rollinson
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Posts posted by rollinson
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nurye27 said:OK. Got accepted at MAPSS with some financial support as well.
As many others, I was curious how "selective" this program truly is. So, I asked the staff there how many students usually get admitted and how many actually accept the offer. The answer that I got was that there is an average of 160-170 students each year and 50% of admitted students actually enroll. Also, a total of 876 applications were reviewed this year. Just by these numbers, the program does not seem to be very selective, but I would like to hear your opinion as I am seriously considering accepting the offer.
So, how "good" do you think is this program? Also, to those who actually studied there, could you share your experience as well as personal opinion with us? What were the pros and cons of the program? Were you satisfied with it? Did it actually help you with your career? Thanks guys!
I graduated from the program a couple of years ago.
Some thoughts:
1. As for selectivity, I'm not sure how it breaks down, but one thing you should consider is that the MAPSS program comprises all the social sciences: Anthropology, History (which isn't a SS, but whatever), Political Science, Psychology, and Sociology (and I think that's it). So, let's say they get 150-200 applications per those fields, accept around 20-50 students per field. That's not super selective, but it's not mincemeat either. Also, that will depend on field. Political Science had probably 12-15 students in it, but Anthro had I think double. Not sure how that affects your reasoning on the matter, but it might be something to consider. What I guess you might be trying to get at is how will this program affect you in graduate admissions in the future. Well, part of that is of course up to you--if you go and totally fuck up, then maybe not so well. But, if you play your cards right it can certainly help. I ended up being admitted to three PHD programs this try around, one with full funding. I know of MAPSS students who are now at various (HD, History, Pol Sci, Law) programs at the university now. I know of students who are at other universitites both prestigious (Princeton, Columbia, WashU) and I'm sure there are others who are at smaller unis or colleges as well. I think I mentioned this upriver: when I went for orientation, they said that of the students they were helping to apply to PHD programs (the department will write you a letter, penned by your preceptor and I think signed by the head of the department, although I'm not sure about that last part) pretty much all of them got into PHD programs and most with full funding. I would take that with a slight pinch of salt since they may have narrowed the list of applicants with their definition of "help" and the number cited (I think it was 29 of 32 who got full funding) was obviously lower than the total program (although, not all students enter the program looking to go on to a PHD and some change their minds while earning their Masters--indeed, when they had an info session about reapplying and a rather large number of students from my class showed up the director remarked "I thought we would have scared off more than this" or something to that effect). I'd say go for the visit (they'll compensate you and it should be somewhat nice in April in Chicago), take a look, and press them on placement records. Don't be put off by the gruff exterior of John McAloon: press him if you feel like you need something answered.
2. The Pros: You get to study at one of the great universities in the nation and have access to some fantastic professors. You get a year to basically work out what you want to study, which will help you hone a better Statement of Purpose (provided this was something you needed to do anyways). [The director told us that many of the people who wounds up in MAPSS were people who were thrown on the "smart kids who don't really know what they want to study" pile from the general application list in, say, Anthro.] If you play your cards right and/or get lucky you can get a rather big name to be one of your readers for your master's paper and with that a letter of recommendation. Having Nathan Tarcov or Robert Pape or someone like that writing you a letter generally doesn't hurt. You get to live in Chicago for at least a year; Chicago is really cool (although Hyde Park is kinda lame).
3. The Cons: Even if you have received a full scholarship, you need to pay for your living expenses and take out loans to do so. And if you haven't received that full scholarship, those costs only go up. It's a significant financial burden to accrue. There is probably some truth to the claim that MAPSS and MAPH (the humanities version) are there to stoke the coffers of the University (although I think it's more of a symbiosis since you can also get something out of it). You are not at the top of the graduate hiearchy: the PHD students are. If a class is overbooked, for instance, one way they may cut down the numbers is to take only PHD students (I had this happen with a class, although I didn't really care about the class, so no biggie). It's a one year program so it can feel very rushed--in a blink of an eye you'll be working on your master's paper proposal and trying to find an advisor (tip: try and think of that stuff beforehand and try and network as early as possible by going to visit profs you might want to work with and asking them questions).
I would go, ask questions of the students, ask questions of the preceptors and the director, get a nice free meal with the current students, and then decide. It is a costly adventure, but it can pay off in the end if what you really want is to go to a PHD program. Of course, as I've mentioned, in part you'll get out of it what you put into it.
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Thanks everyone for their contribution.
Anyway, before boring anyone away, let me succintly say that my research interests primarily revolve around modern & contemporary political thought (Nietzsche and Oakeshott), which means that I am some sort of radical anti-liberal, which does not necessarily mean that i am conservative, but could be.
In any case, any thoughts? By the way, does the fact that Notre Dame runs "review of politics" carry any weight?
If I'm not mistaken, Northwestern is apparently very good for that sort of study. Also, if you're into editorships of journals, recent hire Mary Dietz brought the journal Political Theory with her to Northwestern.
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http://www.themonkeycage.org/2008/02/post_64.html
If you enroll in a doctoral program in political science, what are the chances that you -
adaptations said: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,
By director, do you mean Chair of the Department or the Graduate Advisor? I'm going to email concerning my status, but I wanted to make sure I'm sending it to the right person.
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as am i. if i don't hear something sometime this week, i am going to call and ask what the deal is. if we are on some kind of waiting list, they should just tell us!
FYI: The student/campus days for Pol Sci are this weekend. I'm not sure if that plays into this as well and if so how. For instance, if you're on the wait list would they offer you a chance to visit?
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Do you know what rankings he used?
I found this one interesting:
http://www.politicalstudies.org/pdf/psr/hix.pdf
Three years old or so, so it might not be as up to date as one would like.
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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,
Wow, that really sucks. Compliment (hey we want you for PHD) + punch in the stomach (ah, but no funding!) = bad.
I take it they'll be contacting people soon though; so hopefully you won't have that long to wait to hear.
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They seem to have gotten a bit of a reputation for waiting until the last second to reject people. A lot of people in previous years posted that they had to call in order to find out that they were rejected.
Hmmm...
There's a thread in the History section about the paucity of politeness and consideration at UPENN; maybe it's an institution wide thing?
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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.
Was this someone you know in the department or do you get the impression that it's the beginning of their non-letter contacts to admits? Or do they only admit via snail mail? I'm confused and hungry, and there wolves after me...help!
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Answer the phone like Kramer by either picking up and saying "Go!" or by pretending to be MovieFone. Then, when asked about your research interests go off on a tangent about your friend Bob Sacamano. Also, you should take the call while in the middle of an hour long shower where you are preparing a meal for elaine and puddy.
As testament to how this whole process can get to your head, or perhaps merely to my own insanity:
When I first read your suggestion, I glanced at it quickly. In this quick glance, I thought you said "in the shower with Elaine," which somehow put my brain into action debating the sexual prowess/abilities of the four main cast members. Thank you for that spur.
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Forum. Anyone anticipate hearing anything?
Sure, I anticipate a tersely written rejection.
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Here are the Georgetown admissions stats from last year, to illustrate what I described just now:
That's fascinating actually.
I don't know jack shit about their department: are they really that good in comparative and int'l relations (as compared to american and theory) or is that there are just that many people looking for those sub-fields in general? You definitely have a nontrivial better chance if you are an americanist or a theorist at getting in--if I'm not mistaken, something like 25 percent of American apps were accepted, compared to 9 for int'l relations. But a very low funding rate. Dang.
Some people have remarked that GW is good with funding--any further details? I applied and looked at their site--looks like TA's from the department with uni fellowships, but the site didn't really go into good detail (like all our students receive X, or something along those lines).
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Man, you people are all so serious: I just want to get a PHD so I can become a Professor and use my status and aura of wisdom to bed 18 year olds. Knowledge, smoledge!
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I am actually thrilled to hear first-hand proof that my source was unreliable, even though it clearly makes me look kind of dumb. Thanks for clarifying, Rollinson; you undoubtedly made lots of us whose Ph.D. applications might only end up with consolation M.A. acceptances happy!
No problem. I'm here to help.
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PS. on the MAPSS website it says: "MAPSS graduates have received and presently pursue doctorates in all of the University of Chicago's social science departments and committees"
take it for what it is worth i guess.
Induibitdly true. In fact, as a MAPSS graduate, I have two close friends pursuing PHDs at the University of Chicago currently, although neither are in Political Science. I also know of one person who has gone into the law program and the MSW program at that school, as well as admits to other programs at other universities as well. Perhaps the Pol Sci department is different, but a MAPSS degree can be quite useful--likely helped me get into two programs. When I went for my campus days the numbers they gave us were: that out of 32 students they helped from the previous co-hort, something like 28 or 29 had received offers somewhere. Not sure how they defined helped (since that definition might have excluded some former students), but it impressed me enough to give it a try.
Edited to add: I thought there was a tickle in my brain. Upon consulting the current students list for Pol Sci I see someone who was in MAPSS with me...so it is in fact possible to go from MAPSS to the UChicago Pol Sci program, as well as other programs in general.
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Hey there
First of all, thanks for all of this effort. Since I am an International Student who has never been to Chicago its great to get a general overview and it makes me feel a lot more comfortable with the prospect of flying out to the big bad city.
Anyways, I am trying to do some pre-screening of the different neighborhoods and housing options for me, but I was wondering if you all could give me some general pointers which areas I should consider. I got accepted by Northwestern (and boy am I still elated about that) and I would prefer to live closer to campus, rather than closer to Chicago. However, since I am used to commuting, I also would not mind a direct commute. (on the redline, right?) I don't mind partying, but since I doubt I will have all that much time for it, being close to the "action" is not a necessity. I would however prefer to avoid the rougher neighborhoods, because I am still somewhat intimidated by the imposing nature of US cities.
I think I should be able to spend between$700 - $800 on rent ( plus utilities?) and I would prefer to live by myself. A studio is ok, although a one bedroom would be really great, too.
Do you have any pointers on neighborhoods I should look into?
Also, on a more general thing, help me to get excited about Chicago , so tell me what YOU think makes Chicago unique and great?
Thanks in advance for all your help ( and also for all the pointers already given)
Here is a link to the CTA (Chicago Transit Authority) map for northern Chicago (including Evanston):
http://www.transitchicago.com/maps/maps/2007N.html
So, yeah, if you don't live in Evanston, you'll need at least somewhat easy access to the Red Line (technically, you'll have to transfer to the Purple Line to complete the trip--the Purple Line serves Evanston; during rush hour during the week, it also runs direct to downtown Chicago, the Loop, as well).
Rogers Park, Edgewater, and Uptown are, I believe, the closest and more affordable areas in Chicago itself to Evanston. They can be fairly affordable, from what I've seen. Not sure about whether they are rough or not. Going further south along the Red Line, you'll come to Lake View, and particularly Wrigleyville--a bit more rowdy, especially in and around Wrigley Stadium. Going further South you have Lincoln Park, which is a fairly tony, with generally higher rents.
Here is a link to a page with rent-ranges; it's put together by Apartment People, which is an apartment finding service I've used before. If you're going to go off-campus, it might be a good idea to stop by their offices (maybe make an appointment first), or the offices of a similar agency; they can take you around to a bunch of places so you get a feel for different neighborhoods with greater ease.
http://www.apartmentpeople.com/myAptSearch/rentRanges/
I'm not sure of the accuracy of that link, but it can at least give you a rough sense of what you'd be looking at.
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Thanks Historygirl and Rollinson for the information but somehow you picked up my post which was made 2 years ago :!:
Here's a question for you though - did either of you attend the Divinity School? If so, did either of you apply for the PhD program or have any information; such as - internal candidates are chosen first and then external?
lol.
My bad. I hope your Gaylord experiences were good.
The closest I got to the Divinity School were a couple of classes I took there and the coffee shop...which reminds me of my need to buy a "Where God Drinks Coffee" t-shirt. Otherwise, I do not know the details on that one. Sorry.
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This was a quiet week, it seems. Hopefully things will pick up next week.
I was looking into the admit dates for the schools I have yet to hear from (UPENN, CUNY, Minnesota, GW, and Rutgers), and it seems like the next spike in activity will be around the end of the month and the first week of March (although obviously that is a small sample). So, we might unfortunately have a bit of waiting to do.
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Learn to love Anna's Taqueria. It is all the food you will ever need on a grad student's budget.
This is a wise statement. Class, you can learn a lot from this person.
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I will be moving to Chicago next week to attend the Uof Chicago. I have been assigned grad housing through the school and I'm rather worried that I'm renting an apartment before seeing it. It's on S. Dorchester and I'm hoping someone has info about it. I believe the name of the apartment building is Gaylord Also, if you can tell me how close I am to shopping, what bus is available, is it within walking distance to Swift Hall in the winter? I guess I'm looking for as much info as I can get. Thanks!
Where on S. Dorchester? 53XX?If so, I actually lived in that building a few years back while doing an MA at UChicago. (There are also two dorms on 51st and at the corner of Dorchester).
For 5300: There are 1 bedrooms and studios there. I had a one bedroom--it had pretty nice. It came furnished with a nice desk, a crap couch, and a big comfy bed (can't make promises what you'll receive). The kitchen was small. Otherwise, it was fine living there. I saw a couple of the studio's in the building. Smaller, obviously, but livable (except for one I saw which was for some reason huge).
Ah, I just read and saw you're living in the Gaylord--that is indeed the building I lived in. I liked it--I think it's well located. 53rd Street has a bunch of stores and restaurants, so you'll be close to those. It's also really close to the grocery stores in the area--the co-op fruit place that has apparently become a full-fledged store on 53rd and Woodlawn and what will eventually be a Treasure Island (not sure when) on 55th.
To go downtown, you can walk to 51st pretty easily and over to Lake Shore (?) to get the 6--it's pretty available. There are buses that go straight to campus nearby, but I never once used them. I like to walk, for one reason. Secondly, it's not too far of a walk. Although, of course, that is a subjective judgment, so you should check it out for yourself. It might be a ten minute walk depending on your speed.
Also, the maintenance guy is funny.
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I don't know anything about this area, but is it possible to get by on a $2000/mo stipend without a 1hr commute?
You can do it, although I don't know your loan/credit situation which can obviously complicate things. I'd recommend looking into, say, Rogers Park or Uptown as neighborhoods to live in--from when I was apartment searching, they seemed to be quite affordable, and they're the regions of the city closest to Evanston (and are on the same train line that goes there).
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congrats! can i ask what subfield you applied to?
Good question: I'd say American Politics with a Theory lime twist.
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Did you ever call them back? Did you get an email today? Either way, I believe a congratulations is in order.
Just got off the phone with him. Oh my god. Yes!
That is all.
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"Doom or glory." I like that.
A professor isn't going to bother calling you unless your application is being seriously considered.
Yeah, I figured as much. Which is shocking to me--I didn't think I had a very heavy stone's throw of a chance at NW. I think I'm going to wear out the reload button on this site.
American Politics vs. The Rest - How is the Job Market?
in Political Science Forum
Posted
Oops...double post of Silencio's link.