PoliSci_IR2020

PROFILE:
Type of Undergrad Institution:  R1 U.S. West Coast Public University
Major(s)/Minor(s): Political Science (IR) / History Double Major
Undergrad GPA: 3.9
Type of Grad: N/A
Grad GPA: N/A
GRE: 167V/158Q/5.0W
Any Special Courses: IDK, Maybe???
Letters of Recommendation: 3 Professors (1 Senior Thesis Advisor/ Instructor, 2 Instructors who knew me and my research interests very well). 
Research experience: 6 Months RA for a Graduate Student's Dissertation, 4 Months Internship for research and policy with a company.
RESULTS
Acceptances: OSU (Waitlisted $), Johns Hopkins University ($), UCLA ($), Cornell University ($), UCSD (GPS Masters Program, $) 
Rejections: UW-Madison, UCSD, UC Berkeley, Princeton, UT Austin, Rochester, University of Michigan - Ann Arbor, University of Chicago, Yale, NYU (Assumed), Stanford, MIT, and Harvard
Going to: Cornell
LESSONS LEARNED:
1. This was a tough year to apply in, with more applicants and less open spots. The wait can be discouraging, but make sure to stay optimistic while retaining contingency options. I mention this, not only so that future applicants may reflect on this specific year's hardships, but because some departments have indicated to me that they may limit cohort sizes next year as well.
2. Fit does matter, or at least it did for me. Every place I got into had at least 2-4 Professors doing research in the broad area of my own interests. Now don't get me wrong, your research interests are very likely to develop and evolve as you learn more, but at the same time don't forget the question(s) you got into political science to answer; those that inspire you. The further away from your genuine interests the faculty are, the more it'll either be up to you to chart your own course and assemble a patchwork committee or else compromise and restructure your research to some extent to better match the expertise of the department and your advisors. I personally went where I felt I'd be free enough to decide what I want to change, or not, but also could access multiple faculty who engaged with aspects of the field fairly close to what I hope to pursue.
3. Interview everyone, and I mean EVERYONE! Professors, Grad Students, people from your undergrad/masters institutions, friends of friends who know a guy who has heard of the existence of higher education. You learn the most random, but essential, information from asking around. Be aware, some at the institutions themselves may be giving you not just advice but perhaps also a sales pitch, ranging from refreshingly-honest appraisals to very utopian pictures about how their department is a non-hierarchical paradise where grad students frolic amongst the meadows and research grants grow on trees. Just be wary, read their websites, attend the (sometimes virtual) open house, and get as many perspectives as possible. I cannot overstate how much this factored into my ultimate decision, and I really do advise you to get a feel for the department, its mechanisms, its reputation, its social conditions, its methodological camps (if there are any), and don't be afraid to ask (mostly the grad students) if they have any concerns they've noticed or think should influence your decision about their institution. You'll be at these places for 5+ years, you really, really, need to know it decently well before you commit.
4. MA may be especially useful for those who have to make up for something lacking in their undergraduate credentials. I didn't do one, but it's good advice I thought I'd pass on.
5. The GRE sucks, but it remains useful, even in a year where it was optional for many applications. Aside from all you data science R wizards, causal inference pioneers, and stats majors who jump into Political Science for your doctorate, the GRE (alongside your writing sample if it has these elements) may be one of your most straightforward proofs of quantitative capabilities. Study with free online stuff first (YouTube channels have an impressive selection, practice, and don't be afraid to take the exam again if you believe you can manage a better score).
6. Applying to a lot of places is a lot of work and having more options can be good and hard. I applied to 17 places (17.5 if you count the Masters program and 18.5 if you count my UNC-Chapel Hill application before they pulled the rug out from under us and closed applications for a year). It's very time-consuming and the pressure is tough, but it's worth it as long as you genuinely like the places you apply to. I applied broadly, but honestly, don't waste your time on programs where you'd think you'd be unhappy or wouldn't fit. I mostly didn't get into those programs I worried about, likely in part due to more imperfect fit, and I genuinely prefer the options I got to most of those I didn't. A broad brush may cover more options, but just be selective with where you dedicate your resources.
7. Almost everyone seems to recognize this already, but I'll reiterate: your statement of purpose matters. Professors do not know if they can support your interests without knowing what they are. Your grades and test scores usually can't speak to less quantified aspects of your profile, like your maturity (readiness to commit and complete graduate-level work) and potential innovative additions to the frontiers of the field. Length limits hit hard, so run your draft by experienced profs, TA/grads at your undergrad institution so they can advise you on what to prioritize.
8. Your writing sample is perhaps the 2nd/3rd most important piece of your application. Everyone I interviewed had at least skimmed my writing sample (my senior thesis [85+ pages, sorry]) and they will take it as an indicator of your interests and capabilities, much like the statement of purpose. Don't underestimate this aspect, send your best work that ideally demonstrates quantitative and qualitative work (unless you're a true specialist methodologist/theorist). Side-note: cutting your absurdly long writing-sample down to the length the admissions committee and professors will actually read (15-30 pages, ?) is surprisingly painful, as you must reduce your hard work to its core components in a form that still communicates your skills, interests, and ability to produce coherent results analysis. Side-note on the side note: got a bunch of charts and data that take up precious room on a low page limit paper? Throw it all in an appendix at the end.
That's the most important stuff that I've already thought of. I might add more advice if I remember another important piece of advice. Happy to answer questions.  

PROFILE:
Type of Undergrad Institution:  R1 U.S. West Coast Public University
Major(s)/Minor(s): Political Science (IR) / History Double Major
Undergrad GPA: 3.9
Type of Grad: N/A
Grad GPA: N/A
GRE: 167V/158Q/5.0W
Any Special Courses: IDK, Maybe???
Letters of Recommendation: 3 Professors (1 Senior Thesis Advisor/ Instructor, 2 Instructors who knew me and my research interests very well). 
Research experience: 6 Months RA for a Graduate Student's Dissertation, 4 Months Internship for research and policy with a company.
RESULTS
Acceptances: OSU (Waitlisted $), Johns Hopkins University ($), UCLA ($), Cornell University ($), UCSD (GPS Masters Program, $) 
Rejections: UW-Madison, UCSD, UC Berkeley, Princeton, UT Austin, Rochester, University of Michigan - Ann Arbor, University of Chicago, Yale, NYU (Assumed), Stanford, MIT, and Harvard
Going to: Cornell
LESSONS LEARNED:
1. This was a tough year to apply in, with more applicants and less open spots. The wait can be discouraging, but make sure to stay optimistic while retaining contingency options. I mention this, not only so that future applicants may reflect on this specific year's hardships, but because some departments have indicated to me that they may limit cohort sizes next year as well.
2. Fit does matter, or at least it did for me. Every place I got into had at least 2-4 Professors doing research in the broad area of my own interests. Now don't get me wrong, your research interests are very likely to develop and evolve as you learn more, but at the same time don't forget the question(s) you got into political science to answer; those that inspire you. The further away from your genuine interests the faculty are, the more it'll either be up to you to chart your own course and assemble a patchwork committee or else compromise and restructure your research to some extent to better match the expertise of the department and your advisors. I personally went where I felt I'd be free enough to decide what I want to change, or not, but also could access multiple faculty who engaged with aspects of the field fairly close to what I hope to pursue.
3. Interview everyone, and I mean EVERYONE! Professors, Grad Students, people from your undergrad/masters institutions, friends of friends who know a guy who has heard of the existence of higher education. You learn the most random, but essential, information from asking around. Be aware, some at the institutions themselves may be giving you not just advice but perhaps also a sales pitch, ranging from refreshingly-honest appraisals to very utopian pictures about how their department is a non-hierarchical paradise where grad students frolic amongst the meadows and research grants grow on trees. Just be wary, read their websites, attend the (sometimes virtual) open house, and get as many perspectives as possible. I cannot overstate how much this factored into my ultimate decision, and I really do advise you to get a feel for the department, its mechanisms, its reputation, its social conditions, its methodological camps (if there are any), and don't be afraid to ask (mostly the grad students) if they have any concerns they've noticed or think should influence your decision about their institution. You'll be at these places for 5+ years, you really, really, need to know it decently well before you commit.
4. MA may be especially useful for those who have to make up for something lacking in their undergraduate credentials. I didn't do one, but it's good advice I thought I'd pass on.
5. The GRE sucks, but it remains useful, even in a year where it was optional for many applications. Aside from all you data science R wizards, causal inference pioneers, and stats majors who jump into Political Science for your doctorate, the GRE (alongside your writing sample if it has these elements) may be one of your most straightforward proofs of quantitative capabilities. Study with free online stuff first (YouTube channels have an impressive selection, practice, and don't be afraid to take the exam again if you believe you can manage a better score).
6. Applying to a lot of places is a lot of work and having more options can be good and hard. I applied to 17 places (17.5 if you count the Masters program and 18.5 if you count my UNC-Chapel Hill application before they pulled the rug out from under us and closed applications for a year). It's very time-consuming and the pressure is tough, but it's worth it as long as you genuinely like the places you apply to. I applied broadly, but honestly, don't waste your time on programs where you'd think you'd be unhappy or wouldn't fit. I mostly didn't get into those programs I worried about, likely in part due to more imperfect fit, and I genuinely prefer the options I got to most of those I didn't. A broad brush may cover more options, but just be selective with where you dedicate your resources.
7. Almost everyone seems to recognize this already, but I'll reiterate: your statement of purpose matters. Professors do not know if they can support your interests without knowing what they are. Your grades and test scores usually can't speak to less quantified aspects of your profile, like your maturity (readiness to commit and complete graduate-level work) and potential innovative additions to the frontiers of the field. Length limits hit hard, so run your draft by experienced profs, TA/grads at your undergrad institution so they can advise you on what to prioritize.
8. Your writing sample is perhaps the 2nd/3rd most important piece of your application. Everyone I interviewed had at least skimmed my writing sample (my senior thesis [85+ pages, sorry]) and they will take it as an indicator of your interests and capabilities, much like the statement of purpose. Don't underestimate this aspect, send your best work that ideally demonstrates quantitative and qualitative work (unless you're a true specialist methodologist/theorist). Side-note: cutting your absurdly long writing-sample down to the length the admissions committee and professors will actually read (15-30 pages, ?) is surprisingly painful, as you must reduce your hard work to its core components in a form that still communicates your skills, interests, and ability to produce coherent results analysis. Side-note on the side note: got a bunch of charts and data that take up precious room on a low page limit paper? Throw it all in an appendix at the end.
That's the most important stuff that I've already thought of. I might add more advice if I remember another important piece of advice. Happy to answer questions.  

PROFILE:
Type of Undergrad Institution:  R1 U.S. West Coast Public University
Major(s)/Minor(s): Political Science (IR) / History Double Major
Undergrad GPA: 3.9
Type of Grad: N/A
Grad GPA: N/A
GRE: 167V/158Q/5.0W
Any Special Courses: IDK, Maybe???
Letters of Recommendation: 3 Professors (1 Senior Thesis Advisor/ Instructor, 2 Instructors who knew me and my research interests very well). 
Research experience: 6 Months RA for a Graduate Student's Dissertation, 4 Months Internship for research and policy with a company.
RESULTS
Acceptances: OSU (Waitlisted $), Johns Hopkins University ($), UCLA ($), Cornell University ($), UCSD (GPS Masters Program, $) 
Rejections: UW-Madison, UCSD, UC Berkeley, Princeton, UT Austin, Rochester, University of Michigan - Ann Arbor, University of Chicago, Yale, NYU (Assumed), Stanford, MIT, and Harvard
Going to: Cornell
LESSONS LEARNED:
1. This was a tough year to apply in, with more applicants and less open spots. The wait can be discouraging, but make sure to stay optimistic while retaining contingency options. I mention this, not only so that future applicants may reflect on this specific year's hardships, but because some departments have indicated to me that they may limit cohort sizes next year as well.
2. Fit does matter, or at least it did for me. Every place I got into had at least 2-4 Professors doing research in the broad area of my own interests. Now don't get me wrong, your research interests are very likely to develop and evolve as you learn more, but at the same time don't forget the question(s) you got into political science to answer; those that inspire you. The further away from your genuine interests the faculty are, the more it'll either be up to you to chart your own course and assemble a patchwork committee or else compromise and restructure your research to some extent to better match the expertise of the department and your advisors. I personally went where I felt I'd be free enough to decide what I want to change, or not, but also could access multiple faculty who engaged with aspects of the field fairly close to what I hope to pursue.
3. Interview everyone, and I mean EVERYONE! Professors, Grad Students, people from your undergrad/masters institutions, friends of friends who know a guy who has heard of the existence of higher education. You learn the most random, but essential, information from asking around. Be aware, some at the institutions themselves may be giving you not just advice but perhaps also a sales pitch, ranging from refreshingly-honest appraisals to very utopian pictures about how their department is a non-hierarchical paradise where grad students frolic amongst the meadows and research grants grow on trees. Just be wary, read their websites, attend the (sometimes virtual) open house, and get as many perspectives as possible. I cannot overstate how much this factored into my ultimate decision, and I really do advise you to get a feel for the department, its mechanisms, its reputation, its social conditions, its methodological camps (if there are any), and don't be afraid to ask (mostly the grad students) if they have any concerns they've noticed or think should influence your decision about their institution. You'll be at these places for 5+ years, you really, really, need to know it decently well before you commit.
4. MA may be especially useful for those who have to make up for something lacking in their undergraduate credentials. I didn't do one, but it's good advice I thought I'd pass on.
5. The GRE sucks, but it remains useful, even in a year where it was optional for many applications. Aside from all you data science R wizards, causal inference pioneers, and stats majors who jump into Political Science for your doctorate, the GRE (alongside your writing sample if it has these elements) may be one of your most straightforward proofs of quantitative capabilities. Study with free online stuff first (YouTube channels have an impressive selection, practice, and don't be afraid to take the exam again if you believe you can manage a better score).
6. Applying to a lot of places is a lot of work and having more options can be good and hard. I applied to 17 places (17.5 if you count the Masters program and 18.5 if you count my UNC-Chapel Hill application before they pulled the rug out from under us and closed applications for a year). It's very time-consuming and the pressure is tough, but it's worth it as long as you genuinely like the places you apply to. I applied broadly, but honestly, don't waste your time on programs where you'd think you'd be unhappy or wouldn't fit. I mostly didn't get into those programs I worried about, likely in part due to more imperfect fit, and I genuinely prefer the options I got to most of those I didn't. A broad brush may cover more options, but just be selective with where you dedicate your resources.
7. Almost everyone seems to recognize this already, but I'll reiterate: your statement of purpose matters. Professors do not know if they can support your interests without knowing what they are. Your grades and test scores usually can't speak to less quantified aspects of your profile, like your maturity (readiness to commit and complete graduate-level work) and potential innovative additions to the frontiers of the field. Length limits hit hard, so run your draft by experienced profs, TA/grads at your undergrad institution so they can advise you on what to prioritize.
8. Your writing sample is perhaps the 2nd/3rd most important piece of your application. Everyone I interviewed had at least skimmed my writing sample (my senior thesis [85+ pages, sorry]) and they will take it as an indicator of your interests and capabilities, much like the statement of purpose. Don't underestimate this aspect, send your best work that ideally demonstrates quantitative and qualitative work (unless you're a true specialist methodologist/theorist). Side-note: cutting your absurdly long writing-sample down to the length the admissions committee and professors will actually read (15-30 pages, ?) is surprisingly painful, as you must reduce your hard work to its core components in a form that still communicates your skills, interests, and ability to produce coherent results analysis. Side-note on the side note: got a bunch of charts and data that take up precious room on a low page limit paper? Throw it all in an appendix at the end.
That's the most important stuff that I've already thought of. I might add more advice if I remember another important piece of advice. Happy to answer questions.  

PROFILE:
Type of Undergrad Institution:  R1 U.S. West Coast Public University
Major(s)/Minor(s): Political Science (IR) / History Double Major
Undergrad GPA: 3.9
Type of Grad: N/A
Grad GPA: N/A
GRE: 167V/158Q/5.0W
Any Special Courses: IDK, Maybe???
Letters of Recommendation: 3 Professors (1 Senior Thesis Advisor/ Instructor, 2 Instructors who knew me and my research interests very well). 
Research experience: 6 Months RA for a Graduate Student's Dissertation, 4 Months Internship for research and policy with a company.
RESULTS
Acceptances: OSU (Waitlisted $), Johns Hopkins University ($), UCLA ($), Cornell University ($), UCSD (GPS Masters Program, $) 
Rejections: UW-Madison, UCSD, UC Berkeley, Princeton, UT Austin, Rochester, University of Michigan - Ann Arbor, University of Chicago, Yale, NYU (Assumed), Stanford, MIT, and Harvard
Going to: Cornell
LESSONS LEARNED:
1. This was a tough year to apply in, with more applicants and less open spots. The wait can be discouraging, but make sure to stay optimistic while retaining contingency options. I mention this, not only so that future applicants may reflect on this specific year's hardships, but because some departments have indicated to me that they may limit cohort sizes next year as well.
2. Fit does matter, or at least it did for me. Every place I got into had at least 2-4 Professors doing research in the broad area of my own interests. Now don't get me wrong, your research interests are very likely to develop and evolve as you learn more, but at the same time don't forget the question(s) you got into political science to answer; those that inspire you. The further away from your genuine interests the faculty are, the more it'll either be up to you to chart your own course and assemble a patchwork committee or else compromise and restructure your research to some extent to better match the expertise of the department and your advisors. I personally went where I felt I'd be free enough to decide what I want to change, or not, but also could access multiple faculty who engaged with aspects of the field fairly close to what I hope to pursue.
3. Interview everyone, and I mean EVERYONE! Professors, Grad Students, people from your undergrad/masters institutions, friends of friends who know a guy who has heard of the existence of higher education. You learn the most random, but essential, information from asking around. Be aware, some at the institutions themselves may be giving you not just advice but perhaps also a sales pitch, ranging from refreshingly-honest appraisals to very utopian pictures about how their department is a non-hierarchical paradise where grad students frolic amongst the meadows and research grants grow on trees. Just be wary, read their websites, attend the (sometimes virtual) open house, and get as many perspectives as possible. I cannot overstate how much this factored into my ultimate decision, and I really do advise you to get a feel for the department, its mechanisms, its reputation, its social conditions, its methodological camps (if there are any), and don't be afraid to ask (mostly the grad students) if they have any concerns they've noticed or think should influence your decision about their institution. You'll be at these places for 5+ years, you really, really, need to know it decently well before you commit.
4. MA may be especially useful for those who have to make up for something lacking in their undergraduate credentials. I didn't do one, but it's good advice I thought I'd pass on.
5. The GRE sucks, but it remains useful, even in a year where it was optional for many applications. Aside from all you data science R wizards, causal inference pioneers, and stats majors who jump into Political Science for your doctorate, the GRE (alongside your writing sample if it has these elements) may be one of your most straightforward proofs of quantitative capabilities. Study with free online stuff first (YouTube channels have an impressive selection, practice, and don't be afraid to take the exam again if you believe you can manage a better score).
6. Applying to a lot of places is a lot of work and having more options can be good and hard. I applied to 17 places (17.5 if you count the Masters program and 18.5 if you count my UNC-Chapel Hill application before they pulled the rug out from under us and closed applications for a year). It's very time-consuming and the pressure is tough, but it's worth it as long as you genuinely like the places you apply to. I applied broadly, but honestly, don't waste your time on programs where you'd think you'd be unhappy or wouldn't fit. I mostly didn't get into those programs I worried about, likely in part due to more imperfect fit, and I genuinely prefer the options I got to most of those I didn't. A broad brush may cover more options, but just be selective with where you dedicate your resources.
7. Almost everyone seems to recognize this already, but I'll reiterate: your statement of purpose matters. Professors do not know if they can support your interests without knowing what they are. Your grades and test scores usually can't speak to less quantified aspects of your profile, like your maturity (readiness to commit and complete graduate-level work) and potential innovative additions to the frontiers of the field. Length limits hit hard, so run your draft by experienced profs, TA/grads at your undergrad institution so they can advise you on what to prioritize.
8. Your writing sample is perhaps the 2nd/3rd most important piece of your application. Everyone I interviewed had at least skimmed my writing sample (my senior thesis [85+ pages, sorry]) and they will take it as an indicator of your interests and capabilities, much like the statement of purpose. Don't underestimate this aspect, send your best work that ideally demonstrates quantitative and qualitative work (unless you're a true specialist methodologist/theorist). Side-note: cutting your absurdly long writing-sample down to the length the admissions committee and professors will actually read (15-30 pages, ?) is surprisingly painful, as you must reduce your hard work to its core components in a form that still communicates your skills, interests, and ability to produce coherent results analysis. Side-note on the side note: got a bunch of charts and data that take up precious room on a low page limit paper? Throw it all in an appendix at the end.
That's the most important stuff that I've already thought of. I might add more advice if I remember another important piece of advice. Happy to answer questions.  

PROFILE:
Type of Undergrad Institution:  R1 U.S. West Coast Public University
Major(s)/Minor(s): Political Science (IR) / History Double Major
Undergrad GPA: 3.9
Type of Grad: N/A
Grad GPA: N/A
GRE: 167V/158Q/5.0W
Any Special Courses: IDK, Maybe???
Letters of Recommendation: 3 Professors (1 Senior Thesis Advisor/ Instructor, 2 Instructors who knew me and my research interests very well). 
Research experience: 6 Months RA for a Graduate Student's Dissertation, 4 Months Internship for research and policy with a company.
RESULTS
Acceptances: OSU (Waitlisted $), Johns Hopkins University ($), UCLA ($), Cornell University ($), UCSD (GPS Masters Program, $) 
Rejections: UW-Madison, UCSD, UC Berkeley, Princeton, UT Austin, Rochester, University of Michigan - Ann Arbor, University of Chicago, Yale, NYU (Assumed), Stanford, MIT, and Harvard
Going to: Cornell
LESSONS LEARNED:
1. This was a tough year to apply in, with more applicants and less open spots. The wait can be discouraging, but make sure to stay optimistic while retaining contingency options. I mention this, not only so that future applicants may reflect on this specific year's hardships, but because some departments have indicated to me that they may limit cohort sizes next year as well.
2. Fit does matter, or at least it did for me. Every place I got into had at least 2-4 Professors doing research in the broad area of my own interests. Now don't get me wrong, your research interests are very likely to develop and evolve as you learn more, but at the same time don't forget the question(s) you got into political science to answer; those that inspire you. The further away from your genuine interests the faculty are, the more it'll either be up to you to chart your own course and assemble a patchwork committee or else compromise and restructure your research to some extent to better match the expertise of the department and your advisors. I personally went where I felt I'd be free enough to decide what I want to change, or not, but also could access multiple faculty who engaged with aspects of the field fairly close to what I hope to pursue.
3. Interview everyone, and I mean EVERYONE! Professors, Grad Students, people from your undergrad/masters institutions, friends of friends who know a guy who has heard of the existence of higher education. You learn the most random, but essential, information from asking around. Be aware, some at the institutions themselves may be giving you not just advice but perhaps also a sales pitch, ranging from refreshingly-honest appraisals to very utopian pictures about how their department is a non-hierarchical paradise where grad students frolic amongst the meadows and research grants grow on trees. Just be wary, read their websites, attend the (sometimes virtual) open house, and get as many perspectives as possible. I cannot overstate how much this factored into my ultimate decision, and I really do advise you to get a feel for the department, its mechanisms, its reputation, its social conditions, its methodological camps (if there are any), and don't be afraid to ask (mostly the grad students) if they have any concerns they've noticed or think should influence your decision about their institution. You'll be at these places for 5+ years, you really, really, need to know it decently well before you commit.
4. MA may be especially useful for those who have to make up for something lacking in their undergraduate credentials. I didn't do one, but it's good advice I thought I'd pass on.
5. The GRE sucks, but it remains useful, even in a year where it was optional for many applications. Aside from all you data science R wizards, causal inference pioneers, and stats majors who jump into Political Science for your doctorate, the GRE (alongside your writing sample if it has these elements) may be one of your most straightforward proofs of quantitative capabilities. Study with free online stuff first (YouTube channels have an impressive selection, practice, and don't be afraid to take the exam again if you believe you can manage a better score).
6. Applying to a lot of places is a lot of work and having more options can be good and hard. I applied to 17 places (17.5 if you count the Masters program and 18.5 if you count my UNC-Chapel Hill application before they pulled the rug out from under us and closed applications for a year). It's very time-consuming and the pressure is tough, but it's worth it as long as you genuinely like the places you apply to. I applied broadly, but honestly, don't waste your time on programs where you'd think you'd be unhappy or wouldn't fit. I mostly didn't get into those programs I worried about, likely in part due to more imperfect fit, and I genuinely prefer the options I got to most of those I didn't. A broad brush may cover more options, but just be selective with where you dedicate your resources.
7. Almost everyone seems to recognize this already, but I'll reiterate: your statement of purpose matters. Professors do not know if they can support your interests without knowing what they are. Your grades and test scores usually can't speak to less quantified aspects of your profile, like your maturity (readiness to commit and complete graduate-level work) and potential innovative additions to the frontiers of the field. Length limits hit hard, so run your draft by experienced profs, TA/grads at your undergrad institution so they can advise you on what to prioritize.
8. Your writing sample is perhaps the 2nd/3rd most important piece of your application. Everyone I interviewed had at least skimmed my writing sample (my senior thesis [85+ pages, sorry]) and they will take it as an indicator of your interests and capabilities, much like the statement of purpose. Don't underestimate this aspect, send your best work that ideally demonstrates quantitative and qualitative work (unless you're a true specialist methodologist/theorist). Side-note: cutting your absurdly long writing-sample down to the length the admissions committee and professors will actually read (15-30 pages, ?) is surprisingly painful, as you must reduce your hard work to its core components in a form that still communicates your skills, interests, and ability to produce coherent results analysis. Side-note on the side note: got a bunch of charts and data that take up precious room on a low page limit paper? Throw it all in an appendix at the end.
That's the most important stuff that I've already thought of. I might add more advice if I remember another important piece of advice. Happy to answer questions.  

JUST GOT A FULLY FUNDED OFFER FROM CONCORDIA!!!!!

Rejected from every program I applied to.
And then... Stanford!
 
Want to thank everyone on this forum! Your positivity kept me alive!

I know it's Saturday and all I can do is just wait, but I am struggling inside to wait patiently for Yale. I am super happy with and thankful for my offers I already have and don't want to come across as anything else. I just really love their program and think I have a really great fit so I'm still super hopeful for some positive news. Anyway, I guess I just wanted to vent my feelings to people I know will understand me

I will likely get to see some of the Cornell admits over Zoom according to the professor I'm in a class with during admit days. I'm looking forward to "meeting" some of you all over Zoom in like..4 weeks! 

Received a personalized Cornell acceptance (IR) and emails from two professors to talk about the opportunity and shared research interests. My research "fit" is good and one of my LoR is from a well-known Cornell International Relations Alumni, but I'm still really surprised. Wow, just wow.

Received a personalized Cornell acceptance (IR) and emails from two professors to talk about the opportunity and shared research interests. My research "fit" is good and one of my LoR is from a well-known Cornell International Relations Alumni, but I'm still really surprised. Wow, just wow.

Received a personalized Cornell acceptance (IR) and emails from two professors to talk about the opportunity and shared research interests. My research "fit" is good and one of my LoR is from a well-known Cornell International Relations Alumni, but I'm still really surprised. Wow, just wow.

Received a personalized Cornell acceptance (IR) and emails from two professors to talk about the opportunity and shared research interests. My research "fit" is good and one of my LoR is from a well-known Cornell International Relations Alumni, but I'm still really surprised. Wow, just wow.

Received a personalized Cornell acceptance (IR) and emails from two professors to talk about the opportunity and shared research interests. My research "fit" is good and one of my LoR is from a well-known Cornell International Relations Alumni, but I'm still really surprised. Wow, just wow.

What subfield?

Received a personalized Cornell acceptance (IR) and emails from two professors to talk about the opportunity and shared research interests. My research "fit" is good and one of my LoR is from a well-known Cornell International Relations Alumni, but I'm still really surprised. Wow, just wow.

Received a Cornell acceptance earlier this morning!

in at Cornell!

Received a personalized Cornell acceptance (IR) and emails from two professors to talk about the opportunity and shared research interests. My research "fit" is good and one of my LoR is from a well-known Cornell International Relations Alumni, but I'm still really surprised. Wow, just wow.

~7:15 Pacific Standard Time. And thanks! 

Received a personalized Cornell acceptance (IR) and emails from two professors to talk about the opportunity and shared research interests. My research "fit" is good and one of my LoR is from a well-known Cornell International Relations Alumni, but I'm still really surprised. Wow, just wow.

Received a personalized Cornell acceptance (IR) and emails from two professors to talk about the opportunity and shared research interests. My research "fit" is good and one of my LoR is from a well-known Cornell International Relations Alumni, but I'm still really surprised. Wow, just wow.

Received a personalized Cornell acceptance (IR) and emails from two professors to talk about the opportunity and shared research interests. My research "fit" is good and one of my LoR is from a well-known Cornell International Relations Alumni, but I'm still really surprised. Wow, just wow.

Received a personalized Cornell acceptance (IR) and emails from two professors to talk about the opportunity and shared research interests. My research "fit" is good and one of my LoR is from a well-known Cornell International Relations Alumni, but I'm still really surprised. Wow, just wow.

Received a personalized Cornell acceptance (IR) and emails from two professors to talk about the opportunity and shared research interests. My research "fit" is good and one of my LoR is from a well-known Cornell International Relations Alumni, but I'm still really surprised. Wow, just wow.