Hopeful23

Problem solved. I misread characters for words.

In regards to proposals for MPSA.

In terms of preparation for a PhD, methodological training, funding opportunities? (I.e.programs that aren't cash grabs)

^^ Did you do this at the same institution you got your undergraduate degree? And was it a paid position or did you get any sort of funding?

Do you know of any that have increased in quality/prestige?

I made a post about this and didn't get too much response, so I was hoping you could shed some light on it. It is fairly common for prospective phd economics students to complete a full time RAship for a year or two to get more research experience, better letters, etc in the hope of boosting there chances to getting into a better program. Is their an equivalent in political science? Is there a place you would recommend looking for full time RA positions or predoctoral fellowships for political science? Thanks!

It is fairly common for undergraduates in economics to apply and work as a research assistant/associate at another university or agency (like the Fed, IMF, or World Bank) with economists to gain research experience, take more classes, and get more/better recommendation letters. Is there an equivalent concept in political science? If so where would I look to find them? I asked my professor and she claimed this wasn't a thing and recommended looking into econ Ra positions. So I just wanted to check and see. Thanks!

How do admissions committees view coauthorships with faculty? Is it a silver bullet? Is it disregarded if you aren't the first author? How much does it depend on who you write it with? I know it can't be used for the writing sample (though I could see it opening the door for independent work that is similar in topic or something), but for those that had one when applying, how much would you say it helped?

So I took a PhD macroeconomics course and got a B- (so pretty bad for a grad class), how would a political science admissions committee view this? I have taken other grad classes in polisci, econ, and math and firm A's in them , so would that properly offset them ? Or would it be prudent to retake the class to get a better grade? In particular i want to have some political economy in my future research. How would this effect admissions to a CHYPMS or higher political economy programs? Thanks!

Is it possible to work as an RA for a professor at another university even if you've never met them and they are in another state? I know it is common for economics professors to offer RA jobs to recent graduates that are looking to boost their chances of getting into a better PhD program, but I have never seen it in political science. For me, I will be working for a year or two and want to keep my skills sharp and boost my profile. So is it possible to contact a professor at a top program and offer to help with there research in some way?

^could you elaborate?

I actually am a senior haha. But okay that works because I was likely going to ask him about his newer and in progress papers. And noted that I shouldn't mention my interest in working with him. Do you think he will actually respond and discuss? Thanks for the advice!

What do you guys think about contacting a professor about one of their papers? Assuming I have something constructive to say or ask. I will not be applying this cycle and perhaps not for a couple years but I still want to stay sharp and this is someone I would want to work with. If this is even advisable, should I mention I'd want to apply to his school to work with him?

Can you, or anyone, take some guesses conditional of different GRE scores? As, where given my current score? If it was 160, 160, 4.5/5 (very doable, even expected improvements)? If it was 325-330 combined, plus 4.5/5/5.5 (more difficult and can't be assumed)? I know it may seem distasteful to ask for hypotheticals, but it would be appreciated for what it's worth.

So took some time off and got revamped and am ready to go into application season. Refound my spark and am more confident about my letters of recommendation and research interests! Now I want to see how you think I will compare. Where do you think I could be accepted? I am shooting for top 20 and feel very strongly for a school between 10 and 20, but do you think I can be accepted for top 10 or even top 5? What if I improve my GRE score? Or if I can really edit and put some work into some of old term papers (which have done original theory and analysis)? Let me know!