adaptations

Assuming that you have already submitted transcripts from each school you've attended (even if grades aren't available for the most recent term), I don't believe the missing grades are a problem. I remember when I applied during the first term of my master's program, I submitted an empty transcript, just as proof of enrollment in the program and then followed up with an update once grades were released.

There is no question that every rejection hurts, but it is too early in the cycle to despair. Academia takes a thick skin, and unfortunately the hardships are often thrust upon us early and often. That said, keep your head up, as good news may still arrive from one or more of the many schools you applied to. Having not received a funded PhD offer during my first round of applications, I chose to get my master's degree, which gave me some great experience, focused my research goals, and helped me get some very strong LORs. If you don't get a PhD offer you are happy about, a master's degree is certainly a viable option to continue your pursuit of an academic career (even if it does mean more time and money). Best of luck and try not to let the lows of this process (because there will be lows for all of us) get you down too much.

I think this depends more on your long term goals than immediate finances and the pros and cons of being in a job making good money for two years versus the eventual time as a poor graduate student. IF you are committed to academia and are certain that is what you want to do, then I would suggest pursuing your PhD if you are accepted to a place you are excited about. That said, if you are hesitant about pursuing your PhD, which is very understandable coming fresh out of undergraduate, then the job may provide you valuable experience. The job can be valuable not because of its research-experience value or for applications, but for helping you gain perspective on what you really want to do with your life. Earning your doctorate is such a big commitment that it is best to be full-committed and if a job helps you learn that a PhD is or is not for you, then that experience is important. I did not consider pursuing a PhD immediately after undergraduate and instead had a number of interesting jobs that helped shape my career goals, and in the end helped develop my research interests for my PhD. Even though I presently have a very good job, I am still excited to return to academia. In my case, my work experience helped affirm my desire to return to academia and helped me gain the experience and credentials to (hopefully) get into a strong PhD program. Whatever your choice - best of luck!

I think a short thank you email would be sufficient. It's definitely appropriate to show your appreciation, but I wouldn't make a huge deal of it.

Congrats on finishing your apps Peter12. At least the "long wait" isn't that long (depending on which schools you applied to). I'm hoping/expecting to hear from some schools in the final days of this month and early February, which isn't too far off.

GopherGrad - I'm happy to hear that this situation is working out as well as it could and that most schools are being cooperative. Hopefully it will yield some good results in the coming months. Also - as a fellow dog owner, I love the pic! What a cute pup.

I would submit what you consider to be your best statement of purpose for the program. I wouldn't worry about whether it is 800 or 1,000 words, just use whichever one is the stronger statement.

1) How would you compare the GRE to the LSAT in terms of difficulty and weight in admissions? 2) What advantage, if any, would doing a Masters prior to a PhD offer? 3) Is there a specific site where I can find admission statistics for top 10 PhD Political Science PhD programs? 4) How common is it for PhD students to transfer? 5) How large of a role does the prestige of your PhD program play in your future career prospects?

I try to remember that family and friends who are asking these questions and offering their support really do mean the best. It is hard for them to have any sense of what the application process if like, what the chances of admission are, etc. The one question that annoys me is, "what is your top choice?" I am convinced everyone asks this because it is an easy conversation topic. In truth, most people don't want to learn all about the intricate details of the programs you're applying to, so a quick response of a recognizable name is generally enough to make them feel like they know what's happening and prevents you from having to explain that getting into any of the schools you applied to is a huge accomplishment.

Although I know very little about computer science applications and programs, it seems you are taking a very pragmatic approach. With your experience and GREs I expect that the Masters programs will consider you. If your LORs can also vouch for your ability to do good work, I think you've got a shot at the masters programs. I doubt that you'll have a chance at top PhD programs because of your GPA, but with an excellent masters record, you'll be in a much stronger position to try again.

I am intrigued by the "state" criteria. If they use the state where you graduated high school, it inherently biases applicants from states with a lower population. So if I come from North Dakota there is much less of a chance that anyone else from North Dakota will be in group I or II, meaning that I am more likely to get pulled up from group II to I than if I were an applicant from California or New York, where there is most likely at least one more competitive applicant. Granted, you still have to make it into the top two groups, but it is a peculiar criteria.

I wouldn't worry about whether the school has received your materials. If it turns out they are missing anything, they will most likely contact you when the time comes (clearly they aren't focused on it right now). As for the LORs, I would pursue both approaches of contacting the department to see about an extension and seeing if there are other professors who can write you an LOR. Some schools may not care too much if the LORs are two weeks late, but that typically depends on when they review the files. Asking other professors to write LORs on your behalf will be a challenge since they are due in 9 days and it is the holidays. Unless you know a professor really well, I would suspect they would decline to write you a letter the week of Christmas.

I can say the same thing I've said to others. Your numbers are competitive, so you'll certainly be in the running. There is no way to know based on just the numbers, as other factors (SOP, LORS, etc.) play a big factor int he process. Good luck.

Have you tried Angry Birds? I hear it is the best time suck on earth. After doing this before, I can say that thegradcafe tends to use up an increasing amount of time (not sure that's a good thing). I also try to focus on some other goal, project, job, etc. Lucky for me that's easy this year since I have a full time job and am planning a wedding right now.

I don't think any grad students gets paid for conference papers, and instead it involves applying (begging) for travel money to get to and pay for the conference. By the way, I'm curious what the representation on the board is for subfields and areas of interest. I'm mostly an International Relations, IPE, institutions guy. What about the rest of you?

I'll join the fun. I applied in the social sciences. I've had so many friends go through this process, none who won the award, many with honorable mention, and yet I have almost no idea what to expect. I started reading the first article you recommended - the beginning is a like a barbwire fence discouraging anyone from reading further.

I agree with bhikhaari. This isn't a big deal and I don't think you need to consider replacing any of the SOPs or anything.

I wasn't around last year, but three years ago I applied and ended up going to Chicago for an MA. Two years ago, while in my first quarter at U. of C., I applied and got into a number of programs, but for personal reasons ended up not enrolling. I took last year off from applications, and am now back for what I sincerely hope will be the final time!

If there is ever a place for humor in an application, which is debatable, I think the diversity seems like the right spot. I concluded mine with a light hearted comment.

LOL - I have to say I was pretty pleased to complete the final application. And when you get to celebrate and open a bottle of champagne when the first fully funded offer arrives - there will be lots of joy!

So, I just wrapped up my final application and know that many folks will be doing the same in the coming weeks, or already have. I thought it might be nice to have a thread to get to know the other political science applicants, banter over the common joys and pains of this process, and consolidate the random discussion that doesn't need it's own thread.

It is really hard to say. Your numbers are obviously good enough to be competitive, but a lot will depend on your LORs, who they come from and what they say. Where you did your undergrad and grad work and all the other factors that go into the process also make a big difference. I think the most accurate thing I can say, is that there are no red flags in the info you provided, but there is no way to know who will/will not get into specific programs.

I might be able to add more later, but here's a quick update. Michigan definitely has a status page. You have to login using your UM ID, which will be emailed to you, and then you set up a U. of Michigan "friend" account. I don't know how often they update the page, but it is there. You can also check on the apply dashboard for the status of LORs for Michigan, Stanford, and others that use the same system.

FYI - Pevehouse moved back to Wisconsin.

I only read the original post, so my apologies if these comments were already said. First, don't feel pressure to work harder/longer hours if you are already succeeding and meeting your and your advisor's expectations. This forum is full of people doing PhDs that work extremely hard, and that's fine, but that doesn't mean that is what grad school is, or should be, for everyone. Also, earning your master's degree does not commit you to academia or a specific profession. If anything, the degree will make you more competitive on the job market, allowing you to have better non-academic opportunities. Further more, a master's degree is an opportunity to learn more, show your ability to excel, and enhance your credentials. You can apply what you learn to a diverse range of professional opportunities, even if they don't seem to match well with meteorology. For example, I earned my master's degree in international relations and then was hired on as a health care policy analyst. As for your dissatisfaction with you current situation, it sounds to me like it would help to make a conscious effort to branch out and find a few things you really enjoy in your new city. I know this can be a challenge, but grad school presents many opportunities to meet new people, and this can be an adventure for you to find new things that you enjoy. If you really find yourself constantly miserable and don't feel you need/want the master's degree, you can always consider leaving, but it sounds to me like there is also the possibility that this is part of the growing pains of being somewhere new and having to build a new life. Best of luck with everything!