Quick Questions

Thanks very much! Figured that not actually having the M.A. (especially as a Canadian student) was going to be the biggest problem with my packet, but I'll definitely look for some other feedback as well. As I said before, I really appreciate you taking the time to give everyone here a hand.

Hey there BFB, Long time listener, first time caller. I'm looking for some advice. I completed a B.A. at a Canadian University last year (4.0 GPA, GRE V166/Q161/AW5.5; multiple teaching assistant positions, no publications). I was hoping to jump into a direct PhD in political theory but I've all but struck out, so it appears that I will be doing an M.A. (thesis-based) at my alma mater. I have strong relationships with numerous professors in the department. Given that I've got just under 2 years before the next set of deadlines for PhD applications, I want to make sure that I use my time efficiently and productively (while still enjoying my forays into grad school along the way). In your view, is there anything I can - or absolutely should - be doing during my M.A. to make my application more competitive in the next round? (beyond the obvious improvements to the application package - better SOP/writing sample coming out of a grad seminar or thesis chapter or whatnot) Thanks very much. And thanks for taking the time to answer questions here - it's very helpful!