csantamir

I’m in a similar situation. Will probably have to wait until late Feb or mid March to hear from my top picks (for personal not academic reasons). Best of luck to you.

To be honest, I'm not feeling very optimistic about my prospects, especially after getting admitted but with no funding in my first decision. Best of luck to all of you.

I don't think schools will be sending out decisions until late Jan earliest.

PhD

Global Affairs, Rutgers

First decision came in. Accepted but no funding. Will reject.

PROFILE Type of Undergrad Institution: Spanish public university Major(s)/Minor(s): Journalism Undergrad GPA: 3.16 (based on computation from Foreign Credits website, requested by one school) Type of Grad Institution: International Relations MA from regionally accredited US online school Grad GPA: 3.92 GRE: 158v/151q/4.0AWA Any Special Courses: Letters of Recommendation: former grad professors, mentor who was not my professor but encouraged me to pursue PhD Research Experience: converted master thesis into article for peer-reviewed journal. first decision R&R, waiting on review Teaching Experience: none Subfield/Research Interests: IR, Asia, China-Southeast Asia Other: Writing sample is revised version of paper submission. Applying as international student but will be US permanent resident soon. RESULTS: Acceptances($$ or no $$): Waitlists: Rejections: Pending: IU-Bloomington, Notre Dame, GWU, Virginia, Delaware, Rutgers, CUNY, Georgia State Going to: LESSONS LEARNED: If you have a clear research topic, pick schools depending on faculty. Don’t hesitate to contact departments for questions on application process, that allowed me to waive TOEFL requirement for some schools. SOP: Explained why my non-traditional background as a journalist and knowledge of Asia qualifies me as a researcher, and why my age (37) demonstrates my commitment to finish the program even if I know I probably won’t get TT position when I’m done.

I submitted everything by Dec. 1. Good luck everyone!

Nope, only a couple in top 30

I got a pathetic 143 on my first try, managed to raise it to 151 after 2 months of studying and doing practice tests.

I’ve sent in all applications, including those with a later deadline. Will only update if my writing sample gets published by the end of January. Now I’m just gonna relax and ponder my plan B in case I don’t get into any school…

I got a 151 in quant after months of studying and doing practice tests. This is very encouraging.

My GRE scores are still quite low even after retaking the test, but I’m not applying to top 25 programs. I hope adcoms realize that older applicants will not do as well as younger applicants on standardized tests, and let us compensate that with professional experience.

Hi bilaljamil99, I have also struggled with the GRE, in my case because I graduated 13 years ago and did not do any math at all in my undergrad. Like you, I also have a full-time job that takes up a lot of my time. My first attempt was a disaster (159V 143V 4.0 AWA) after 2 months of study with Magoosh. I then took a break and focused on doing 1 practice test a day for 6 weeks and was able to improve my score to 158 V 151 Q 4.0 AWA. It’s still pretty mediocre but I guess it’s as a good as it gets for someone who’s been out of the standardized test-taking game for such a long time. I know I don’t have a chance at top schools so will settle for mid-ranked. Good luck!

Hi Tiffany, Thanks for the tip but my undergrad GPA and GRE scores are low, so I'm not applying to top-ranked schools. Right now I'm thinking Indiana, ND, GWU, Delaware, Rutgers, CUNY and GSU. Any other suggestions? Cheers

I would also love to get feedback if people are willing. Thanks!

Thanks! I'll probably still try UVa but not UMD

After two months of reviewing and taking a zillion practice tests, I improved my score (marginally) to 158 V 151 Q. Should I even bother applying to places like Virginia or UMD? I’m definitely NOT taking the test again. Thanks

I think the world is moving in the opposite direction – less democracy

Hi everyone, I’m searching for PhD programs that are strong in IR/Asia, particularly East & Southeast Asia, outside of Ivy League/top 20 schools that I know I’ll never get into (low undergrad GPA, probably low GRE despite good grad GPA). So far I’ve identified potential advisors in: GWU George Mason Virginia Delaware Indiana Bloomington Rutgers UMass Amherst Any other schools I should consider? Thanks!

Thank you!

Thanks! Right now I’m just reviewing quant with the official guide, will start practice tests next week. Will check out Manhattan Prep. Cheers

You did better than me. I got 159 V, 143 Q, 4.0 AW. Taking the test again in a month. I took Magoosh online prep, obviously didn’t help much. But I’m also almost 37 and had not done any math since 1998…

Why would international development count against your application? I'm currently in the same industry (in the same part of the world) and hope to make it an asset as international experience.

Hi everyone, I’m considering SUNY Binghamton, but the department doesn’t seem to be very strong on IR or have any Asia specialists. Is the website not updated, am I reading it wrong, or is my analysis correct? If so it’s really too bad, as Binghamton seems like a great school and the department has a stellar placement record. Would be great to get some feedback. Thanks!