dodger

So I got shut out of my applications this year, not so much because I think I aimed too high, but because I screwed up parts of my application, which was, all in all, a good learning experience for me. Worst year to be applying ever because of the economic crisis aside, I've zeroed in on some things to improve on for the next application cycle, and I have determined that I will give it a second (and final) shot next year. I'm also pretty sure that my recommendations were very solid and likely not to blame for my shortcomings this year--which lie almost exclusively at my own doing. How and when should I contact my recommenders about my mishap, and what's a good way of asking whether they would be able to provide another recommendation in the next application cycle? Thanks for the advice, guys! Good luck to the rest of you still waiting.

pretty sure you'll get into at least one of Yale/Columbia/WashU/NYU. based on other yalies who majored in poli sci, most of them have done pretty well for themselves

good luck. great school, great program. would love to go there, but am realistic about chances.

yeah, it's definitely not 8000 for poli sci. if i recall correctly, they have about 13000 applications for their A&S + professional schools faculty, and Yale grad A&S receives maybe 8000-10000 applications a year

1. GPA / GRE is it true that a 3.5+ threshold and a 700+ on the quantitative are the basic minimums (give or take a few points), and that the differences between these numbers among candidates are not as important as other factors? 2. personal statement this is apparently the most important part of the application? at least, it's what one of my professors told me, and stressed that it was important to highlight different interests and show how one thinks about problems. 3. writing sample how important is this? it's obviously important to show original research and cogent arguments, but having said that, most applicants aren't expected to be submitting publishable-quality work, but just some demonstration of being a future scholar. 4. letters of recommendation probably the most important part of the application, depending on who writes them? if they are from well-known or star professors, these letters trump all? if they are from regular profs, then the personal statement trumps the LORs? 5. extracurricular activities / work experience irrelevant unless directly related to PhD program in some capacity (e.g. previously worked at a think tank; editor of a student publication; etc.) thoughts on this? essentially, it's: 2>>>4>>>>>>>>>>3>>1>>>>>>5? unless the LORs come from renowned profs, then it's: 4>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>2>>>>>3>>1>>>>>5? accurate?

you have great credentials, especially with languages. i'd say that you'll most likely get into Hopkins and NYU, and have a good chance at Columbia, Yale, and San Diego. Yale might not take you though since you went there for undergrad, and they don't like to "inbreed".