macmc

Yeah, the UCSB program looks awesome! I've actually found multiple faculty there that I'd love to study with. And, semi-unrelatedly, I'm feeling way better about doing a hippy, interdisciplinary type degree since I've started tracking academic job postings. It looks like more and more places are wanting to hire folks for WGS-specific slots, rather than as a dual appointment. University of Arizona just announced that they're hiring four tenure-track faculty in transgender studies, first program of its kind in the country.

There was right below this one, actually, but no one else is posting yet, so I'll post in here too! I'm applying to both history and WGS PhD programs, with a couple sociology programs thrown in for good measure -- my research interests are extremely interdisciplinary. The WGS-specific programs are UCLA, Indiana, and the joint PhD at Michigan, but every school to which I'm applying has strong gender/women's studies faculty, since that's what my dissertation will focus on. I was going to apply to the UCSB program, but decided to apply to their sociology program instead and do the feminist studies specialization if I get in, since I've heard their placement record for the Feminist Studies program isn't the best. I'll tell you my research interests if you tell me yours

Your research interests can and probably will shift when you're in school, but it's incredibly important to have a specific topic in mind for your statement of purpose. The SOP is, IMO, the most influential part of your application packet. Schools want to see that you're interested in something unique, as well as something that meshes well with their faculty (since your advisor will need to similar research interests). If you are not specific as to your interests, and can't name exactly who you want to work with and why, you shouldn't apply yet.

I 100% agree with you, hdunlop. I'll be happy to live in a two-stoplight town when I'm 31 or 32, but I don't want to at 25.

Hey there! I'm applying to both history and WGS PhD programs. The WGS-specific programs are UCLA, Indiana, and Emory. I'm trying to decide if UCSB and/or U of Washington are worth it in terms of placement afterwards, since going for an interdisciplinary degree can already be a dicey prospect!

Thanks for that, girlscoutcookies! My real reason for not including Rutgers on the list is because I went to college in Philly, and am trying to steer as clear of that geographic area as possible -- it's not talked about much, but I know that (for me, at least), the environment in which I'll be spending five years is just as important as the advisor and the school. I do have a question for all you esteemed folks, though: I contacted a POI, who told me that he will be on leave for 2014-2015. Is it still worth applying to that program? Would I say that I hoped to work with him when he returned?

Hey all! I'm pretty nervous about applying since my bachelor's was in poli sci, not in history, but I'm going to treat this round of applications as an experiment, so that I don't get my heart broken if I get rejected from everywhere . I'm looking to focus on the development, successes, and (most importantly) failures of second-wave feminism, with some queer studies stuff thrown in -- here are the schools that, I'm sure, are already breathlessly awaiting my applications, in some order of preference: Stanford Princeton Wisconsin USC UCLA Michigan UT-Austin Minnesota

Hi, everyone! Wow, I'm glad that this thread is already going. I'm applying to both history and gender/women's studies programs. I've just started looking again, but my list so far is: History Yale UW-Madison USC Minnesota Illinois Gender/Interdisciplinary Indiana UC-Irvine UCLA Hope everyone has a good summer!

Just wanted to wish good luck to everyone waiting on SFS! I was in your shoes last year, and will be joining whomever gets in as a first-year this fall, since I deferred my admission last year. Hope to see all of you on the Hill!

Sweeeeeet, thanks!

Nice! Where did you find the up-to-date course listings? From what I can tell, they only have two classes listed so far for 2011-2012.

I'll be there!

As far as your career goals go, it might be important to consider that Georgetown SFS, and MSFS in particular, is basically the feeder school for State. SFS/MSFS graduates more FSOs than any other school in the country (and that stat is on their site; I'm just posting from my phone, so I can't link you). SIPA may be slightly more helpful in the private sector, but my personal opinion is that the benefit would be negligible.

I had a 630V/620Q/4.5. Clearly not stellar, for reasons I can't really explain. I think my GPA and statement were huge factors. I have a 3.77, and I'm not afraid to say that my SOP was basically as perfect as a statement can be. I started working on it in July, and went through countless iterations. It was read once by two professors, and multiple times by my mother. I sweated over that thing, kept it open on my computer to modify as things leapt to mind, and didn't turn it in until I was sure there was absolutely nothing I could do to make it better.

I'm trying, Tiffany, I'm trying!

Is anyone else dying for more information? I thought I might calm down once I actually got in, but now I won't be satisfied until I know every little detail about orientation, registration, etc. You don't have to tell me it's unhealthy--I know.

With regards to LSE, I don't think the length of the program will put you at a disadvantage in the DC policy world...if anything does, it would be that LSE isn't an American school, but depending on what exactly it you want to do, that might not matter either. I'm not an expert on the DC mentality, but it seems to me that the more public service oriented (DoD, State, etc) your goals are, the more you'll want to go to a US school. If you're going more along the think tank or private sector analysis route, I think LSE would be fine. Again, though, I'm just stating my personal perception of the situation; I'm not even in DC yet. As to the other three, I would again ask what you really want to do. Personally, I'd knock off Monterey immediately, because I don't think it compares to either Korbel or SIS from a policy perspective. Being in DC would make your life a lot easier with regards to internships and, if you're going to need one, getting a security clearance, but Korbel does have the DC semester to which you can apply. I've been told by two Korbel students that the quarter system is absolutely insane--if it's the best fit for you, I would go for it (I mean, it worked for Condi Rice, right?), but just be aware that you're going to be absolutely swamped with work. Just some basic thoughts!

Previous Schools: University of the Arts, Temple University Previous Degrees and GPA's: Music, 3.6 (transferred after sophomore year); Political Science (Hons), 3.77. GRE Scores (Verbal/Quantitative/Analytical Writing): 630, 620, 4.5 Previous Work Experience: Senate campaign internship. Other than that, I'll be straight from undergrad. Math/Econ Background: Barely. No econ whatsoever. Foreign Language Background: Basic French, German. Intended Field of Study in Grad School: US National Security Long Term Professional Goals: The dream is to work on a presidential campaign and then in the White House. The (somewhat) more attainable goal is to work as an analyst for the Company. I'm also interested in political communications consulting. Schools Applied to & Results: All accepted - Georgetown SFS, American SIS, GW Elliott, Korbel, Patterson, UCSD. Ultimate Decision & Why: Georgetown. It was tough choosing between Georgetown and Elliott, especially because I'd applied to two completely different programs--at Elliott, I'd be doing Global Communications with a focus on national security policy. I found this really appealing when considering my private sector interests (consulting, campaigns). Ultimately, however, I reminded myself that practically none of the best speechwriters/consultants out there are so because they went to Elliott specifically. I think Georgetown will help more in the long run, both because of their career services program and (straight up!) the name. I'm a still a little sad I declined Elliott, though. Other: I was/am very surprised that I got into SFS--it's the number one program in the nation, I have basically no work experience, and my stats aren't mindblowing AT ALL. However, my statement of purpose was basically as perfect as a piece of writing can be--I started working on it in July, and revised it tens of times. It was edited by two professors and my mother. It was awesome, no two ways about it. Don't neglect your SoP! I think mine got me into Georgetown. They also may have looked favorably upon the fact that I'm in ROTC. Good luck to future applicants! My main advice is to start and finish the process early! My applications were done by November, so then I had lots of time free to harass my recommenders. Don't stress too much, and don't neglect to apply to the top tier because of your perceived deficiencies--let them tell you why you can't come their school. Don't do it for them.

I'm in Philly, but don't freak yet. People started hearing from SSP on Friday, so they might be sending notifications in waves.

(Sorry for the double post, everyone!) Yep, mine was a single letter, as well. Since it was from the dean of the Graduate School as a whole, I assume we'll be hearing from the SSP separately. It would've been nice if they'd told us when that might be...

I'M IN!

I would absolutely go in on this.

I did the transition when I moved to Philly from Richmond, VA for college four years ago. When I decided to head Nawth, I didn't own a winter coat, hat, or shovel. YOU WILL NEED ALL THESE THINGS. It has snowed like you wouldn't believe in the last two years; if you're bringing a car, you should especially consider things like 4WD or snow tires, neither of which my car has. It's not going to be as much of an issue as if, say, you were in the mountains of Vermont or something, but I was completely incapacitated during the most recent snowstorm because my car simply couldn't handle it. As far as clothes go, layering is the thing to master. That, and snow pants. My mom bought me snow pants, and they're the best thing I've ever owned. Philly is notorious for its wind tunnels because of all the buildings, so biking/walking to class in the winter can be absolutely hellish. The wind cuts through your clothes like they're not even there. Snow pants will solve many of your problems. Your friends from up there might laugh at you---I don't care! All my pride disappears when it gets cold. Good luck! Personally, I wouldn't mind if I never see snow again.

Hey, that's pretty neat! Well, in all honesty, my dream job is domestic--I'd like to be a major advisor/consultant on a presidential campaign and work in the communications department of the White House. In the meantime, however, I'd like to work for as an analyst for the Company or the State department when it comes to public sector, or for a political consulting/advertising firm in the private.

According to their website, it's 100% only by postal mail