adaptations

In response to CAPoliSciPhD request for more information about my past application cycle, here's a little more. Last year I applied to 10 programs (search my previous posts for details). I don't believe there is a specific reason I didn't get in with funding. That said, areas I know I have improved on are: My SOP is much more purposeful and less of a personal statement than last year. Last year two of my LORs were from professionals - this year all 3 are professors, one of whom is a top scholar in my field. My writing sample is of a higher quality this year and shows a better use of methods. Perhaps most importantly, I will be applying as a graduate student from U. of Chicago instead of someone who graduate from a good, but not top tier liberal arts school. I hope you find this additional insight helpful, or at least useful for passing the time between now and notifications. Cheers,

I'm back from last year. I applied to Ph.D. programs last yr and got in with no funding to one of them, and ended up taking a partially funded MA from the U. of Chicago. Undergrad GPA 3.8, GRE 770q, 690v, 5.0w. I am reapplying this year and feel that I have a much stronger application so hopefully the acceptances and the money come through. My schools are: U. of Chicago Northwestern Wisconsin - Madison Michigan - Ann Arbor OSU Harvard Princeton Stanford Duke MIT UCSD UCLA WashU Rochester Good luck to everyone! Try not to stress too much - it's not worth it. (Whomever said they thought they would have the most applications, you have a long way to go. Faculty from my program advise applying to 15-20 schools, and a number of my coohorts are applying to 18-20.)

Small Liberal Arts College: GPA: 3.8 - International Relations GRE: 770 quant. / 690 verbal / 5.0 writing Many extra curriculars. Internship with International Trade Administration. 1.5 years work experience with top DC international trade/regulations firm. 2 articles published in small trade newsletter. Accepted: U.Chicago CIR Masters (partial funding) and GW Ph.D. (no funding) Rejected: U. Washington, UCSD, Stanford, Berkeley, Princeton, MIT, Michigan, Duke, Yale

For the sake of random speculation and killing time, anyone want to place bets on when Michigan sends out waitlists and rejections. It looks like they are running later than last year, but who knows when. Perhaps next year I'll be a grad school bookie, taking bets on the over/under for dates of notifications (although fake posts could ruin the integrity of the system). Still, it might make this process a bit more interesting. Cheers,

To all in this Topic, I have found it intriguing reading what realist has to say and the responses realist's comments have received. However, I would like to add some skepticism to this forum. First, almost everyone here is a very smart person who has a solid educational foundation - thus use your own research skills to determine what is likely to work for you, rather than drooling over the advice of an anonymous poster (No offense realist - I include myself). Use the information provided here, but do your own research. After all, we all know Poli Sci professors that we can contact directly and receive credible advice with greater details. Realist has given some valuable information, but none of it is ground breaking. We all know getting a job is going to be extremelly competetive, but why people are freaking out about whether their school is 22nd or 27th doesn't matter. I appreciate realist's point that the cut-off line between top 25 and not doesn't really matter. But that doesn't mean we should disregard schools outside the very top tier. For example, realist says schools outside the top, such as, "places like Northwestern, UNC, Binghamton, Brown, Rice, Stony Brook, Irvine, Indiana, Georgetown, Iowa, A+M, FSU, etc... sometimes do place students in good jobs. But it's rare, and you should understand this." I beg to differ... it isn't the rare exception that people get good jobs from these schools. Northwestern for example has had the following placement recently: http://www.polisci.northwestern.edu/graduate/phd.html Northwestern's placement not only includes top tier research universities, but also a great many reputable state schools, and other respectable options I would consider "good jobs." Each school has its strengths and weaknesses and must be analyzed in context, including the weight of its reputation. I am not out to change the system or to be that lone exception who goes to a lower ranked school and still gets his dream placement, however, I do recognize that good placements are regularly achieved at schools outside the top 25. It is important not to have false optimism throughout this process, but it is equally important not to be too narrow-minded when looking at your existing options and potential for future success. Cheers,

Thanks for all the info from the other admit. I will keep my fingers crossed for funding, as I would really like to work with some of GW's professors. As for GW's admissions, I was told they received over 400 applicants this year, and that they were looking to enroll 12 students. I do not know how many people they admit to get close to their ideal enrollment number. Cheers,

I still haven't heard a word from MIT. I really was expecting to have something in my mailbox today, but who knows what's going on...

After talking with the director of the department I now feel more comfortable explaining my situation and answering the question above. I had applied to GW's masters program in Poli Sci. I was contacted recently and notified that I was admitted, but that they would like me to enter their Ph.D. program instead. I was informed that I would be the only person in the masters program, if I chose to maintain that status. Today I agreed to switch my status to the Ph.D. program (so I am in!!!), however, because I applied as a masters applicant, I was not considered for funding. Thus, they have already allocated their funding, and I was not considered. Now I am only going to receive funding if others decline. The director estimated I have a 25% of receiving funding. Although I am genuinely interested in GW's Ph.D. program and feel they have multiple faculty who would be good matches, I don't think I will be able to attend unless they are able to provide funding. I hope something works out, but I am not optimistic. I hope this info. helps. Cheers,

Here is GW's situation. The committee has met and decisions will be sent out soon (I don't know the specifics). I know from the head of the department that I am the only person who has been contacted, other than his mother, but that was for a different issue. I was contacted due to a special circumstance surrounding my application, which I do not feel is appropriate to divulge on this forum, at least not until the application cycle is complete (sorry). There have been no decisions sent out for any other applicants at this time, thus nobody has anything to fear. Cheers,

Since I'm sure people are curious, I know that the committee has been meeting this week. I was contacted with a personal email, which informed me that decision letters have NOT been mailed. I appreciate the information on their placement record. Thanks, EDIT: Also a little foolish of me not to have noticed the link to their recent placements on their website, lol.

Hey Spin - Congrats on all your success! You may want to be careful saying your "gre hurt [you]". You're likely to inspire a bit of animosity if you tell people you were "hurt," but were also accepted to Berkeley, Michigan, and UCSD - some of the best programs in the country. Michigan and UCSD historically do a good job of funding, so I wouldn't be worried (I don't know as much about Berkeley). Instead you ought to be pretty freaking thrilled.

Thanks for the info. I focus on IR so I'm glad to hear they have some respect in that area. I am really looking for insights about their placement record, as I have not found much on the internet. If anyone has any further ifo, it would be greatly appreciated!!!

I am in need of any and all information about GW's Ph.D. program. I am curious about everything from their professors, placement records, funding opportunities, strengths, weaknesses etc... I was recently given an interesting offer and need as much information as possible, ASAP. Links to useful websites are always encouraged... Thanks!!!

To zephyr: Although I have no particular expertise and have experienced my fair share of rejections this year, my opinion is that your lower undergrad GPA will not kill your chances anywhere. You have enough other strengths that you will surely be in the running at the schools you applied. That said, there are no guarantees in the application process, so I wish you the best of luck.

I write to you in a more settled state than last night. First, thank you for all the responses, words of encouragment, and most importantly, the reality checks. I know this process is a crazy one and admissions decicions are unfortunately rather opaque, which means we will probably never know why a specific decision was made. I guess there isn't much to do, other than fasten our seatbelts for the emotional rollercoaster that we paid to ride. Get an extra shot of tequila at the end of the work-day, after all, it is Friday. And if you're like me, by a plane ticket to Mexico for when this is all over. It will either be a celebratory vacation, or a perfect way to relax and put life in perspective.

It was only a short while ago when I asked that WashU be my saving grace. Unfortunately it was the slap across the face. I just received a rejection from them, which leaves me waiting on Princeton, MIT, UCSD, Michigan, and Chicago. Hmm, it really will take a miracle now. I think I must have gone about this all wrong. I know my numbers are good enough, but I guess the SOP and writing sample weren't what they were looking for. All I can say is, I'm very very sad...

Congratulations! I admit I am totally jealous, but also very happy for you. Also, thanks for providing some specifics, it helps keep me from totally abandoning hope.

Someone who feels exactly like me!!! It's been nine days since I got my last "fix" and it was a bad one. All I need is one good "fix" and then I'll return to normal - that's what I keep telling myself anyway.

This post will provide no usefull information to anyone, but is purely my way to vent how stressed I am. I have received 4 rejections thus far, still no acceptances, and am definitely discouraged. I am really hoping UW-Seattle will be my saving grace. If I am admitted to any of the other remaining schools where I still have applications pending I will consider it a miracle. It's funny, I was so confident only one month ago, now I'm a total stress case and am definitely working on contingency plans (MAPSS - PLEASE!!!)

Are all Poli Sci Ph.D. applicants to Chicago automatically considered for the MAPSS if they are rejected from the Ph.D. program? That's it. Thanks,

Hello all, Congratulations to everyone who's already received acceptances, and best of luck to everyone still waiting. For the last couple weeks I have quietly enjoyed reading this forum and figure it's time I add my two cents. First, I definitely had to laugh when somebody asked if poli sci people were the most neurotic. Based on my experience, I'd say probably not (I've seen some pretty bad law school applicants), but those on this forum are certainly coming close. It might do us all well to try and relax and have at least one entire day trying not to worry about this. Then again, who am I kidding. After already receiving a few rejections and no acceptances, my nerves are tight, stress levels are high, and it seems like the world revolves around notices from schools. I have no words of wisdom to help us get through this, only my best wishes to all involved. Cheers,

I am a Poli Sci applicant and am hoping to receive funding. However, I am curious whether I need to submit a FAFSA before hearing from schools (UW says to submit FAFSA by Feb. 25th). Even though I have no idea where I might be going or how much money I may need, do I submit a FAFSA now to cover my tail in case I need the money next fall? Thanks, P.S. a link to a credible website that answers this question will suffice, or a personal response is great too.

I have applied to: Berkeley Stanford UCSD Duke Yale MIT Princeton Chicago Michigan University of Washington (Seattle) (International Relations) No word from any of them yet, so the waiting continues... Good luck to all who have applied, and congrats to those who have already received acceptances.