PoliPsych123

This is my first application cycle on gradcafe and I have had trouble figuring out where I stand in the pool of applicants, hopefully you guys can help! Schools: Berkeley, MIT, Duke, Michigan, Wisconsin, Yale, Ohio State, Stony Brook PROFILE: Type of Undergrad Institution: Pretty well regarded land-grant institution, R1 school Major(s)/Minor(s): Psychology Major, Political Science Minor Undergrad GPA: 3.4 with 3.65 Psych major GPA (3.74 political science minor GPA) My grades were lower my first 1.5 years in college due to being in a stem program, they were ~3.6-3.7 the last 2.5 years of college. GRE: V: 162 Q: 161 AW: 4.5 Any Special Courses: I took some grad courses and participated in several data science courses and faculty groups. Writing Sample: A manuscript from an independent research project I did in my senior year. Letters of Recommendation: 1 from a professor at my undergraduate institution (PhD in psychology, joint appointed in political science), 1 from a professor I'm doing research work with at an Ivy league university, 2 from professors at a top 25 program who I am doing a research project with Research Experience: 1 Manuscript in preparation, 1 conference, A senior independent research project, 2.5 years lab experience from my undergrad institution (3 separate labs), about half a year of lab experience virtually at ivy league school, about half a year virtual lab experience at top 25 political science program. Subfield/Research Interests: American Politics/Political Behavior I would just love to get some feedback because I can't tell how much of a killer my GPA might end up being or if people end up taking other things into account? I really feel great about my statement of purpose and other application materials, as I was working on them closely with various faculty members since August. Also trying to figure out how my research experience stacks up against other applicants. Really would appreciate your insights!

Does anyone know the earliest we might expect to start hearing back?

Awesome messaged you

Hey guys, I've been applying to Lab Manager/Research Coordinator type positions to get more experience for grad school, and my undergraduate professor suggested to me that I perhaps apply to some Master's programs because I switched in my 3rd year into Psychology, and my GPA is a bit lower because I'm coming from an Engineering Background. I can't afford a Master's program that costs money/that I couldn't support myself from. Does anyone know schools that have Social Psychology/General Psych Master's programs that allow you to research/TA in order to pay for your tuition? Thanks in advance!

Hello, I've been lurking around here for a little while and really appreciate all the great advice you guys give. Thought I'd ask this question here because I'm in a bit of a weird situation - my Overall GPA is pretty meh (3.3 Cumulative) due to my major being Engineering for my Freshman and Sophomore Years of College, even though my Psych Gpa is a lot better (3.6). My GREs are pretty good - 162 Verbal (90th percentile) 161 Quant (78th percentile) 4.5 Analytical Writing (81st percentile) I have strong recommendations and research experience, but am unsure what level of Social/Political Psych program I could apply due given my past grades in engineering pulling down my cumulative GPA. Just wondering if anyone has experience about how much schools will overlook this sort of thing? I'm currently playing with the idea of programs like Michigan, Minnesota, or Boston University, but am not sure if I would be automatically eliminated from contention due to hidden GPA cutoffs. Hope this is an alright place to post this sort of question, I really would be grateful for thoughts from someone with more experience.