pt10

I've got another thread on this forum about which Theory program I should apply to, but I have a more general question that would be best suited for it's own thread. How important is the writing sample, and what do most schools expect? Unfortunately neither of my two projects (one over EU military integration, the other over moral justification of punishment) will be completed in time to send with my applications. Other than these two works, I only have what I would consider "petty" research for various classes. I have a couple of papers written for a theory course that are strictly analytical in nature (one over The Republic and one over The Social Contract) but neither involve research. Am I doomed? Also, what schools are out there that do not require a writing sample? I seem to have similar interests as many of the faculty at Boston College (which does require a "term" paper writing sample). Would my analytic works be suitable? Does anyone know the average GRE scores for that school and its reputation? Sorry for so many questions. I am just concerned that my lack of research will greatly hurt my chances at getting into a school, much less a good one. I have a 4.0 GPA, and a decent GRE 670 V, 730 Q, 4.5 writing -ouch (but I will have good recs to back up my writing ability). Thanks for any help you can offer!

I am largely interested in the classics; everything from Plato to Marx. I am also a fan of current theory regarding mid 20th century ideologies such as fascism. I'm not particularly into current ideologies such as liberal and conservatism. Furthermore, my least favorite theory topic is the founding fathers: I just don't care for that era. As for themes, I much prefer justice, equality, and power to liberty. I'm currently doing a project on Punishment and find it incredibly fascinating, so areas along those lines interest me. As for course setup, I prefer reading full texts as opposed to taking chunks out of various works that fit the "theme". I like themes, but would much prefer a class over a particular philosopher than a theme. I just feel that so much is taken for granted when I'm only looking for one thing. I'm not sure if any of this helps, but I'm really not too lodged into any particular area. I like various aspects of theory. Any help would be appreciated!

Hello! I'm so glad to stumble upon a subforum for Political Science! I'm currently a Poli Sci Senior at an unknown university (I also have a minor in Economics). Next fall I'd like to move on to graduate school in the subfield of Political Theory. I'm not sure if I'd like to get a masters first and then go for the PhD or go straight for the PhD. Ultimately, I'd like to teach at the university level. Unfortunately, I don't have a very good idea of where I should be looking to apply: I don't know which schools are particularly strong in Theory. I've looked at schools such at UT Austin, Florida, and others in the midwest and northeast. Any insight anyone has to offer to guide me toward some probable schools would be greatly appreciated! Here are my stats: GPA: 4.0 GRE: V 670, Q 730, AWA 4.5 (ouch, is this going to really hurt my chances?) Research Experience: none really; I'm currently working on 2 projects (one over EU military integration and the other over differing theories concerning the justification of punishment) but neither will be written in time to submit as a writing sample. I do plan to mention them in my SOP though, and hopefully get the two professors helping me on each to write a LOR for me. Teaching Experience: I'm in the Honors College (unrelated to Poli Sci) at my school and each professor picks an upper division student to help instruct the first semester freshmen in the program. I'm doing that this semester and I am responsible for grading all of their journals and some instructional activities. (They read texts by those such as Plato, Kierkegaard, Nietzsche, etc.) The content is somewhat relevant to my Theory interests although I doubt the experience will mean anything to grad schools. Any info pointing me toward some grad programs that I might have a shot at would be greatly appreciated! I know my GRE is spectacular, but maybe it will be good enough for some decent schools. Thanks!