applying12010

I am international student, and I didn't go to Oxbridge! (I actually turned down Oxford) Some of my thoughts: 1) It probably depends on subfield in the first place - I heard that American is usually a little easier to get into. IR is the most difficult. 2) Your fit with the department. The professors are smart and know whether you are just applying because of the name. 3) Quality of undergrad institution matters, but it is not the determining factor. Undergrad quality can partially offset lower GPA, however. My GPA is a tiny bit lower than 3.8 (I went a really hard school and took a lot of hard classes). I think I will be rejected outright if I am coming from a regional state university. 4) Write a good personal statement - show that you are thoughtful, original and know what the field is about. Ask professors for help with your statement. Mine was read by three professors - their comments are extremely helpful. 5) Get good letters by demonstrating your aptitude as a political scientists - one of my letter writer invited me to co-author a paper, and the other asked me to develop a syllabus for a high-level seminar with him. 6) Good GRE scores - I think a 1500 combined is necessary, according to what I know. The cutting off point for top programs can be pretty high. I memorized 6-7000 words for the verbal section to get a top score...It is more difficult for me since my native language is not English.

Lol I am actually not celebrating - I am just trying to do my seminar readings while procrastinating on gradcafe and youtube Yes now the acceptances are in, but life goes on. There's a lot more work to do in grad school!

To be fair, the email came directly from Professor Nancy Rosenblum, so Thorm Wall might not know that Professor Rosenblum has already sent out the emails.

I got into Minnesota in early Feb. I was nominated for a special fellowship, so that might be why I heard back earlier. I got a personal email and phone call from Minnesota. Good luck waiting for Minnesota's decision!

Mass email with funding information. Personal emails will probably follow, according to my experience with other schools.

In at Harvard (IR)!

I am also an international student - didn't get a call from Princeton, but got a very kind email from a professor from my subfield!

Well the first school I heard back from is Stanford, and it was a rejection. I re-read my personal statement in my state of post-Stanford rejection paranoia and thought it was total crap...

Lol I hope our statements are not identical. People post! Don't let my PS stand alone!

Now that the application process is over, do people want to post their personal statements? It can help guide the applicants in future years, and it can be fun to read what people's research interests are! Please post your PS! This draft is a prototype that I used for all of my schools - I personalized my statements for each school to different degrees. When I was growing up in Shanghai, I was the strange kid who liked to watch news instead of cartoons. Elections, decisions of war and peace, economic development, and other workings of the human social systems have long fascinated me. After four and a half years of studying political science at Swarthmore College and political economy at the London School of Economics, I have maintained my passion for the subject and its many puzzles. I wish to continue my study at XXX and focus on international relations and comparative politics with a regional concentration on East Asia. I am confident that my academic training, research experiences and intellectual curiosity position me well to contribute to the community of political scientists at XXX. At Swarthmore, my work in comparative politics focused on comparative democratization, comparative political economy, and East Asian politics. For instance, in a paper I presented at an undergraduate Asian Studies Conference at West Chester University, Pennsylvania, I developed an alternative framework to the developmental state thesis to explain post-war Japanese political economy. I conducted my first sponsored independent research on Taiwan’s democratization (under the guidance of Professor XXX, Davidson College) based on primary documents, interviews, and English and Chinese secondary sources. That research project suggests that democratization is a means to alleviate the ethnic conflicts between the Taiwanese opposition and the Mainlander elites—the Taiwanese gained access to the state apparatus while the Mainlanders were guaranteed the survival of the Chinese nation in Taiwan (Taiwan was democratized under the framework of the Constitution of the Republic of China). Building upon this research, I also embarked on a larger research project that culminated as a conference paper at the annual meeting of the Pennsylvania Political Science Association in Elizabethtown, 2009. That paper develops a general theory of democratization in ethnically heterogeneous countries that brings together three streams of literatures: theories of democratization, theories of ethnic politics, and systemic theories in international relations. It postulates that specific inter-ethnic dynamics may generate intra-ethnic dynamics that would encourage ethnic elites to opt for power-sharing based on case studies. In addition to comparative politics, I concentrated on international relations in my senior year. I wrote extensive seminar papers on topics including international monetary relations, optimal American strategy toward North Korea and Iran, and the possibility and necessity to reconcile interpretivism and positivism. The research I conducted for professors supplemented my in-course work. For instance, I researched for Professor XXX (Swarthmore) on Chinese population policy, Professor XXX on recent Japanese national security policies and Professor XXX (Swarthmore) on international regime theory. Moreover, Professor XXX (Swarthmore) and I are currently collaborating on a project that examines the relationship between ideational and material forces through case studies from international relations. This year at LSE, I am studying game-theoretic models, formal models, econometrics, and the politics of economic policy with Professors X, Y, and Z. I believe that my training in both qualitative and quantitative models will allow me to pursue multi-method research effectively. I have a keen interest in applying quantitative methods to historical material, as well as inserting qualitative analysis into issues that require formal modeling. At XXX, I would be interested in studying ethnic politics and democratization, the theory of transnational networks, and ideas in international politics (especially its relationship with material forces) on the theoretical, empirical and methodological levels. I wish to strengthen my senior project on ethnic politics and democratization at XXX by utilizing game theory to formalize my results based on comparative historical analysis. Moreover, I hope to resolve two theoretical issues in my earlier project—how to devise a more sophisticated framework to study intra-ethnic dynamics and how the ideational and material dimensions in ethnic politics are related. Both issues are related to my interests in IR theory. Theory of networks may help me resolve the first issue while investigating how ideas and interests intertwine will assist me in responding to the second issue. Concerning the theory of transnational networks, I want to refine the current framework by introducing the concept of density, which measures the number of interconnected points, or the “thickness”, of networks (states can therefore be conceptualized as special networks with arguably the highest density). The concept of density permits network theory to simultaneously underscore the importance of states and transnational actors. Subsequently, the international system is characterized by a distribution of densities of a gigantic network (which can be subdivided into smaller networks based on issue area, religion etc.). Additionally, the concept of velocity, which captures the volume of interaction between different networks, may also strengthen network theory. The international system is not a dormant distribution of points; instead, information, wealth, ideas, and even weapon smugglings and human trafficking connect the points in a dynamic manner, which I hope to explore. The theory of transnational networks may inform some empirical issues that I wish to study at XXX, in addition to ethnic politics. The theory of transnational networks encourages us to view power from a Foucaultian perspective - how it is dispersed and decentralized in international politics. Adopting the perspective, we may challenge the anarchy precept in IR theory. If power is not symbiotic with a central sovereign, the lack of a global enforcer of rules does not logically lead to anarchy. Subsequently, we can be more optimistic when discussing issues such as global governance – the Hobbesian dichotomy of a global sovereign or governing paralysis may be a fake one. Moreover, an interconnected view of the world may refine our understanding of the roles and strategies of middle and small powers in IPE and international security, which are often overlooked. The proliferation of networks implies the multiplication of veto points. Thus seemingly weak states or second-class powers may exert disproportionately huge influence in the international arena depending on their positions in the global network. Aside from the theory of transnational networks, I am also interested in studying ideas, identities and norms in IR. Firstly, I am interested in theorizing how ideas merge, clash and compete with each other in international politics. For instance, what are the conditions under which a dominant culture, i.e. beliefs in liberal capitalism, generates “counter culture”, i.e. right wing and Islamic extremism? Secondly, relating back to the theory of transnational networks, how do the two distributions of density and ideas constrain and nurture each other? While scholars have written on how networks may transmit and generate ideas, how would the ideational contents of a network facilitate or constrain its growth? Thirdly, I am also interested in studying how ideas and interests covariate. I think that current IR literature has a tendency to analyze the two variables either as inherently incompatible starting points for analysis, distinctly independent variables or derivatives of one another. I postulate that ideas and interests are in fact symbiotic, and I wish to specify their relationship. Subsequently, I am curious to study the interactions between the two systems in IR theory - the distribution of power and the distribution of ideas. Fourthly, I hope to utilize quantitative methodologies to study norms and ideas in international politics (e.g. automated content analysis and NOMINATE regression). I wish to investigate the “irrational” dimensions of human scientifically and adopt economic tools for interpretive studies. My knowledge on political science has grown cumulatively in the past four years. However, the more I know, the more questions I have. I look forward to continuing my intellectual journey under the distinguished scholars at XXX, and to becoming a researcher and scholar under their tutelage.

In at Princeton for IR/ Comparative. In at Minnesota last Thursday - personal email from the chairman of the admissions committee. Almost certain that I will be going to Princeton - my first choice! (over Harvard, Columbia, Duke etc.)

forgot to mention the suggestion - shall we post our personal statements on the forum? I just got a new computer, but I will find the document soon and posted it here. It will be very useful for the future applicants!

I felt quite horrible for people who haven't gotten any acceptances yet! It must be so nerve wrecking to look at the 27 pages of posts of people getting in great programs for someone who hasn't received any emails/ letters. I was one of those nervous people before I get my first acceptance. My friends actually forced me to promise that I will not look at the gradcafe forum before I get accepted, which in my opinion, helped me maintain my sanity. Maybe that is a good advice for people who are as nervous as I was? Just try to relax (I know its hard), and know that if you have talent, you will shine nor matter what. You don't have to attend a top school to become a great scholar, and going to a top school would not necessarily make you a great scholar. Moreover, going to a top school doesn't even necessarily mean that you are exceptional (although most of them are; there are some very qualified people on the forum). I have a friend's friend who got into a top three program a few years ago and someone else wrote his/ her personal statement, and that person is not very impressive intellectually - just a grade grubber. I hope everyone will get into a good school, and live happily ever after!

I studied for about 1.5 months for the GRE. Most time spent on verbal - remembered about 8000 words from all the GRE vocab books I can find (I actually like to remember words!). I am a non-native English speaker, by the way. I bought the Kaplan online quiz bank to study for both verbal and math - the questions in Kaplan are slightly harder than the real GRE, which gave me good practice. Otherwise, I think that the Barron's book is very useful. Additionally, there are also useful GRE materials scattered around Chinese and Indian student forums. Princeton Review is too easy in my opinion. I think it will be ideal to take about 2 months to prepare for the exam, spending at least 2 hours each day on the GRE. I did the majority of the study 3-4 weeks before the exam, and that was painful. Don't do it! Final scores: v 770, q 750. quant can probably can be a little better if I didn't take the exam with a fever! I thought I was going to do horrible... Good luck with the GRE, future generation of applicants!

In at Duke for IR/ Comparative. Fellowship information will come in mail.

Just curious - what are people's fall back plans? I have to go back to my home country and join the army if I have no schools to attend this coming fall. After the army, I might try to become a kindergarden/ primary school teacher - I really like teaching and kids! During my spare time, I will read the American Political Science Review

It's true, it's not law school admissions. And two candidates can never be virtually the same. But if you read the stats from the previous years in grad cafe, you can be surprised at how similar we are... For example, many people fall into similar categories - good undergrad institution, good GPA etc. Consider this imaginary candidate: GPA: 3.7-3.85 Institution: let's say...a pretty decent R1/ pretty good state school Research: senior thesis, and possibly one or two research assistantship faculty match: has one/ two faculty who can be the supervisor rec letters: indicate that the candidate is in the top 10% of the class (but not like "the best student I have ever taught in the past ten years") SOP: coherent proposal that may be a little generic - demonstrates good knowledge of the field of the study that the candidate is interested in, but nothing exceptional. GRE: 1400 +/- 50 A lot of the people I know who are applying this fall into similar category with this imaginary candidate. Of course, GRE is not decisive once you score above a certain threshold (which I think a lot of times people underestimate...), but given how "similar" we are, everything that make us stand out makes a difference. Especially since GRE scores is relatively easy to improve compared to the other parts of one's application, even the SOP. I think writing a SOP depends quite a lot on how much help you can get from your professors who actually know what is going on in the field, according to my own experience. I read SOPs from people who thought that they asked provocative and original questions when they have already been addressed in the literature. Our undergrad readings is not the same as "the literature". Professors are quite important to help address this issue, but they are also quite busy and often times we can only rely on our friends/ classmates for help. Well, let's just hope for the best! We have already applied, so we can't really do anything about our applications anyway...I will be happy if I can just get into one of the nine schools I applied to!

Reply to the original post: applying to those top schools does not mean that we'll get in, hahaha. There is no reason to feel inadequate - you are just more modest. On the GRE, I think the fact that we need good GRE scores is just an ugly fact that many of us don't want to admit... THer problem with GRE scores is that so many people are applying to the top programs with top scores. Yes, maybe GRE scores are not the most important, but if there is a candidate who has a comparable profile as yours, but a much higher GRE score, who do you think that the adcom will pick? I think plisar's advice is good, and we should have realistic expectations about the kind of decisions we will hear in February/ March.

Well, we shall never abuse the shroud of anonymity in the first place!

One proposal for this thread for the future generation of applications - do people mind stating where they earned their undergrad and/ or grad degrees? I think we are actually saying very little when we say that we went to a top program in political science, a good liberal arts school or a good public school. It is not always clear how to interpret "top", "good" or "well known". Do we judge whether a school is a top school based on its USNEWS ranking, the Jiaotong ranking or the LSE ranking (there is a recent ranking of PoliSci departments done by Simon Hix)? And when we say that we went to a top political science program, we are not really distinguishing among different subfields, which can make a difference. What do you guys think?

Couldn't figure out how to edit the post! updated scores v: 770, q: 750.

I am applying to the IR/ Comparative stream with a concentration on IR theory and East Asia. My schools are Columbia, MIT, Minnesota, Cornell, Duke, Harvard, Princeton, Stanford and Chicago. I will probably add Hopkins too for Blyth and Deudney! Undergrad: Political Science and Economics with highest honors, Swarthmore. Studied at Yale briefly. Grad: LSE, Political Economy Conferences and publications: one working manuscript with a professor, two conference presentations. Fellowships and scholarships: 4 from LSE, Swarthmore and Kyushu University (I studied in Japan for a summer) RA: 4 research positions with professors from Swarthmore, Yale and LSE. Letters: 4 letters from professors who know me quite well. GREs: screwed up - v: 710, q: 690. Got sick right before the exam. Will retake on Monday - will update score soon. SOP: a lot like a research proposal - focused on theories of transnational networks, the relationship between material and ideational forces in IR, and how inter-ethnic dynamics may affect intra-ethnic dynamics. Writing samples: one conference paper on democratization in ethnically heterogeneous countries, one paper on theories of international monetary cooperation, and one paper on optimal American strategies towards Iran and Islamic terrorist network. Will report results in February/ March. Good luck with the applications everyone!

I actually rushed to create an account after I saw your post. Please retake the GRE! I have a professor who works on the committee for Princeton about 10 years ago. If I remembered right, I was told that 700 is usually the cutting off point, which basically means that if your score is lower than that, the committee will not even look at your file. Moreover, sometimes American professors are not as familiar with Canadian (international) schools compared to American schools, so they rely more on the GRE when they evaluate students who studied outside the U.S. You sound extremely qualified. Please, please retake the GRE! You need at least scores that are close to 700 (on both) for the committee to read your file. With no GRE jeopardizing your chances, I am pretty confident (according to what I know about people who went to LSE and Oxford) that you'll get into the British schools. For American schools, you may want to look at Chicago and Northwestern. Both have brilliant programs. Best of luck! I hope you will get into all the great programs!