[Questions about Recommendation]

I am a TA in a philosophy program (so there may be differences) and I would out of conscience never write a letter of recommendation for a student. I've actually turned two away and I would always suggest a non-discipline prof over a TA, especially if he/she has tenure. In my field, a letter from a TA would mean that out of all the classes you took at your undergrad you couldn't impress more than two professors. The truth is probably something closer to: we get to know our TA's better than our prof's in the sense that they are more available/approachable. I still wouldn't do it, especially if I thought the student could do well in grad school. Just my 2 cents.

[How much weight is placed on a writing sample?]

I want to thank everyone in here for the answers they've provided to my previous questions. I have another for you. I know in philosophy programs admissions committees place the most weight on one's writing sample, because it is an accurate indicator of preparedness for intensive research. I'm applying to a few political theory programs and was wondering if anyone had any idea how much weight a theory program places on the writing sample. Any folks currently attending theory programs care to offer the titles of their samples?

[Do I have a shot at Northwestern?]

I've never heard of a gre cutoff being above 1200. NW might be at that 1200 but your above it. It may affect funding but then again it may not. I know schools only look at gre to see if you reached the min and value everything a lot more

I am concerned because I know that at top 20 phil programs, my writing sample and SOP would never get read because of my GRE scores. In terms of Phil programs- Although I don't fall under a particular cutoff, I would be so far down in the stack of applications that applying is a waste of my time. I know that some programs even say on their websites that anything below a 1400 counts against an applicant even though there is no hard cutoff.

[Do I have a shot at Northwestern?]

I guess I'm worried that they would spot my GRE scores and not even look at the rest of my file. Does anyone know if you get your writing sample read based on GRE scores at NW?

[Do I have a shot at Northwestern?]

I'm a philosophy student and I know what kind of programs I would be competitive for in my field but I thought I might ask you guys about Northwestern's PhD program. I am really interested in political philosophy/ theory and Northwestern looks like a really good fit considering my interests- (critical theory, philosophy etc).

I got a BA from a run of the mill school in philosophy with a minor in poli sci. GPA was 3.98

I've got an MA from a fairly respectable philosophy program (we placed guys in phd programs at Ivy leauges, top ten schools). GPA should be 3.9 or 3.8

I have a writing sample that I'm pretty stoked about on the tension between Kant's ethical and political theories. I will also have really strong letters.

I've got research experience (I'm helping to edit a prof's forthcoming book), and have one publication in a peer-reviewed journal. I have a few presentations and some different awards n' such.

I bombed my GRE. I've got a 650 verbal, 600 math, 5.0 on my writing. last time around, I didn't need one for the program I was applying to and got into the school of my dreams. When I realized at the last minute i wasn't going to be able to afford that program I had to haul ass and take the GRE to submit for other programs. I'm pretty broke and won't be taking it again any time soon. I think my record can speak for itself with this one hiccup.

So, do I even have a shot at being competitive at Northwestern or should I just save my cash? -Thanks