MZ3335

Hi law2phd, thanks for your quick reply. I've already applied for and accepted an offer from a MA program. I have adequate numbers (3.92 GPA, 169V 167Q GRE) for a PhD program, though my primary concern is that I have not narrowed down my research interests enough so as to craft a strong application/research proposal. I'm hoping the MA will give me some time to figure that out. That said, were I to apply later this year (which is, ideally, what I would like to do), I am not quite sure if the professors at my MA program would know me well enough by then to provide solid letters of recommendation.

Hi everyone, I was hoping that the gradcafe community might be able to provide some advice on the best timing of graduate school applications. My current dilemma is whether I should apply for the upcoming cycle this year, or wait to apply later in 2016 or 2017 after a one year program in political science. However, my concern is that, if I were to take a job after a masters program, I would be delaying a PhD program for potentially 1-2 years. Basically, I am unsure if I would be competitive enough for this cycle, and hope that masters-level coursework, thesis, and letters of recommendation would be helpful in improving my applicant profile. Would waiting a few years to apply be advisable, or should I aim to apply later this year (and enroll directly after the masters program)? Thanks!