bibble1998

I want to apply to Ph.D. programs this fall. For better or worse, I have two fairly disparate research interests, either of which I would be very happy to explore further, but which seem like they would be classified in two different departments (Sociology, and Political Science). I found a university that offers strong programs in both disciplines, either of which I think might be a good fit. Is there any reason I should not apply to both the programs? I don't think the faculty who read applications are on both committees, but I don't know if this is taboo, since I would need to write two fairly different statements of purpose for each program and have my letter writers tailor their letters for the individual programs. I hope that make sense - happy to clarify. Thanks!

This is so, so so very helpful!!! Thank you!!! I am really interested in the work by Ed Schatz (U Toronto) and Lisa Wedeen (U Chicago), but I see that you have found other schools with potential mentors/faculty members who could support your specific research goals. I am actually now very curious about your topic of interest - if you are OK with a PM, I have always found it to be really useful to talk with grad students (or prospective grad students). Your response makes me think of a few other questions: - I noticed that CEU seems to have a strong program in qualitative methods... are you hoping to stay abroad or in Europe after your PhD? I only ask because I have been told that it can sometimes be more difficult to teach in the US without having done your graduate work at a US institution. Similar question related to the programs you selected in the UK. - How long did it take you to put together a list and narrow down the programs you would apply to? I am taking some time off after undergrad but not sure whether I'll be applying next year, or the year after that. - Do you think it is best that the 2+ faculty members you identify should cover both your topic/region of interest and method of interest? Thank you!!

(posted to the PolySci forum a few months ago, but I think it would be valuable to get input from people in sociology PhDs...) I'm hoping to apply to Ph.D. programs in 2-3 years (taking some time off after my undergrad). Broadly I'm interested in studying social movements, voter behavior, and political culture, and while I am not opposed to quantitative methods (and do already have some background in them), I really want to attend a doctoral program that is strong in its qualitative methods training, particularly ethnographic research - interviewing, observation, etc. I'm not sure how to approach researching schools, since it feels like the topics I am interested in are more suited for a political science Ph.D., while the method training I am looking for is more robust in a sociology (or anthropology?) program. Any advice on how to go about deciding schools to apply to? I can apply to doctoral programs in both disciplines, but I'm curious whether ethnographic methods in political science is on its way out - and if I'm better off looking to sociology programs instead. Any insight is much appreciated!

I'm hoping to apply to Ph.D. programs in 2-3 years (taking some time off after my undergrad). Broadly I'm interested in studying social movements and political culture, and while I am not opposed to quantitative methods (and do already have some background in them), I really want to attend a doctoral program that is strong in its qualitative methods training, particularly ethnographic research - interviewing, observation, etc. I'm not sure how to approach researching schools, since it feels like the topics I am interested in are more suited for a political science Ph.D., while the method training I am looking for is more robust in a sociology (or anthropology?) program. Any advice on how to go about deciding schools to apply to? I can apply to doctoral programs in both disciplines, but I'm curious whether ethnographic methods in political science is on its way out - and if I'm better off looking to sociology programs instead. Any insight is much appreciated!

Since I've already paid to take the test, do you think there's any harm in taking it now? I'm not applying for another few years and have come to terms with having to re-take it if I don't get a score >155. If it can't hurt me, I figure I might as well... but I must admit I'm a little confused.

Re-reading my original post, you're right, it's a bit discombobulated! I guess I have come to terms with having to retake the test in the next few years. I'm just trying to gauge how important it is to get a score in the range these programs report (typically around 165 for both sections). I didn't realize you only send the scores you want to the programs you apply to... thought you had to send all past scores. Thanks for pointing that out.

Seeking out any and all advice. I am scheduled to take the GRE in about two weeks. I intended to spend this summer studying, but was thrown by all things 2020 all while trying to prepare a Fulbright application due very soon too. Standardized tests are *not* my strength. Based on the practice tests I've taken, I'm about average in the quantitative reasoning and slightly above average in the verbal reasoning. I have studied some vocabulary, but nowhere near enough, and need to go through a lot more practice math questions. My plan was originally to take the test this year, and hold onto it for a few years while I work/fellowship/do a masters. Would apply to doctoral programs before the score expired. I eventually want to apply for a Ph.D. in political science studying comparative politics and elections (my dream program is at UCSD). My recommendations are strong, my GPA is very good, and I feel like I will be able to write a compelling personal statement. In other words, I was hoping that with decent GRE scores (155+?) I could be considered at least a competitive applicant at some of the good Ph.D. programs around the country. I just don't want to feel like the score I get in two weeks would preclude me from having a shot at any of these programs. I *could* cancel my test and plan to take it sometime in the next few years, when I would presumably have time to study and not be overwhelmed by returning to school during COVID, other post-grad apps, etc. But, they would only refund half the cost. I could also reschedule the test, but would have to pay a rescheduling fee. Both seem silly but I don't know what's best. I guess my questions are as follows: am I placing too much weight on the GRE when it comes to political science doctoral admissions? would it be totally crazy to cancel the test? (and plan to study for/take it in the next few years) Realizing I'd have to eat the $100 lost which I'd like to avoid, but if everyone recommends this then I might consider... how on earth do I determine which schools to send the scores to, and which schools to withhold them from for now? what would you do? Feeling l-o-s-t!!! Thank you for any advice you can offer!

All very valid points and things I have considered/will consider (didn't want to make the original post too long!) Thank you!! I think (?) I am a more-or-less competitive applicant. I have some strong recommendations and ˜4.0 GPA. What I'm really lacking in is coursework geared toward international and comparative politics... my background is much heavier on the American politics side, so I recognize that it might not *look* like I'm interested in IR/CP if someone just glanced at my transcript. It was definitely hard finding fully-funded masters programs on merit aid alone (nothing turned up, though I wasn't surprised). Many of the programs I listed have partial scholarships, and the price point of going to university at Sciences Po (and to a lesser extent, universities in the UK) is comparable to a partial (˜50%) scholarship in the US programs. I'm willing to cough up the application costs in order to cast a wide net. But funding will definitely be a factor once I know which programs, if any, I am accepted to. I think I am more inclined toward a focused MA to solidify my interest in IR/CP and get methods training that might benefit me later on. I really do want to have the opportunity for either language learning and/or immersion - I feel that this is much more plausible in continental Europe than in the US. In your opinion (I might have misunderstood your point in #4), is it really important to conduct research as a masters student? I've always wondered how realistic this is given that many MA programs are so short (and many of the ones I'm interested in include an experiential/internship semester or semester's study at a different institution). Curious what you think.

Thank you!! While I do feel, at the moment, that I ultimately really want to go the Ph.D. route, I've always thought about what might happen if I decide I don't want to continue post-masters. n your opinion, then, is it better to avoid certain programs because they might not be an asset in getting a job? In particular I'm concerned that it's only worth doing a MA in French, or Social Sciences, for example, if I'm planning to leverage it later on for doctoral applications. I've been warned by college career advising that it might actually be harder to get a public service/nonprofit/think-tank job with a masters if the minimum job requirement is a BA (employers might prefer to hire someone with a BA to avoid having to cough up extra money for someone with a masters). Some MA I understand are definitely an asset (those in international affairs or public policy/admin, for instance). I think my apprehension stems from unfamiliarity with the job market for social science grads. Would love to hear what you think.

I'll be a senior in the fall finishing my BA in Government at Cornell. I ultimately want to teach and do a bit of research on the side; my ultimate career goal is to pursue a Ph.D. and end up at a teaching college, probably in the US. I'm also interested in working in public service, preferably the federal government. Since I don't feel ready to apply for a Ph.D. quite yet, and many have advised me to take a few years to do something else before doctoral study, I'm trying to think about what I should apply for in the next year. The job market seems as though it well be very unkind to a graduating social science major, so I am applying to fellowships in addition to some master's degree programs. Unfortunately I spent much of my undergraduate career figuring myself out - changing majors, taking classes I ended up disliking, being generally "late to the game", so I feel like I haven't really honed my interests much. Much of the coursework I took relates to American politics, and while I do enjoy learning about American politics, I am becoming increasingly interested in European affairs and French/Francophone studies. My hope would be that if/while I do my Ph.D., I can incorporate some French fieldwork as part of my dissertation. I was able to study abroad this semester in the UK and thoroughly enjoyed being abroad. My primary academic interests are in comparative politics and political methodology (specifically I enjoy studying elections and voter behavior as well as political culture). I am beginning to research and choose schools to submit applications for this fall, and I am soliciting any advice from graduates or current students in these programs. My main criteria include: the ability to continue language study (many US programs lack this), study abroad (similar issue), offer merit aid and/or partial tuition scholarships, and have faculty whose research interests align with mine (either as a potential connection at a future doctoral program and/or someone who can advise me on doctoral applications in the future and how I can incorporate my interests into my career). The programs I am currently considering match some or all of these criteria: Sciences Po: MA in European Affairs Oxford: MSc in Politics Research Oxford: MPhil in Comparative Politics Cambridge: MPhil in Politics in International Studies University of Chicago: MA in Social Sciences Duke University: MA in Political Science NYU: MA in European and Mediterranean Studies NYU: MA in French Studies UVA: MA in European Studies It feels like I have a million questions. Some of the most burning ones are: What are the relative benefits of doing a MA in a lesser-known or more niche field (i.e., European or French studies vs. Political Science or Comparative Politics)? Does this set me apart and/or benefit me at all in the Ph.D. application process down the road? Is it worth applying to programs that I *know* will not allow me to study language or study abroad, since these experiences are really important to me? How are the French and British degrees perceived to employers and doctoral programs in the US? If you were an American student who went to one of these programs in Europe, what was it like adjusting to student life abroad? If I don't have a lot of international affairs and comparative politics coursework from my undergraduate career, is that a major detriment to my masters application (let's say for all programs except the Duke and UChicago ones)? I recognize that all of these programs are highly competitive. How do they compare with each other? If you have suggestions for other programs to look at, please feel free to say! If you are a current student or alum from any of these programs and are willing to share more with me about your experience, career path, etc. - please reply or reach out! I would love the chance to speak further and more specifically with you!