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I haven't been able to find a clear answer to this question. Say, for example, the applicant has succeeded in her MA program (i.e., high GPA, conference attendance, strong LORs, success in a quantitative methods course, etc.). Is this enough to offset weak GRE scores?

For comparativists, is it necessary to have a professor in your dept. that is an expert in your region of interest? Is it sufficient to have a professor working on your theoretical interests, but perhaps in the context of a different country/region?

Ah, alright. That makes sense. I know of someone who was waitlisted at UNC with a 148 Q and 162 V, so it seems like some programs take a more holistic approach and don't use the GRE as a check box. My sense is that the Harvards and Yales, simply because they receive so many applications, are inclined to use it as a check box.

This is interesting, as I've heard that it will be difficult to get accepted to a top 20 school without at least a 160 on the GRE. I'm not arguing with you; I'm simply curious as to where you are getting this information from. Also, what's your definition of top 10? Chicago and UNC, for example, are not in the USNWR top 10, but they're pretty darn close.

Thanks for the responses. I have read that concision is always better, and that what can be said in 1,000 words can also be said in 500 words. My thought is that I could expand on some of the content in my 500-word SOP (for example, the discussion of my thesis research) or add a more elaborate introduction. Thoughts?

I'm currently working on my political science PhD applications, and I have a question regarding the SOP. A couple of programs (e.g., UNC-Chapel Hill) require applicants to submit a 500-word SOP. Others (e.g.,) specify that applicants should not a statement longer than 1,000 words. For the latter programs, would it be best to just submit the 500-word SOP?

The other letters will come from two professors who know me and my work very well: my undergraduate adviser, with whom I took two courses, and my MA thesis adviser, with whom I also took two courses.

I'm currently working on my MA, and this fall I'm applying to PhD programs in political science. I took a seminar in spring 2019 with a well-known professor in my field. I received an A in his course, and I went to office hours and talked with him a few times. Would it be reasonable to ask him for a letter of recommendation? My other option is to ask a professor from undergrad who is less well-known, though I know him a bit better. Isn't it more important to have letters from my graduate professors if I am already in a graduate program?