PROFILE: Type of Undergrad Institution: Large Southern State Uni (R1) Major(s)/Minor(s): Political Science w/ double minor Security and History Undergrad GPA: 2.7 Type of Grad: Large Southern State Uni (R1)MA Political Science (Major: Methods, Minor: IR) Grad GPA: 3.3 GRE: 156v/155/q Any Special Courses: Heavy methods (game theory, time series, MLE, Causal/Inference, ect) Letters of Recommendation: 1 IR (Very well known), 1 Method (multiple classes taken), 1 Mentor (known for 4+ years). Strong letters Research Experience: 1 national conference presentation, 1 paper currently under R&R for a subfield journal Teaching Experience: No class room, but tutoring at learning center on campus Subfield/Research Interests: Conflict and Security, methods minor Other: Several workshops (IR and Methods) and several internships (campaigns at the city/state/national level) and nonprofit/think tank work RESULTS: Acceptances($$ or no $$): Kentucky($), Ole Miss(pending) Waitlists: Rejections: ASU, Kansas State(security) Pending: Texas Tech, Alabama Going to: Good question
LESSONS LEARNED: Grades arent everything, a well thought out research plan can make up for less than stellar GPA. Be realistic with where you apply, fit is just as important as prestige. Contact the department and potential advisors before applying, this gets you on their radar and will help when the admissions committee meets. Build relationships at every chance you get, a professional network will be a huge benefit down the line. Also highly recommend using a quantitative writing sample for your submission. Showing that you have the ability to properly use basic/advanced methods shows that the methods sequence will not be an issue for you. This gives the committee confidences that you will be able to handle what they throw at you.
SOP: This is crucial. Your SOP can make or break your app. Emphasize how you and your research agenda will fit into the department, as well as how it fits with the professors you are interested to work with. Show that you add value to the department, and show how you can progress towards your goals with the help of the department.
NOTE: MAKE SURE YOU KNOW WHAT YOU ARE GETTING YOUR SELF INTO WHEN YOU DECIDE TO GO FOR A PHD.
You will spend 4-6 years doing this. I didnt know what I was getting into when I went for my masters. If you are not a math/stats kind of person I would recommend a different path.