carlls

I think it definitely works differently from one program to another. Similar to eponine997's post, an MIT professor visited our school and said that writing sample should be no more than 4 or 5 pages because the committee members wouldn't really have time to scrutinize it.

Hi faculty, Thanks for all the informative replies in this amazing thread! My question is, how do you value a letter of recommendation written by someone out of the academia (but within the policy circle, e.g. a think tank director)? This is a question to me because as someone applying from abroad, it seems that Letters written by faculty from non-US universities is less competitive and persuasive than their US counterparts. If so, perhaps a different strategy is worth trying?

To Rainbow 0121: I am now doing research to find the best "fit" of program/faculty and my interests. I also discuss with my undergrad professors who are really helpful in narrowing down my list. Also, I guess it's not too early to inquire LOR candidates about their willingness to write? My reasoning is that professors might be busy once the semester starts they will have more reason to decline.

Hello there, I am also a first time applicant and its good to see so many people on board already! My research interests are (1) the intersection between IR theory and foreign policy, (2) constructivist IR (right, job market is what I made of it), (3) IR and International Law. My empirical/regional focus, if any, is the interaction between the US and the Asia Pacific. While I am still working on my Statement, let me know if you have any thoughts on those topics! After studying abroad at American University in D.C. for a year, I returned to Taiwan to pursuit a Master's degree. Just did the GRE and got V163/Q168/AWA4.0 (good luck to those who are taking this summer) I am now looking at Princeton, Columbia, U Chicago, Cornell, Ohio State, GWU, Minnesoda, and American. (am I missing anything?) Looking forward hear from all of you and go through this together!