angellily0330

letsgo2015, I didn't post in the results page, but I received a rejection email today from Pitt...so maybe they did waitlist/rejections? But you're email doesn't sound like a rejection, so there may be hope!

Nope not currently in a program, starting Fall 2015. That's why the whole application process is still fresh in my head and I still get nightmares (jk). I would say with an honors thesis there's an end result---usually a longish paper that could serve very well as a writing sample. For my independent study, I mostly searched through data bases and turned in a 7 page paper at the end of the semester, so not nearly long enough. Basically I would say one is more structured than the other. What field of Poli Sci are you interested in? That'll determine how important quantitative skills are, although it's helpful to have math background for all of them. GRE math was really annoying for me, and I basically sucked at it (most definitely the worst part of my application). Since you haven't taken math in a few years, definitely try to get a good quant score, because that'll basically be the only way they can measure you in that aspect.

OneLove121, I didn't even know Maxwell had a Master's for Political Science Shows how much I did my research...I applied and got into their Phd for Poli Sci, and received my acceptance the 12th. I'm seeing that more people got accepted/rejected now. I was searching the results page constantly because I didn't see anything! Anyway, best of luck! You'll end up where you belong

Don't give up hope, my GREs were terrible, and I still received funding. 2 weeks later and I'm still in shock. What are you applying for? Master's or PhD?

LORs sound good, and yes, definitely try to get that independent study in if you can. That's how my research started. I was originally only going to do it for a semester, but a year later, I'm still at it One thing I regret is not having done a thesis in undergrad, because you need a writing sample when you apply. That was kind of a headache for me, as I had to scramble and put together different papers, instead of having one coherent one. For me, I was originally going to go the master's route---my goals are think tank or government as well... however I did want that PhD. I didn't really think I had what it took to get accepted to a PhD program right out of undergrad, but my advisor urged to try anyway. What I ended up doing was applying mostly to PhDs with the option of being considered for the Master's if I didn't get accepted at that school (some schools have this option, some don't). I think it's good to have other people give their opinions on your situation, but at the end of the day, you know yourself best. Do research on schools that you think would be a good fit---both Master's and PhDs (check out GRE scores, GPA requirements etc). Some Masters are designed for careers, and others prepare you for PhDs. Ask your political science professors as well, as they've been part of this "world" for awhile I presume. Sorry for the long response, but your situation sounds eerily similar to what mine was a year ago. Best of luck.

Thanks! Hurricanes I can do, blizzards....not so much. But I'll start looking around those places.

The hardest part for me was trying to balance school, sports (I'm a student-athlete), and doing the whole application process. I didn't even start researching possible schools until October---I was originally going to apply to MAs only, but my advisor convinced me to try for PhDs. Glad he did! But yeah, the whole process itself was a nightmare, especially since everything was rushed. Writing my personal statement, getting transcripts in order, contacting recommenders, researching programs that fit best---I did all that in about 5 weeks I'd say. On top of that, I had a conference at the end of October, and then my "cold" turned into pneumonia. So basically everything that could possibly happen, happened. On the bright side, now I'm a second semester senior, my classes are pretty easy, and I have NOTHING to do. Funny how that works.

Going to Syracuse Fall 2015. Anyone else?

Been reading through this thread, and some great advice so thanks for that! I'll be starting a PhD program in the Fall, and I'll be 22. I look really young, which kind of worries me, but nothing I can do about that. I don't really know the ages of other students in my program, although from what I've seen, I'll definitely be on the younger side.

Old thread, but hoping I can start it up again. Got accepted into Syracuse for PhD in Poli Sci. I have never lived up north(I'm from Miami), so I'd prefer something close to campus, and I'm bringing my car, but I don't feel super comfortable driving long distances in the winter. From what I've seen, Wescott seems to be a good place for grad students. I started looking on Orange Housing and hopefully I'll have some luck. Can anyone give me an idea of the plowing schedule in the winter? I guess I'm not really adding anything to the conversation, just looking to write about my next steps...