PoliSwede

This sounds right to me. What programs really are looking for, regardless of whether your GPA/GRE scores are off the charts, is that you will actually be able to last 5-6 years in a PhD program and actually graduate in the end. They will look even more favourable on you if you can convince them/show that you want to have a career in academia (at least that's my perception of most programs).

Duck and cover!

What would your goal with the PhD be? To go into the policy realm, or do you want to stay in academia? If your goal is to do policy, I would definitely have a look at the schools in the D.C. area. I feel like they have more of a policy-focus than other programs. This is fairly broad. Do you have more specific idea about what exactly you're interested in? You will probably need to be more specific when you sit down and start working on your Statement of Purpose. I also noticed that your "Application Season" says "Spring 2014". You should keep in mind that most well-regarded PhD-programs only admit for the fall-semesters (at least that's my impression).

I can only speak for myself, but I definitely targeted my applications based on where I could find professors that I want to work with. For anyone that will have to go through an additional 4-6 years of schooling, finding people that you think you will enjoy working with/under sounds like a must.

It can only be a good thing.

I just reached the maximum of positive votes that I can hand out to posts. Well put everyone.

Okay, that's not helping. Better keep the phone charged. I assume you're the acceptance? Congratulations if that's the case!

Like a littlebitofluck said, I've not heard anything. I've been expecting them to be one of the first ones out based on previous years, but still nothing.

Hahaha. So awesome. Well played by whoever posted it.

I had never seen this site before. Some good stuff here! Edit: Congratulations balledematch!! I'm glad you're rid of some of that anxiety now.

Congratulations to all the new acceptances! I can feel OSU slowly slipping out of my grip as I type this...

ice cap

The email-app on my phone has never been this worn out before.

Congratulations to the UW-M admit! But what is this "postal service" thing? Is it a new competitor to Google?

Well, I do know that it does happen (in the US).

What about schools that do not have official "visit weekends" and let you choose yourself when you want to visit? Is that rare, or common?

I first told my significant other, my parents, and then a friend or two before posting on here. I'd say I posted on here an hour after I had the acceptance!

Gun Control

Congratulations! Apparently things are starting to happen now.

Congratulations Quigley! I think we all saw how nervous you were about this whole process. I'm glad that you have at least one acceptance!

Congratulations to the Ohio State and FSU admits!

That is true. I really hope that all of you who haven't received any word yet get at least one acceptance in the near future (to a school that you would enjoy attending).

Thank you so much. If you need me, I'll be curled up in a ball in the corner over there.

Thank you Longtime Lurker. Great/helpful reply.