MissPixel

Thanks for the advice. From the feedback I am getting, I am starting to wonder if my legal background would undermine my admission. I have the feeling that I am being labeled as a law student who has no understanding of what political science is and is about. I have identified a specific subject for a thesis. I have also identified professors I would like to work with after having read articles they have published in academic journals. I have studied many thinkers, including some using math formulas (such as Dixon’s “Democracy and the Peaceful Settlement of International Conflict”). If this does not represent what you meant when underlining the use of math in polisci, I am rather interested in reading suggestions. I read polisci journals regularly and have even used many articles as research material for my llm thesis (e.g., Rama Mani). From what I am getting here, this seems to be quite unusual. Therefore, here are my questions: Will my legal background be considered a “problem” for an eventual polisci PhD admission? Do I have any chance in getting admitted into a high ranked school based on the information I have provided in my original post (either in International Relations or Comparative Politics) ? If not, do you believe an M.A. in polisci would increase my chances? Thank you so much for your feedback!

My apologies. I should have specified that 3/4 of the classes I attended on international development and globalisation were in polisci (by choice). I am not throwing myself into unknown waters.

Before applying for my LL.M, I was torn between applying in poltical science and law. I am mainly interested in the Rule of Law, transitions and transitional justice, conflict resolution, human rights, reconciliation, self determination, nationalism, political psychology and political theory. My thesis subject could be dealt with under both law and political science approaches. I chose to find a prof that was specialized in my field of interest and could guide me well through the masters process. The prof in question was an international law prof specialized in these questions. He has guided me well and was always open to a multidisciplinary approach. That being said, when the time came for me to organize my thoughts and start writing, political questions would more spontaneously come to mind and appeared more fundamental to me. It became frustrating because I could not explore those in my llm thesis. This is mainly why I am thinking of switching to political science for my PhD.

Hello everyone! I need information and advice concerning my application. I am thinking of applying in the US for a PhD in political science for 2016-2017. I would therefore appreciate some feedback regarding my chances and the various opportunities that might be offered to me. ********************************** My background ********************************** I have completed a dual degree for which I was awarded two distinct diplomas. One was a license of Civil Law (LLL) (which in Quebec leads to bar school and a career as a lawyer). The other degree was a Bachelor of Social Science specialized in international development and globalization. My undergrad grades are as follows: LL.L. : GPA of 3.19/4 (cum laude) B.Sc.Soc: GPA of 3.82/4 (magna cum laude) Combined GPA of 3.42/4 I have also made it onto the Dean’s honors list. I am currently finishing writing my LL.M (master of Law) thesis in International Law (GPA of 3.7/4). I have strong letters of recommendation and will undertake the bar exam next year (spring 2016). By then, I should have also completed my JD. I’ve participated in two seminars and have published an international law paper that was peer-reviewed. I have worked as a research assistant for the pas two years for two different law professors. I still haven’t had the chance to take the GRE but I am planning on doing so by the end of Spring. ********************************** ********************************** I am aiming at an academic career. That said, I am not much of a competitive person and had never realized that I could try to attend a higher rank University. This is why I’m only now seeking advice. I would like to complete a PhD in Political Science (still undecided on the subfield). I would definitely need funding, so universities that do not offer funding at all, or do not offer funding to international students are basically out of reach. What would be my chances in getting into a tier 1, 2 or 3 schools in the US? I am mainly considering Yale, Harvard, Berkeley, Princeton, Stanford, Columbia, UCLA, NYU, Duke and Cornell. If anything else comes to mind, don’t hesitate to bring it to my attention. Thank you so much for your help! Ps : sorry for the typo in the title!!