twenty-twelve

Anyone want to claim Maryland? I've noticed that they seem to have a quick turnaround, given the results from previous years.

I'm aware that this post is old, but the Oxford handbooks have their shortcomings. If you can get over typos and the occasional odd entry, then they'll do the job. Anyone have experience with other pol sci handbooks? There are a couple of competing ones available. Overall, reading the major works from course reading lists is the best approach.

Related question: Do the pol sci adcomms expect that writing samples all be submitted in a double-spaced manuscript format, Chicago style?

Just took the GREs. I'm aiming for PS PhD programs in the top 20, ideally Berkeley. Wound up with a 710 V, 720 Q. I've read that generally testtakers score slightly higher overall when they take the GREs a second time. But I don't want to risk scoring lower and have that be to my detriment (although it looks like some programs (Yale) just take the highest section scores so there wouldn't be much of a risk with those schools). Other background: BA from top 40 ranked national LAC. 3.9 major gpa in PS; 3.7 cum. gpa. (possible red flags two C's in art courses) Would it increase my odds of getting in if I were able to raise my score overall by say 50 points? I might be able to raise it by 80-100 points, but realistically if I take it again I only have a month to study since the new revised test is going to replace the current one. Would scoring over 50 points higher help balance out my low(er) cumulative gpa?

I'm sure a lot of applicants have this same question bothering them as well, especially when it comes to applying to top 20 PhD programs in PS. In my case in particular, as an undergrad (at a top 40 ranked national LAC) I double majored in PS and Film. I didn't manage to do so great in the latter. I wound up with two Cs for a year long course in film senior year (quite unfairly!) and another B for a film course before that. My major gpa in PS is above 3.9 with an overall cumulative of a little over 3.7. I haven't taken the GREs yet. I would really like to get into Berk. Any thoughts on how the bad grades in my other major will affect my shots at a good PhD program? What will adcomms think (red flags)? Any advice for my case would be helpful. I'm sure a lot of lurkers would appreciate feedback on this topic.