Ayerbender

For what it's worth, my professors have recommended not to go into debt if I can avoid it.  And it's not like Berkeley isn't a great school for political science.  And it sounds like Berkeley really wants you
Unless CIR is so much better and Berkeley has poor placement, I'd say you should go with Berkeley
Congrats on the scholarships though!

Thank you for the advice! I was leaning that way but I needed a little nudge.

What are your research interests?  Where do you want to study?  You have advisors and professors at LSE you can talk to, right?  Have you spoken to them?

Simmer down now.
 
Assuming that you are making a good-faith effort to be pointed in the right direction and not just handed answers, check out this link below.  It is to a non-academic source (Politico) but the author is an academic that specifically studies the differences between lobbying in the EU and US.  Look into her work (including a book on the topic) and I am sure you will have a better idea.
link: https://www.politico.eu/article/why-lobbying-in-america-is-different/
And try to think of how your request might come across, and don't take refuge in the language of instruction; you selected the program after all.  It is always better to be asked to be given a few pointers, authors to look into, etc instead of looking for fully assembled work.  
 
disclaimer: I do not focus on EU (or US for that matter) institutions; I just performed a cursory search and this popped up.

Hi there,
Im a student in Complutense University of Madrid and i'm writing my seminar paper about lobbying in the EU parlament. 
I want to write a small part at the paper about lobbying in the US. If anyone here wrote a paper about lobbying in the US that can save me from reading hundreds of articles i'll cherish him/her forever.
my Email is kylejones363722@gmail.com
Kyle.

Do your own work 

If you can afford it and if you think you can do just as well (or comparably well) in V/Q on the first go round, I don't see why not

If you can afford it and if you think you can do just as well (or comparably well) in V/Q on the first go round, I don't see why not

If you can afford it and if you think you can do just as well (or comparably well) in V/Q on the first go round, I don't see why not

Excellent question, I've been wondering about it myself

Looks like you are pretty set on coming to MAPSS. Then a lot of your questions will be answered once you are in the program.
Workload is pretty heavy. I took two substantive and one method class every quarter. That's usually two 20-page papers and one final exam/project for finals. If you are in theory then you will probably write three papers every quarter. I think this is generally how heavy it is for Masters/pre-candidacy PhD.
I didn't choose graduate housing. There are plenty of housing options in Hyde Park. I would say housing here ranges from $500-$900/person in a 2b2b. 
I took a lot of classes with the same people and we got to know each other pretty well as the year went along. I think this is generally true for other people as well. The graduate students here are really nice, didn't treat me any differently.
I'm not sure what you want to know about workshops. I'm not in theory so I can't say much about theory workshops.
 
I think it's probably more important to know that MAPSS is a fairly large program so it's possible that one can just ride along/not put in as much effort.  It's a very good program but you have to bring the best out of you to stand out/be successful in PhD application. For those that stick to the end and apply for PhDs, MAPSS has a 90% placement record for funded offers. I know this year there are CP people who got into schools like Princeton/Berkeley/MIT/UChicago. Maybe those familiar with theory can jump in on this.
Good luck!

I was not in MAPSS, but went to U of C for undergrad, and ended up taking a few graduate political theory seminars that were heavily populated by MAPSS students. I also was admitted to MAPSS afterwards, but decided not to attend. Here are my thoughts on the questions I feel I am qualified to answer:
I know that we will have to figure out our own housing and (to the best of my knowledge) there isn't any student hosting for MAPSS.  Do you have any suggestions on good places to stay for a few nights?  (Hotels, couch surfing websites, etc.?)
I would recommend AirBnB, as the local hotels are either too expensive or a bit of a trek from campus. You can get a private room or even an apartment for $20-50 per night. Also, what is the best way to get to UChicago?  Are there any places near the university you would recommend visiting, to get a feel for the neighborhood.  Are there any places you would recommend we not go to?
If you are coming from O'Hare, the best way to get to campus is to take the CTA Blue Line to Jackson, and then take the number 6 bus to Hyde Park. In terms of getting a feel for the neighborhood, I would recommend walking along the storefronts on 53rd and 57th street, and eating somewhere like Medici or Valois. Jimmy's (Woodlawn Tap) is the official unofficial local campus watering hole. There's also a pub in the basement of Ida Noyes Hall that serves decent food and has an excellent selection of beer. Harold's Chicken is also legendary.
People will warn you not to venture south of 61st street or west of Cottage Grove Avenue. In my opinion, these concerns are overblown, but it's probably not a great idea to be strolling through Woodlawn or Washington Park after dark, unless you're traveling to the Green or Red Line. Currency Exchange Cafe is an excellent option if you are looking to step outside of the Hyde Park bubble. Something I'm really looking forward to on visitation days is meeting current students and professors - especially in theory.  Obviously, I can find professors via the Political Science page.  How easy is it to mix and mingle with current students, and get an idea about theorist-specific experience within MAPSS?  (Obviously, if you are a theorist currently in MAPSS (or an alum of MAPSS), I'd love to hear from you  haha)
From what I understand, the MAPSS kids are somewhat close and friendly to one another, but the situation of so many students attempting to impress their professor to get a good LOR in the span of a year can make the seminar environment somewhat competitive. The professors vary in how much they invest in MAPSS students, but you're going to need to work to get noticed. There will be MAPSS students to talk to during Campus Days, but make sure you go out of your way to seek out the PT ones and interrogate them about their experience. I may be able to help with that, PM me if interested. How is graduate housing?  I saw on the old threads that there is (was) a pest problem in graduate school housing.  Is that still the case?  How manageable is the pest problem?  In the alternative, what do you recommend for housing?
Don't go into graduate housing. It is more expensive, smaller and generally more run-down than the rest of the apartments in Hyde Park. Get an off-campus apartment with a couple of roommates or a studio. UChicago Marketplace is a great site to find roomates or sublets for $450-700 per month per room. What's the workload like?  More specifically, how do you recommend I prepare myself for the workload?  I saw at least one post suggesting study groups.  Are these common?
 It is hard. The main things that make it difficult are 1) the reading load, 2) the imperative to finish a master's thesis AND take a full course load within 9-12 months, and 3) the breakneck pace of the quarter system. You can prepare for the workload by getting started on developing your thesis question before you even enter the program, and learn how to skim texts efficiently for the core ideas (as you will find reading everything that is assigned to be a near impossibility. I also know students who spend their winter break completing a rough draft of their thesis have a much easier go of it during the winter and spring, and often graduate on time in June (only 20% of students do, most graduate in August). Yes, if you find the right people, you can study together, and this makes things much more manageable. However, political theory lends itself less well to collaboration, so keep that in mind. How well do you get to know other MAPSS students in your field?  I'm given to understand that your preceptor has a heavy influence in the courses you take.  Is this true?  If so, does that mean you are with the same people in most of your classes?  (If I'm concentrating in theory, will that mean I am mostly with other theorists?  Will I be grouped with political science as a whole?) I heard the program can be described as "antisocial", because of the workload, thesis, and pacing.  I'm fine with that, but has that been your experience?
 Your preceptor might have strong opinions about what courses you should take, but in the end, it's your decision. I had a friend who ignored her preceptor's advice at every turn, and things worked out just fine for her. I would trust your professors the most, as they will have the best idea of what admissions committees are looking for. 
You definitely will see the same students over and over again as a MAPSS political theory student. This actually helps you form friendships, so I'd take it as a plus.
UChicago in general is known as an anti-social place, but I don't think that's necessarily true anymore. Just make an effort to see people and ask them to do stuff, you'll be happy enough. What did you (do you) like the most about the program?  What are some negatives prospective students should know?
Get ready to work. Unlike some 1-year master's programs (especially in Europe), this isn't a glorified gap year. It will kick your ass if you don't stay on top of things and hunt opportunities. And for god's sake, go to office hours. The relationships you form with your professors are probably the most important thing that the program provides.

@Albert01 your research says it all. It’s a very niche corner and NYU has faculty doing just that (doesn’t hurt DGS happens to be one of them). NYU should fit your interest very well. Good luck!

I came from MAPSS before applying to PhDs, and the experience really helps in this application season.  Good luck for MAPSS=)

Should I bring the beer?

Me next!
An Ode to Graduate Admissions Office:
 
Dear admissions off-
icer, I love your school.  I
Will do anything
 
To be Admitted.
I will even write a bad
Poem.  Did I get in?

But that's not rude.  That language is pretty common in the business world

But that's not rude.  That language is pretty common in the business world

Receive email from Oxford with subject "Graduate Admissions".  Proceed to open email and find a request that I complete a survey...
 
British schools are cruel XD 

Receive email from Oxford with subject "Graduate Admissions".  Proceed to open email and find a request that I complete a survey...
 
British schools are cruel XD 

Receive email from Oxford with subject "Graduate Admissions".  Proceed to open email and find a request that I complete a survey...
 
British schools are cruel XD 

Receive email from Oxford with subject "Graduate Admissions".  Proceed to open email and find a request that I complete a survey...
 
British schools are cruel XD 

Congrats on the acceptance!  

Claiming an offer from Rochester!!! First offer!! So exciting!!