Pancho Villa

There are no guarantees (it's a very weird process), but given a strong statement with good research questions and clear discussion of past research and future goals, you sound like a great candidate for any school. Get plenty of feedback on each version of your statement. For some schools, you will have a "diversity statement" or a space in which you are encouraged to elaborate on your personal story. Take advantage of these to explain (maybe explicitly, maybe implicitly) your community college GPA. Take full responsibility for imperfections in your record (meaning make no excuses). Do not dwell on your early struggles, focus instead on how you turned things around. Ideally your story suggests (without necessarily having to say so) that a return to mediocre grades is not a possibility. [Note: a 3.3 is actually pretty good in the normal world, just not at Harvard, etc. If you happen to have resided in the "normal world" back then, and you didn't consider a 3.3 a low GPA until later, when people started talking to you about Harvard and PhDs, it's fine to say so, and it might even serve to further set you apart.] Get feedback from both academic advisors and enrichment program advisors (e.g. RBSI admin) on your statement(s). Have you taken part in a summer research program? If not, see if you can do so this summer (if all application periods have not passed). Many are paid and will bring you into contact with top faculty at highly ranked schools. Be sure your letter writers are solid (the question should be, "Are you comfortable writing me a very strong letter of support?" not "Will you write me a letter?") Give your letter writers at least 5 weeks or so to prepare the letters, and provide them with plenty of neatly-organized information, all in one delivery. At minimum, this should include generic (not yet tailored for individual schools) SOP, CV, writing sample, list of schools, and a letter to each specifying how you met them (including semester/dates), which class(es) you took with them, what grade you received (no lower than A-), a paragraph summarizing what you produced in the class (e.g. a summary of your term paper or project), and any suggestions as to which aspect(s) of your preparation the individual recommender might be best positioned to comment on. If you feel weird specifying all of this for professors who already know you well, don't think that way. Faculty have a lot on their plate, and they will appreciate your thoroughness. [Note: I don't see your GRE scores as problematic. That said, the level of math courses you have completed does suggest a higher score. Then again, testing is tricky, and most committees recognize its limited usefulness at this point. Still, financial considerations and investment in studying aside, there is no penalty for retaking the GRE, since you can send whichever exam scores you wish (though, as you probably know, you cannot combine parts of test scores, you must submit all scores from a particular test date).] Most grad schools in PS are seriously lacking in the kind of perspective I imagine you will bring as a first generation college student who has made their way through community college, BA, and MA, and one who has prepared well in terms of quantitative and methods courses and research (not to mention the scarcity of African Americans in doctoral PS programs). Best of luck. I hope you get in everywhere.

That's definitely helpful. Thank you!

For those who have had phone/skype meetings or interviews for a political science phd program this cycle or in the past, might you provide a general idea of what to expect? My advisors have all pretty much said these are likely to be casual conversations, generally meant to feel out the seriousness of the candidates and to sell the program, but none of them are actually at institutions that do interviews. Should I be worried about getting drilled on my writing sample or my research plan? And/or, might I be expected to have very sophisticated knowledge of the research of the faculty member I speak with or members of the department with whom I might work? I did some homework on this before writing my SOP, but it's difficult to keep everyone straight with all the craziness of applying. I plan to have a cheat sheet in front of me, but in the case of a Skype interview, it could get weird if I'm looking down a lot. Many thanks for any guidance or advice!

Maybe it isn't the case generally, but last time I was in the Netherlands, I saw many men wearing colorful pants (mainly red, but also other colors, sometimes multi). I liked it.

Dutch men win for best pants.

I worked for several years on programs that supported low-income graduate students (and prospective graduate students), and you could say my role included 'wardrobe mentoring.' Regardless of where you live, if you wear a size 0-14 women's (XS-XL, 28-40 waist men's), you can probably find a thrift store where you can outfit yourself for interviews for $20-$30. If you wear a bigger or smaller size, it could be a bit more challenging at this budget, but it's still worthwhile to hit the thrift store first, and certain parts of your outfit can be found there either way. If you feel truly at a loss for where to start, I would say aim for something like the following. [NOTE: these suggestions are admittedly very gendered and conservative, and I am highly conscious of the fact that they provide nothing in the way of helping people to display their unique personal style, etc. Surely there are many individuals to whom these suggestions also do not well apply, probably including many students in the arts, as well as those who privilege ethnic/cultural expression in their dress, etc. Furthermore, I do not wish to reinforce the idea that there is (or should be) one way of dressing in academia. I strongly feel the opposite is true. But, alas, I also wish to help make accessible an "academic outfit" to those with limited resources, or to those who have a limited awareness of what is expected of them in this department in most disciplines. Finally, the stores I suggest below are purely motivated by awareness of budget, availability, and supply of clothing consistent with the status quo in academia. They are not my faves, and they might not be those that are most responsible with respect to clothing manufacturing, etc.] These suggestions pertain to most non-professional masters and doctoral students doing routine visits to (or interviews with) graduate schools, etc., who wish to play it safe in their dress. For dress in professional school environments (law, business, medicine, etc.), as well as in the arts and other fields that might have different standards, I would ask a trusted mentor in the discipline for advice. FOR WOMEN PANTS/SKIRT/DRESS Dark (black, navy, grey, etc.) pants or simple skirt (hits at mid-knee or just below, nothing shorter, and longer will be hard to pull off for most body types), or shift dress. Skirt can be pencil-style to just slightly flowing. Avoid skirts with excessive material that could look cutesy or like you're headed to the swing dance. In general, pants should go to (and not beyond) your shoes and should not be too "skinny." If you're aiming for safe, avoid overly trendy styles or prints for the purposes of interviews and visits. TOP/BLOUSE If wearing a dress, skip this. If not: Light, solid (or very subtle pattern) neutral colored (white, light grey, light blue, etc) blouse. If you don't mind tucking-in, an ironed button-up collar shirt always looks great. I can't stand tucking and always feel it causes muffin top on me (eek!), so if you're like me, find a top that fits you well and feels comfortable and does not hit much below or above the hip bone. Do not show belly, and do not wear a long shirt that resembles a nightshirt. Your shirt should also not be frayed or wrinkled at the hem, if you're wearing it outside your pants/skirt. I like to wear a comfy, slightly flowing tank-top. It should reveal ZERO cleavage, even if you lean forward slightly, and it should not fit very tight at the chest or elsewhere. If your buttons are pulling, get another shirt, or use double-sided fabric tape to keep your shirt closed. Of course, too big and your clothes can look messy, so try to get something that fits somewhat closely but that reveals minimal contours (including belly rolls or pants/skirt cut-in). Reasonable fit is key to both neat appearance and comfort. Better if your clothes are just slightly on the spacious side than that they are slightly tight (other way around, of course, when you head to the clubs later that night). CARDIGAN/BLAZER Cardigan sweater and/or structured jacket ("blazer") in either a solid, neutral color or a simple pattern. There are plenty of good choices for color/pattern combinations. I'm just trying to provide simple go-to pieces that will help you move through the thrift shop (or other shop) efficiently. SHOES Simple flats, or low heal pumps, in black or other neutral color. No sparkles or excessive buckles, etc, or large flashy brand names pasted across shoes. If in a cold place, simple boots (if possible). Cheap black rain boots will work if you're from somewhere warm and don't have appropriate winter boots. You won't likely be walking outside for too long. Avoid giant, clompy, fur-everywhere boots that look like novelty slippers. COAT: A trench coat or wool (style) button-down coat, if headed somewhere cold or rainy. Also, an umbrella for rainy places (particularly if you fear for your hair). SOCKS/TIGHTS: No "fun" or bright socks or tights. Lightweight, non-bulging socks, knee-highs, or tights in a neutral (probably dark) color. If wearing flats, fine to go without socks, but not in a snowy or cold place. In general, wear skirts or dresses with tights or nylons (very hot places, like Miami and Hawaii, could be exceptions if high temperature is 75+). Black matte is often best option for tights. SCARF: If you settle on the simplest option in each of the above categories, you might consider adding a lightweight, thin scarf around your neck, for a bit of flare, or to cover up unflattering imperfections in the fit of your shirt or sweater/jacket, or just for fun. Still, choose a simple pattern, that has at most one vibrant color. Also, the scarf should not crowd your face or cause a distraction. Look around the web for ways to tie your thin scarf. HAIR: For most other than Black women, in general, your hair should be kept tidy and simple, whether you wear it up or down. For Black women, your hair tends to look incredibly stylish no matter what; still, if you're not feeling it on interview day, pull it back, or wear it in a scarf, or in the fashion that is most comfortable for you. Ethnic women, in general, will enjoy more flexibility when it comes to hairstyle and accessories. A White woman in a head band or scarf might appear overly casual. It's typically less the case for non-white women. People have a tendency to fiddle with their hair when they wear it in new ways, so be sure you are comfortable and practiced with your hairdo. Likewise, wear your interview clothes around town (avoiding ketchup, etc.) in advance, so you can work out the kinks before interview day. JEWELRY: Simple, sparse jewelry, if any. Fitbit-type watches are ok, but best if without flashy wrist bands. MAKE-UP: Simple, daytime make-up, if any. HATS?: No hats, unless religious MULTIPLE DAY VISIT: you can wear the basics of your outfit for more than one day. Include two different shirts and/or change-up your scarf and hairdo for a totally different look on a second day. On a third day, change either sweater or blazer (to one of a different color) for a completely fresh look. SHOPS: shops to look for clothing (in the US): Any thrift shop, and especially the big ones (Goodwill, Savers, Value Village, St. Vincent's, etc.). Also, check the clearance areas of stores such as Ross, Old Navy, Kohls, Target, JC Penny, Sears, and even Forever 21, H&M, etc. FOR MEN Read over suggestions for the women. Your outfit will be nearly the same (pants, button-up shirt, cardigan and/or blazer, plus overcoat in cold places), with the exception that their scarf will be your neck tie. No, you don't need a neck tie, and in many places you might be the only one wearing one, but if your outfit is very simple, you might like to have one for a bit of flare). No joke-style or flashy neck-ties. No white socks. Shoes should be simple, probably black or brown, comfortable enough to walk a bit. If you're at a loss, I would suggest Oxford style, tie-up shoes. You can get these in all sizes and widths online (Amazon, etc.), and Walmart also usually carries some low-priced "dress" shoe options in various widths. For guarantee of fit and quality (if you have hard-to-fit-feet and/or a more flexible budget), go to a store that specializes in extended sizing options. You will not be sorry. No moccasins, and skinny little loafers can look like bedroom slippers (particularly to your 60 year old POI). Your hair should be freshly tidied (whether you wear it short or long), and your face groomed (whether you have a beard or not). Anyone is welcomed to PM me for more, including help identifying styles to fit your particular body type or aesthetic (I am sorry I provide little help here in terms of finding larger sized clothing beyond thrift stores) and good resources within your specific town. Best of luck to all!

Looking through Results postings from the past three years for Political Science PhD applications, I found that U Chicago sent out its initial chunk of decisions on 2/3/16, 2/2/17, and 2/12/18. Is the March 9, 2018 date repeated a few times above a latest date on which admissions were sent?