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Some schools are explicit about that (e.g., Stanford), whereas others are not. You'll probably just have to check on the websites of the programs you're interested in. If you don't find any information, you could always send the graduate program coordinator/administrative assistant an email.

On the one hand, my professors are terrific, and they're all putting in an effort to make this semester as "normal" as possible. On the other hand, I feel a bit intellectually stale. I really miss the spontaneity of normal times.

I would say that the difference is negligible. Both offer excellent programs. I see no reason why you shouldn't be able to get into a top program coming out of either department.

I think this user is trying to say that one should attempt to obtain some sort of written confirmation from the DGA/DGS in his/her/their future department ensuring that his/her/their offer still stands in light of the current situation. Unless one's original acceptance letter or university GS website includes a line about the circumstances under which a decision could be revoked, I wouldn't worry too much about this. I, for example, spoke with my DGA before April 15 about the materials that I need to submit in order to accept my offer, and he told me--completely unprompted, I should add--that he hopes to see me on campus in the fall, but at the least over Zoom (i.e., the offer will not be revoked).

I'm currently working on my MA at IU. I'm moving to UNC for my PhD this August. DM me if you have any questions.

To be honest, I would be pretty happy with this kind of situation. Of course, I'd be even happier if the situation improves and we see a more "normal" arrangement, but this would much better than moving everything online. I do think we may be in a somewhat "lucky" situation as graduate students, given that our classes will be small anyway.

Alright. As I said, I apologize. I'm not looking to bicker. You're exactly right. This is a discussion forum. You shared your opinion, and I responded by sharing mine.

I apologize if I came off as condescending; that certainly wasn't my intention. My point is that we know nothing right now and likely won't for a couple of months. Posting articles that contain false or extrapolated information isn't beneficial for anyone (and, of course, I am not suggesting that you did so so with the intention of confusing people or providing them with misinformation). Sharing every article that discusses a university's plans for the fall more generally does no good either.

Did you actually read the article? The university has not yet made this decision. Like most other institutions in the US, CSU wants its faculty to be ready to teach online, should the situation not be safe enough to hold in-person classes by then: “To make sure we are prepared for all variables, but with the goal that we can offer in-person instruction, we are asking our faculty to be prepared to start the semester teaching virtually.The university said it would be flexible and finalize its decision “as the facts and circumstances become clear.” Come on, folks. Let's not use this forum to spread information that has not yet been confirmed.

This.

I was also thinking about this yesterday. I would most likely move.

If it makes anyone feel better, I was told by a professor at the program I'll be attending in the fall that if classes cannot be held on campus, they will at least be held via Zoom (i.e., offers will not be rescinded).

Yeah, I heard back from a program on April 14 when I applied in 2017.

Yes, I believe this applicant has also posted about this on Reddit.

How long-ranked is the program?

I agree. Also, how committed are you to political psychology? Your interests may change, and at least at Minnesota you'd have a more diverse set of faculty to work with.

How hell-bent are you on studying political psychology? If you're at a T20 institution (e.g., Ohio State) and decide to switch areas , you'll probably be in a better position than if you were at, say, a T30 program (e.g., Stony Brook). Whereas at the former you'll have less of a problem finding a suitable adviser should you decide to switch research areas, that might not be the case at the latter.

My field is CP, and I declined my offer at Minnesota on Sunday. I hope that helps!

What's your subfield?

I declined my offer from Minnesota a couple of minutes ago. I hope this helps someone on the waitlist!

I am currently finishing up my MA in Russian and East European Studies and will begin my PhD in Political Science in August. I second the questions and answers offered by the previous poster. If you are looking to acquire language and area expertise, go to Yale. I didn't have these things and the area studies MA has provided me with the resources to acquire them. If you already have those things, then go to UCSD. Note that Yale, to the best of my knowledge, doesn't have a political scientist focusing on Russia on the faculty. Svolik and Mares do occasional work on Eastern Europe, but they focus primarily on domestic politics (authoritarian regime dynamics and political economy, respectively). I'm sure there are a couple of scholars there whose theoretical interests align with you own, but IR isn't my area.

Hi there! Perhaps we've already (virtually) met. I participated in Minnesota's virtual recruitment events this morning. I think Minnesota's program is excellent on many levels: placement, funding, courses, kind and interested faculty, etc. I think you should go to Minnesota. Worst case scenario, you can master out and apply somewhere else after your second year without any debt.

I will decline my offer at Minnesota by the end of the week. I hope this helps someone on the waitlist!

I accepted my offer at UNC-Chapel Hill. I based my decision on (1) my excellent fit with the department, (2) the department's rank, (3) several conversations with a recent graduate of the program, and (4) excellent conversations with the CP subfield chair and DGA. I am thrilled to join this department in August!

Although this is a very serious virus, I think that we should be fine by early summer, if not sooner. I don't think we should worry about this right now. Even if the virus did continue until then, classes would probably be held online.