Evgeny

I also think so, because this is common sense. If you know what exactly do you want and show significant research achievement in this field, it should be at least lay the good groundwork for your admission. Do you think my research experience is enough or not? Or at least considerable?

Looks that I've got what you meant. Thanks a lot all of you!

Sounds like GRE\GPA combination has the most powerful influence, and even if you have a very bright mind but your GPA\GRE are not enough, it's almost impossible to be admitted in the one of the top10 universities...

Thanks, Natofone and Interista! Yes, I agree with both of you that GPA - 3.2 is not enough. But, as I said before, I hope to have 3.4-3.5, at the moment when application process will begin. I just would like to know whether 3.4-3.5 and strong GRE is enough for my case to be seriously considered for top-10.

*Bump* Anyone? Anyone at all?

PS. Also, I'm a junior fellow in one of the Russian center for international study (at the time when I'll aplly, it'll be about 1,5 year) and done internship at the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Research assistant (for a 2,5 year) and teaching assistant for my thesis adviser. Intellectual interest: the spread of nuclear weapons, US-Russian collaboration in nonproliferation policy, especially in the Middle East, arms control, Models and Methods in nonproliferation study, theory of deterrent.

Hi everyone, I will apply to PhD in Poli Sci on the next Fall. I'm an international student (from Russia), my university is number one in Russia but in the world ranking system is only 173. I'm a junior (actually we have 5-year educational system, so it means I'm on my 4th-year student). I have GPA about 3,2 and hope that eventually it will be about 3,4-3,5. I'm majoring in Public Administration with minor in crisis management. But my year thesis is about nuclear proliferation and international law. I have an summer internship experience at Harvard Belfer Center (Kennedy School of Government) and I'm still working on some articles with professors from there. I hope I'll get the recom lett from one of this professors. And I also will have eventually another one from veru well-known professor from Russia. And another one is from my school thesis advisor. Also, I'm a junior fellow in one of the Russian center for international study and done internship at Ministry of Foreign Affairs. I had studied general physics (in the same university with GPA 3,1) for three years before I quit and reapply to School of Public Administration. So, I believe that I have strong enough math background for PhD. In addition, I really have deep understanding of physical part of nuclear weapons process. Also, I have very active public life in my school. I'm a president of Expert-Analitical Club, member of Union of Youth Scientists of my university, etc. Represent my country in Youth G8 Summit in Italy. and going to Stanford conference on April. Has five-six publication in Russian journals on security issue. Some articles is under consideration in american journals. So, I has strong intention to apply on PhD with focusing on Security study(or International relations in some university) and Models and Methods. I'm considering Columbia, Harvard, MIT, Stanford, Princeton, Berkley, NYU. I just warry a bit because I'm not american therefore not complitely understand how the system is work. If you could assess my chances and gave me some advises, I would be very grateful. PS I hope that Quant. part of GRE will be not tough for me, since I have strong math background, and I'll take it on 700-800. As for Verb, I'm not sure))) but I'll be working on it.