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LightningZolt

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  1. Hey there everyone. Long time lurker, first time poster. I am an undergrad student in my final year, and I am thinking seriously about doing a Fast-Track PhD in Political Science, as the field is something I am very passionate about. In terms of applications, I have already started on many of the necessities of an application to various schools in North America. At the same time, I have been contemplating the idea of taking a year off before applying for a number of reasons. Though I am doing an undergraduate thesis (60 pages) this year, my research and publication work is limited beyond that, and I would want to use the year to bolster that before applying anywhere. My understanding is there is a huge focus on what type of research work you have done in the past.As a subpoint, I can then use my completed thesis as a writing sample the year after.I may want to pursue more chances at taking the GRE if my scores for an upcoming one are unsatisfactory.Honestly, I would also want some free time before committing myself to a long period of focused education and research.With all this in mind, I have a few questions that I hope individuals here may be able to answer : Would it be possible to do this year off and apply for a Fast-Track program, or is it only open to those who come directly out of an undergraduate program? This is unclear on a lot of the University and Department websites.Does Fast-Tracking lead to a greater scrutiny of application and its applicant than a traditional PhD program application?For those with first-hand or second-hand experience, how does one keep in touch with references during a year out of school? I have made many powerful references this year and hope to have them available in the future if I do take a year off.For those with first-hand or second-hand experience, how was taking a year off for the person in question? What did they do and how did they feel about it?Should I take a year off in your opinion? Obviously my future will not be determined by your answer but I would be curious to see what others think.Cheers!
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