adaptations

I think the first thing you need to do is narrow your focus. Based on your comments of specific subjects that you are interested in, it doesn't sound like American Politics is really your thing (unless you left out some key interests). It sounds like Comparative (or even Int'l Relations) is much more what you're looking for. Also, ther is the consideration of public policy vs. a political science focus, which at the Master's level should probably be motivated a lot by what you want to do professionally. Secondly, the question of MA vs. PhD is a big one. Given the difference in time commitment, opportunity costs, etc. I don't think this is a decision to make lightly, and is one you should probably think more about. Are you thinking of a PhD because you want to do research and teach in the field? If so, are the places you are considering going to give you a strong chance of getting that type of job in the future (look at placement records of the schools)? If you can provide more context and motivation for why you want to earn a graduate degree and what you hope to get from it, the schools that meet your goals will begin to narrow giving you a smaller realm from which to choose.

Of course you have a shot. The only blip on your application is your GRE score, but other than that you will be a strong candidate. I don't think anyone on this forum can say for certain how the GRE will be viewed, but I wouldn't let your test score get in the way of applying.

I think the most important thing to remember is that admissions committees are looking at your potential to succeed as a graduate student, researcher, and scholar. This doesn't mean you already have to be a stellar researcher and scholar, so I wouldn't be stressing out too much over whether your current research is the most innovative or groundbreaking. To be quite honest, I don't think most adcoms would even be looking for undergrads to have gathered/developed their own data set. Showing that you understand what can/cannot be done with existing data sets or whatever empirics your work relies on and using them appropriately to support your work, ought to be sufficient (in my estimation). My suggestion is to apply to places where you have a good fit and feel you are a strong candidate, and if you want to include some MA programs as backups that's not a bad idea. Good luck.

In case you're curious the NRC will (finally) release their new rankings on September 28th. http://sites.nationalacademies.org/pga/Resdoc/index.htm#reports

This made me laugh, but of course your response was not appropriate. Hopefully everyone forgets about it and there are no repercussions. That said, academia is a small world and it's best to always conduct yourself in an appropriate manner, because word can get around in a hurry.

You answered your own question. Read up on the research interests and publications of faculty in departments and figure out which schools have good matches for you. If there are departments at good schools, but the faculty aren't working in your field, then that school is probably not a good choice for you. Almost all schools post their faculty's research interests, CVs, and sometimes the actual papers or articles they have published. If they don't have the complete papers, you should be able to search for the papers online and at least find abstracts.

In addition to Tidefan's points, I would add that MA programs are generally easier to get into, but as you said, there is not a lot of funding for them. There are some other good threads on here about MA programs and possibilities of funding, so I would search for them to get a perspective on that subject. Otherwise, focus on a strong statement of purpose. I wouldn't worry about trying to build connections with faculty in the next three months. Focusing on trying to build a relationship over email isn't going to help your application. Let your scores, grades, and statement speak for themselves, and hopefully you'll have some good luck.

I agree with Rising_Star. It's no big deal.

This raises the question - should you submit a CV or a resume? Is there value in maintaining a more traditional resume, as opposed to an academic CV, particularly for applicants with limited publications?

I would't put your GRE score on your CV. First of all, it doesn't really fit, but more importantly the school has requested your CV to set up on campus meetings. This means they are trying to match you with faculty with similar interests. Your GRE score will not impact who you should meet with.

I recommend sending your transcript, as it stands now. And once you complete this semester you can have transcripts send with the additional semester included. Of course, you'll also have to send one more transcript to the school you attend once you graduate.

I think it is OK to submit apps before you take the GRE. Your scores will be added to your file before decisions are made. I wouldn't include your LSAT score unless there is specifically a space provided for additional scores, which I have only seen on one or two applications. I don't think PhD adcoms are likely to take notice of the LSAT, but I could be wrong.

I am also reapplying to some programs, even ones I got into, but for personal reasons didn't attend at the time, so I know what it is like to re-start applications. My approach, which may apply to your situation, is to simply write the best statement I can right now. Sure, there will be parts that are similar to last time, maybe even some paragraphs that are essentially re-used, but I'll also be completely re-writing other sections. In the end-I think this is a question of how you prefer to write. Is it easier to start with your previous statement, but with the knowledge you may change a fair bit, or start completely from scratch and integrate old parts as you see fit. Choose whichever option works best for you.

It seems to me that this question is more about your professional and research interests than anything else. Many issues covered in political science are also addressed by public policy, however the approach and purpose can be different. That said, I know that at the University of Chicago a number of the public policy professors had degrees in political science (amongst other things). I am not sure how many public policy phds end up teaching in fields outside public policy, but I imagine it can be done. (if anyone has info on this, I think it would be interesting). Sorry that this is sort of a half-hearted answer, but I think a better answer would rely more on your long-term goals and interests.

Five weeks should be enough time to see significant improvement - if you put in the time. My experience is that it is easier to increase your math score in a hurry, but that will vary for each person of course. Good luck!

If you're going to take a course, Kaplan and Princeton are pretty comparable. Having taught for Kaplan and taken the Princeton course before that, I am familiar with both. I slightly prefer Princeton's courses, but to be quite honest, I'm not sure there is too much of a difference (so long as your willing to do the work).

I don't know how the quant score is viewed for Theory applicants, but if you think you can do better, I would suggest a retake. All of the programs are quite competitive, so if there is a way to improve your application, why not take advantage of it?

I think you have a pretty good shot. Good luck.

As has been mentioned before on this site, there is so much more than GPA and GRE that goes into applications so it is very hard to say where you are likely to get in. Your GPA is not at the top of the applicant field (but is respectable), so you will need very strong LORs and SOP to impress admissions committees. Also, your quant score is definitely lower than what many schools would consider competitive, and although your verbal score is in the right range, getting to around the 700 mark might make a big difference. Given how tight money is, and assuming that you need to get a fully funded admissions offer, I think the cost benefit analysis would tell you to retake the GRE, but only after you are confident you can get a significantly higher score. I would think the extra cost of retaking the test is a relatively small short term trade off, if the probability of receiving a funded offer significantly increases. Best of luck!

If the question is answered in the FAQs on their website, trust it. Those FAQs are there for a reason and are not lying to you. If there is confusion, even with the FAQs, and you need further clarification, just email the admissions personnel with the department and ask.

You are right that you are at a disadvantage, but you do have a stellar GPA, so that's something. It seems to me that if you can rock the GRE and write a very good SOP you will be in the running. You don't need all the top schools to want you, just one. If you don't get accepted, earning a masters from a more reputable program would be a good stepping stone, but of course that runs up against the resource challenge problem again. However, if you are committed to earning your PhD it is something to consider. Good luck.

Have you considered looking for MA programs in your sub-field? I know there are a number for IR, and I imagine their are some for other fields as well.

If you know you are planning to apply for a PhD int he future, I don't think you need to worry about whether the school you go to for a terminal MA in Poli Sci has a PhD or not. I would focus more on finding a program that has well renowned professors in your field. Learning from top quality people and having them write your LORs will be a big help in future PhD applications. To be honest, I don't know of too many terminal MA programs in Poli Sci (probably because I haven't really looked for them), so out of curiosity, where are you thinking?

Unless the MA offer has somehow impacted your research goals or desire to go to the school, I would not mention it. Quite honestly, it just doesn't seem that relevant to what your SOP should be about.

As was pointed out, the degree does not determine salary. With a bachelors or a masters you could end up making 35k in a non-profit gig or 80k in a consulting role (these are not specific to what your degree is in). Where you choose to work, how you negotiate, prior experience, job market, etc. all play a huge role in determining salary.