Ferrero

My read of the situation is a little different.

Buy stamps, mailing envelopes, etc.

On the UIUC admissions front: latest word is that the chances of an incoming cohort for the fall have fallen to less than 25%.

Not sure the political science discipline is immune to pointless arguments. Just ask an economist.

I'm shocked, shocked to find politics discussed in the political science forum!

I have decided to forgo any acceptance from MIT because of it. If Massachusetts doesn't care about the rest of us getting healthcare, I don't care too much for TA'ing their cherubs.

What I'm hearing is that at a minimum, the next cohort will not receive department funding or tuition waiver. If that's the case, the question of whether there will be incoming students at all may well be rendered moot. Source: Sourced source at www.poliscijobrumors.com

Across my desk during lunchtime: REPORT: COMMITTEES CONVENING AND MOVING THIS WEEK -(STOP)- FIRST SUBSTANTIAL WAVE OF DECISIONS EXPECTED NEXT WEEK -(STOP)- UCD, ROCHESTER, MSU MAKING DECISIONS WED.-THURS. -(STOP)- UIUC GRADUATE COMMITTEE MEETING LATER THIS WEEK; CANCELLATION OF FALL '10 COHORT RUMORED -(STOP)-

All this only has application to previous years. My assessment is based on a larger quantity of applicants and higher quality of applicants this year. For the top 5-7, one must have 700 or over on at least one section (a 800 on one section carries a nice cachet too). Otherwise, many people will be doomed.

I'm going to have to be the first to disagree here, unfortunately. I think we'll see a substantial uptick in applications this cycle. Some will be more credentialed, some not so much. On balance, though, I think you need 700+ in both sections to make the final rounds at the top 5, 6.

I have secondhand knowledge of an offer being rescinded based on disparaging comments a poster made about a school they were accepted to. Their identity was ferreted out in short order.

Thales, I will respond to your query -- happily. You're looking at the endgame right now. The trajectory of your life depends on this person. This is, as they say, kind of a big deal. Hence, I would recommend at least a few attempts at strongarming him/her. A friendly phone call will do wonders, in addition to email. Phone calls put people on spots. They can't flag your email for another date when they are actually speaking with you. It is a none-too-subtle reminder for them to get on the ball. Should this not work, a minor escalation of pressure may be in order. Start calling and then hang up when they answer. Do this a few times. They will get the "message". Trust me. Go by their office, if you can, and leave messages under their office door. I find "countdown messages" work well -- "15 days until the deadline for University of X", etc. Do this dutifully every morning at the crack of dawn. I have more suggestions for "nudges" of these sort. PM me if interested.

Good luck to you, red wing fan. Some of those programs are notorious misers.

I just picture the golden doddle, cocker spaniel, whatever, angrily snapping at posters, like we are taking so much food from its bowl.

A little intimidation of your cohort is *probably* not a bad thing. E.g., I am a very intimidating person. When I approach the computer lab and it's full, someone always gets up, and there is little doubt that it is for my sake. Ergo, I say go for the tattoo, and good luck in graduate school.

I think one viable option may be to go the graduate program you are applying to (if within reasonable difference) and explain to them what the situation is in person. They deal with dozens, maybe hundreds of questions via email/phone daily and so a face-to-face encounter may get you a fairer hearing. One suggestion I have is, if they continue to refuse in person, reiterate your request in a slightly louder tone. Keep getting louder with each successive denial, and I've never once not had the person give in, nor have I had to adopt a "booming" tone. This can be accompanied by a firm glare, crossing your arms and leaning against the door like you aren't going anywhere, etc. You must communicate seriousness.

Nor shall we abuse the One Ring to rule them all.

I think that it would be wise to refrain from referring to an influential professor as, "Professor BLAH". Though you may not have enjoyed his/her courses, this imparts a tone of condescision to him/her and, I might add, academia generally.

That line of inquiry doesn't mooooove me either.

Hard truth is that if you want a job in academe in poli sci, you'll need a degree from a top 10 program. Anywhere outside that (rough) tier, and you should look at consulting in the private sector or some other vocation.

I didn't read it either, but for different reasons. Folks, don't let internet posters psych you out about applying to graduate school. It is in their interest to deflate the applicant pool because it improves their chances. Keep your heads up.

Going to be a bit more aggressive about talking to professors with my research interests (more emails, phone calls, etc.).

I think the above suggestion was good. One technique I would add is CC some other professors, including others in that sub-field in the department, as well as the DGS and Chair. Ball's in his/her court to reply then -- and everyone will be watching to see if he/she does.

At least 15, I would suggest. Cover all your bases, lest you have to wait another year (or worse, end up in the wrong program).

Can you do both? Being a graduate student -- or, for that matter, an adult -- means multi-tasking. Do both, and worry about the debt when the job offers pile up.