CoffeeMonster0

Sounds like a tough choice! I would say that out of those three, I would probably axe Cornell, because the fit of the program and the training you receive is extremely important (especially if you want to go into industry, then the quantitative training is REALLY important). For Duke's placement record, I wouldn't worry too much about the regional placement. That is probably a product of Duke grads wanting to stay in the area to stay with friends and significant others. I am fairly confident a Duke degree would get you considered in any job around the country. It seems to me the real decision is weighing the fit of the program versus the prospects after graduation. If it were me, I'd personally pick Duke and just try and brave through the not so ideal conditions, because a degree from Duke is going to open up a lot of doors that PSU cannot. But in the end, it's up to you!!

^ Agreed, especially if you are studying political economy. A high quantitative score can really give a good boost to your application that I doubt a study abroad experience can match.

Rankings are extremely important in terms of finding a good academic job after college, especially in political theory (tends to be a more competitive subfield). I would check out the placement record at each of the schools and see which one has a better look to you (if they don't have their placement record online you can email the department and ask for it). If your eventual goal is to get an academic job, I would say go with the school that has the best placement record. It sounds like location wise and faculty wise they both have their ups and downs, so I would put the focus on the school ranking.

UC Davis is a great option, they have good funding (especially with a lower cost of living compared to the rest of California) and a strong placement record. The only thing I would add to the people who have commented is to make sure the faculty are a good fit. UC Davis is a smaller program so the faculty available might be more limited than some larger programs. If you don't fit well with the faculty then I would recommend going with the second option.

I think a few people were admitted, but they still have some pending (including mine). I would say we are on some sort of unofficial waitlist.

It's also important to remember that the name of the school you attended is not the only factor in getting a job. If you have good teaching abilities and a good research portfolio, you have a good shot at getting a job even if you didn't go to a top-10 school.

Currently waitlisted for funding, so I'm in a similar boat. Best of luck to everyone!

American Politics. And yeah I've heard from past applicants that UCLA's funding is kind of shaky because they tend to have larger cohorts. Hopefully when they hear back from other candidates that decline their admission we will get better funding packages.

No tuition waver, though I was told that TA-ships are usually pretty easy to come by. It just makes me nervous to not have the guarantee. I don't have any other offers currently, though I'm still waiting to hear back from a few other programs.

It partially depends on the cost of living, but generally even the lowest PhD stipends I've seen should be fine. You probably will have to have roommates, and you probably will have to live a relatively frugal lifestyle. A lot of PhD students that are able to get good jobs during the summer and can make some good money for the next year that way.

Hey ya'll, I was admitted to UCLA for political science, but I have not yet been guaranteed funding. In my acceptance email I was told I was on a waitlist for funding, and I would be contacted if it became available. Is anyone/has anyone else been in a similar situation, or know anything about UCLA's funding? Or any advice on doing a PhD without guaranteed funding?

They did say in the email if we didn't hear by the end of the week to send an email. I'm guessing they are going to send it out tonight or tomorrow.

Has anyone else been admitted to a good school but have not yet received guaranteed funding? Is that something to be concerned about at this point?

Still waiting to hear from them as well...they said early this week.