Scalia

I was wondering if someone could comment on the ranking methodology based on placement compared to that of USNEWS. Which one would you find more influential in choosing a program and why? I've also noticed that some schools that are very strong overall like John Hopkins, Brown, and Penn don't do quite so hot in the USNEWS but seem to do okay in the rankings based on placement. Also, quite a few people who are applying to the very top schools have also cast some applications towards these schools despite their USNEWS rankings. Are these schools better than they are ranked or is it simply the "brand name" of their schools that attract so many apps? As always, any information is greatly appreciated. -Scalia

Just a bit of an update. I was discussing some of my dilemmas with my advisor and he informed by he is teaching a methods class fall quarter that results in the completion or a research project that must be submitted for review. This will at least give me an opportunity of refining my research interests a little more and getting a good paper to submit for my writing sample. I was also expecting an excellent letter of recommendation from my advisor anyway so maybe this will push my LOR over the top. I've read in other threads that have a solid mathematical background is important and I was just wondering what classes would be the most beneficial to take? I've only taken Pre-Cal I because it was the only math required for my major, but now I'm considering working towards Calculus or taking some statistics next quarter and in the fall. Any suggestions? I also talked to the department chair (Top 15 school) that I took for my 101 class and he said that I should take one my class with him and he'll write me a LOR. Anyhow, thanks to those who have posted thus far.

It would probably be cheaper to go to undergrad than get into a masters degree and spend a couple years there. It does feel kind of depressing to spend another year in undergrad when I could already be on the path towards my PHd. Its something to think about and I thank you for the advice.

SuddenlyParanoid, First and foremost, thanks for the helpful post. I'm already finding this an invaluable resource. I am not an economics major but I have taken quite a few econ courses. As far a quantitate work, Ihaven't taken econometrics and I haven't even taken calculus yet because itisn't a required course. I'm thinking about continuing my math studies next quarter so I can prove my abilities to do quantitative work in grad school. I've also considered staying in undergrad for another year to beef up my research experience and math skills. Wouldn't I be better off in pursuing a Masters degree instead? I want to get into a top 20 department if possible and I'm not sure if another year in undergrad will demonstrate my research potential. As far as the GRE goes I'm already taking a full length GRE course. I know lots of people think thatits a a waste of time but I think that its been helping thus far. I think I'm doing well so I anticipate that I will have a relatively strong score (crossyour fingers). As far as my letters of recommendation, I choose the professors based on their familiarity with my career goals and research interests. I will try to find a tenured professor though. Unfortunately at my school we don't have a departmental option or requirement to do a senior thesis. Also, since I attend such a small school we don't have a graduate program and research assistants. I think that being a TA might be the best that I can do. Also, I am looking for summer research fellowships but unfortunately some of the application deadlines have passed. If you know of any that are still accepting applications please let me know! As far as extra curriculars, it's unfortunate they don't count for much because I have a ton. When I started undergrad I thought I was going to be an attorney so have alot of activities related to that. I wrote a comparative paper in a Constitutional Law class and the professor advised me I might be more interested in the academic side of studying law (and politics) opposed to the side of practicing. As far as applying to schools, I might apply to the top 25 and hedge my bets so I'm not too worried. I was thinking that OSU might be a good fit though. Anyhow, thanks for the advice and if anyone else has anything to add I would be morethan grateful for the insight.

Hi everyone, I was just wondering if I could get some advice for applying to Phd. programs for Fall 2010. I am a junior at a small state university and I have just decided to major in political science at the end of my sophomore year. I've declared my majored in everything under the sun until I took a political science course because it was required for my economic program and I loved it. My interests are American Politics and more specifically political behavior, institutions, etc. My question is what I can do to increase my opportunity for admission into Phd. programs. I have a near 4.0 gpa and I was already planning on taking the gre so am in the process of taking a full length course and so far its going very well. However, I have a couple problems foresee being issues on my application. 1. I go to a mediocre state school. I attend school here because I have a scholarship for tuition for 4 years but I've read that quality of an applicant's undergrad makes a difference. 2. I haven't done really any research. I'm hoping to TA for a prof in the Spring but I don't really think that's a game changer. 3. I feel like I'll have strong letters of recommendation but they won't be from anyone particularly well known. One has his degree from Columbia, one is an Associate Prof, and the other is a Visiting Assistant Professor. My question is if you were my position with what I hope will be very good gre scores and gpa, what would you do to make yourself a better candidate for admission in the fall?