professors at top schools I am applying to. He reached out to them via email on my behalf (they are old friends) and now one of the professors is interested in speaking with me over the phone. Does anyone have advice for this sort of conversation? I am primarily interested in finding out what current projects this professor is working on, as well as feeling out how I might tailor my research interests in my SOP towards getting into this school. Is there a way to do that without coming off as unsure of my research interests? To be honest, I am a political theorist and do have rather broad interests (but have been getting more involved in questions about gender.) I want to make sure this call goes well, any advice would be SUPER appreciated.