jsong2013

I've been out of school for about 2 years now but I think that most of my professors are still willing to write the LOR for me, but they ask for 2 things: 1) To draft the letter and send it to them and/or 2) What to emphasize I will be applying to masters and PhD programs in Political Science and Public Policy (MPP). What should I do? What should I emphasize, and what should I write as a draft? Thanks in advance!

Ok then, if they don't average that puts a LOT less pressure on me. I dont mind working in other regions, I just thought given my ethnic background along with my undergraduate courses I would be a better fit for professors that specialize in those regions. So then how would I avoid pigeonholing myself during my statement of purpose? Should I stay more broad and cover general topics faculty cover (e.g. trade policy vs security) over geographically specifications? Again thanks for the help, really appreciate it

Thanks for the help. My concern with retaking the GRE is that admissions boards take the average of your scores correct? And I know with writing that it's a bit of a crap shoot. I know that I want to work with international security specifically within IR and focus on the East Asian region. However given my Asian Diaspora studies background, I have a good grasp on constructivist ideologies about race, ethnicity, identity and their roles in civil conflict as well as international aid. Basically I want to go into US and Korean (North and South) relations research, for economic development/policy, and/or security. I was researching faculty and saw a few professors that were doing similar things within Political Theory subfields and IR so I wasn't too sure. That being said I think I would like to stay within IR if I could. So if I increase my verbal to get up to 165 and my quant stays the same could I get into rank 10-20 schools?

Hey all, Looking for a bit of advice. I plan on applying in the next cycle (winter 2015) for Fall 2016 year for PhD programs for Poli Sci, either theory or IR. Currently working full time as a Marketing Analyst and User Experience consultant/designer GREq: 161 GREv: 159 Writing: 5.0 UC Berkeley 2013 Double Poli Sci, Asian Diaspora Studies, Minored in Public Policy. 3.4GPA What are schools I can realistically get into? I feel like my GRE is really low and I should retake it. Also does the sub-field/ specialization affect your chances of admission? Thanks!

Hi GradCafe, First time posting so if Im in the wrong place just let me know and I'll move the thread elsewhere. First about me: 2013 UC Berkeley Grad Majored in: Politcal Science, Asian Diaspora studies and Minored in Public Policy. GPA: 3.4 GRE: Verbal: 87th percentile Quant: 89th percentile. I want to work with IGOs, NGOs, primarily with developing underdeveloped countries with foreign aid, working with foreign policy, and possible international security. Primarily, I want to work in international development. Something similar to the UN but not restricting myself to a single institution. What programs should I look into? I really don't want to stay in academia, but I want a PhD. I don't want a PhD just because it will get me a job or pay more but I want to study something so in-depth that I become a complete expert at it. If I had to name my dream job, I would say I would want to work on East Asian relations between the US and Both Koreas and Japan, specifically with respect to resolving conflicts between North and South Korea (possibly move toward integration) etc etc but I digress. I just wanted to give an example of some things I want to look into. Also, after finding the programs I want to apply to, who do I talk to regarding classes I might need? Thanks for your help in advance!