deutsch1997bw

Your research interests seem pretty scattered. However, if you're looking for a methodologically intense MA, I'd check out Duke's MA in Political Science. Duke has a reputation for being methodologically rigorous.

This isn't a forum for debating contemporary/historical political phenomena. There are places for those kinds of debates, and this is not one of them.

Hello, everyone. What is MSU's general reputation in the political science community? It is a top 30 program, and it has placed its PhD students really well in recent years. I'm looking specifically for comparative politics info, but would like a sense of the program's reputation broadly.

I'm not familiar with the ins and outs of TOEFL. Other than that, I think you have a pretty good profile. Your GRE scores are good, but if you really want to be competitive I'd consider retaking one more time. But that's just me; others might have a different opinion.

I wholeheartedly recommend Magoosh. I've always been more confident about the verbal section. Until I used Magoosh, however, I didn't feel confident on the quant section.

I wouldn't cut yourself too short. You have some research experience and a decent GFA for a foreign applicant. Depending on where you apply to, some programs might not place as much emphasis on your verbal score. Try to get at least a 158 on the quantitative portion. If you do that, I think you might have a shot at some top 20-30 programs.

I'm applying to PhD programs in political science right now. My understanding is that research experience encompasses many things, including, but by no means limited to, peer reviewed publications. I, for example, have a decent amount of training in quantitative methodology. This counts as research experience or, at worst, research training.

Hello, Would anyone on this forum be willing to read a draft of my SOP and provide some feedback? Thanks.

Would someone be willing to provide some feedback on my SOP? If so, I could message you the document. Thanks!

Before reading my comments, please note that I am applying to PhD programs, so I'm not really sure what MPP programs are looking for. 1) What schools are you planning on applying to? If so, what is the "minimum threshold" for GRE scores? 2) Your GPA is a bit low. Because of this, it's imperative that you do well on the GRE, especially the quantitative portion. 3) With a very limited math and statistics background, again, you need to do well on the quantitative portion of the GRE to demonstrate that you'll be able to take graduate methodology courses. 4) I don't know for certain, but I don't think that the "soft skills" you identify will make an application stick out. By all means, put them on your application, but my sense is that most graduate programs are looking for other things (see above).

I'm applying to 14 PhD programs in political science. I have a few top 10-15s, many top 20s, and a few top 30-40s.

Your Quant and Verbal GRE scores are very good. Remember, your SOP and WS are also examples of your writing ability. Try to make these both shine if you don't want to retake. Hopefully your letter writers are able to testify to your writing ability, as well.

All of the schools on my list have specialists in the politics of the post-Soviet world. Yale and Duke don't have anyone working on the area, and while Cornell has Bunce, but she is getting up there in age, and I'm not sure if she is supervising graduate students anymore.

I think you have a nice profile. As far as your GRE scores go, your verbal score is great, and your quantitative is probably sufficient. I do know that many US PhD programs note on their webpages that a 3.5 GPA is required for applicants that already possess a masters degree. Perhaps do a little research on that. I don't think it would hurt to retake the GRE, if only to try to get your quantitative score a bit higher. That's probably what I would do in your situation.

I wouldn't worry about it. Your profile appears pretty strong as it is.

Duke is an interesting case. Here are the possible majors for PhD students: Political Behavior & Identities Political Economy Political Institutions Political Methodology Security, Peace, and Con ict Normative Political Theory & Political Philosophy Note that you can't actually major in comparative politics, IR, etc. I think it's particularly strong in political economy and quantitative methodology.

I think that you have a good chance at top 10 and top 20 programs given your quantitative background, though I think a lot hinges on your GRE scores. If you can get your scores in the 160 range, I think you'll be fine.

While I am applying to PhD programs in political science, I might be able to offer you a bit of advice. I think your profile is strong, especially in terms of your quantitative background. If you are able to increase your quantitative and verbal GRE score, I think you'll be golden. In terms of the programs that you're applying to, I know that IU-Bloomington's SPEA is top notch. You might also look at the public policy PhD programs at UNC and Duke.

I am applying to PhD programs in political science. Regionally, I am primarily interested in Russia and the former Soviet Union. As such, I am applying to places that have professors working on this region. My theoretical interests are in authoritarianism, elite behavior, etc. Should I be applying to places that have strengths in these areas, even if there aren't professors working on these topics in the context of Russia and the former Soviet Union? PS: I know I post on this forum a lot, so thanks everyone for all of your help!

Are there any PhD programs that have a reputation for high-levels of PhD students publishing? Or, is this something that is really dependent upon individual professors, students, etc.?

You might consider Vanderbilt and Ohio State. UT-Austin also has a couple of people working in your areas of interest.

This is from UVA's political science admissions page: "We weigh the GRE less heavily than other factors, though very high scores will help your application. Scores below the 60th percentile in Verbal and Math and below the 80th percentile in Analytic will reduce your chances of acceptance." According to ETS, 60% in verbal is a 153. A 60% in quant is around a 155. This is from UMD's political science admissions page: "With respect to GRE scores, the most competitive students generally have scores in the 70th percentile or above." Again, according to ETS, a 70% in verbal is around a 155. A 70% in quant is a 158.

If you don't mind me asking, how did you do on the GRE?

Good to know. Thanks.

Thanks. Out of curiosity, did you accept the offer? Did you get into any other programs? I'm interested in working with Zoltan Barany and Robert Moser.