theprincessleia

I just took my general comprehensive exam a few weeks ago and my oral defense is coming up in a week. The written portion of the exam was pretty tough and I am more confident about the first question compared to the second. I'm really nervous about the oral defense and I'm planning on writing out what I would've changed if I could go back, but I'm not sure if that's enough. It'd be great if I could have the writing center take a look to see if my argument answered the questions/overall clarity but I'm not sure that it's allowed. Does anyone have any other tips to prepare?

Does anyone have any recommendations for where to go in the area for reasonably priced furniture, a good mattress, etc. ?

Congrats! I'll see you in the Fall

PROFILE: Type of Undergrad Institution: Small private liberal arts college in the US Major(s)/Minor(s): Major: Political Science/Minors:Public Health & Public Policy Undergrad GPA:3.5 Type of Grad:None Grad GPA:None GRE: 159V, 151Q, 4.5W (really crap) Any Special Courses: 8 credit course + internship at State House (if that counts) Letters of Recommendation: 3 political science professors and 1 from employer Research Experience: 1 summer program at Columbia (political science) Teaching Experience: None Subfield/Research Interests: public opinion, political behavior, public policy Other: semester internship at Harvard (public opinion/polio), 1 and half years research experience at non-profit (healthcare transparency), presented at 3 symposiums RESULTS: Acceptances($$ or no $$): UIUC (PhD $$), American (MA in IR, Partial $$), Boston College (MA, no info on funding) Waitlists: Rejections: Columbia (PhD), American (PhD), Brown (PhD), UMich (PhD), UChicago (PhD), George Washington (PhD), Boston College (PhD), Brandeis (PhD) Pending: Northeastern Going to: UIUC LESSONS LEARNED: -GRE scores: I'm sure my low GRE scores kept me out of a lot of top programs as I sort of expected. I took a Kaplan class and had GRE books but didn't take a test until at least a year later (because life). Definitely don't wait too long after studying material and devote your time to studying the GRE months in advance. Though I did spend a few months studying, time was definitely still an issue, so practice taking timed tests, especially if you're not a standardized test person. Kaplan offers free online courses/timed practice tests. If UIUC wasn't one of my top choices, I would probably spend the rest of the year studying to improve my GRE scores. -Coursework: I didn't take many quant courses as an undergrad (only took stat 101 and pre-calc). If you're an undergrad/grad student, definitely take more quant courses & any methodology courses if possible. Grades are important but also seek research opportunities if possible. -Fit: As I've been told, I think fit is one of the most important aspects about your application. I did try to apply broadly but there were many professors who's work didn't exactly align with mine. I'm not sure that there needs to be an exact fit but I think the better the fit, the higher your chances. I think it's great to apply to top schools but also keep in mind your overall fit with a professor or professors and the department. -Recommendation letters Ask for recommendation letters from professors who really know you and can speak to your growth, strengths, etc. I asked a professor who saw me do poorly in one of their classes but bounce right back the next semester. I had also taken a few classes that I did relatively well in with the other 2 professors that I asked. I also asked my employer to write a recommendation for me for a few of the applications. Though this is usually not required for PhDs, I asked because I work in research position. -Backup plan Have a backup plan. As a backup, I asked to be considered for the MA program on my PhD applications (some schools ask this). SOP: Slightly customized for each application. I basically talked about what got me interested in research, broad research topics I'm interested in, why I decided to work after undergrad, and then about the program/professors. PM me for more detail.

I feel the same way. I took time off to work after my undergrad since I graduated a year early because, I thought that I could gain some more research experience and professional development (which I did, to an extent) and I thought it would make me feel more ready (whatever that means) but, I think I'm more terrified now since I was actually accepted to one of my top choices. It feels so unreal. I have this awful fear that I'll get one of those calls that my acceptance was a mistake. Though, with a campus visit coming up soon, my acceptance feels more and more real. I am also terrified that I won't be good enough or that I'll be a disappointment. I'll also be moving away to another state that I've never been to (yet), where I don't have any family or friends. I've never been in that situation before and even though I haven't even left yet, I already feel so alone. I am so excited to start but at the same time, I am so afraid.

Excited to get to know everyone else who's been admitted into the Political Science PhD program! Anyone going to visit the campus April 2-4?

bumping this post.. I'll be vising a school soon as well and any insight anyone has about what to expect would be great

bumping this post.. can anyone recommend any 1-bed apartments under $700?

That's awesome! Congrats on the new contract. very happy to hear the good news. i'm looking forward to a campus visit next month

Thanks so much!

Thanks! My subfield is american politics

Yes!! I'm so excited! I received an unofficial acceptance 2 days ago and now waiting for my official letter. Best of luck to you

I'm also in the same boat. UIUC is my top choice at the moment and I was offered admission with an award with the combo of a tuition waiver and fellowship/TA/RA guaranteed for 4 years subject to satisfactory progress. Not sure if I could still be affected by the elimination of tuition waivers.. Side note: If you don't mind me asking, how are students currently managing their finances with all of this going on?

Hey everyone, I just got accepted to UIUC and planning a visit in April. I'm coming from Boston and it will be my first time in the Midwest.. Anyone have any recommendations for 1-bed apartments for me to check out when I visit? I'm looking to spend no more than $700 and ideally have utilities included.

I got an email asking to call to discuss my application status and the program.. what does this mean?!