IRguyinTN

Thanks for the USC connection... The crazy thing is that I am a USC alum. Would it be too "weird" to have my undergrad and PhD from the same school? I've heard it is not advised, but perhaps this is something to consider. Hmmm...

Thank you for all your suggestions. I did a little research and realized how clueless I was regarding the nature of IR. I assumed it was much more policy-driven, applying theoretical models to foreign policy analysis, etc... After learning more about post-positivism/social constructivism/multinomial probit/IR theory stuff - whoa! Yeah - I'm not ready to swim deep in this discipline. My interests lie more with integrating these IR models into policy formation, considering the historic and dynamic development of how nations have related to one another (US and China in particular). As a Philosophy undergrad I spent a few years in the "realm of ideas", and I've found that I prefer researching how such theories and ideas impact society. I am interested in IR to the degree of its practical application toward negotiating peace in Gaza or Iraq or the Taiwan Strait, for example. I'd rather leave the "heavy lifting" to IR theorists who speak (and swim) in the realm of multinomial-something or otherism. Thank you for your help. If anyone is upset that too many bozo's who are clueless about PolySci applied to grad school this year, I'll volunteer as an appropriate scapegoat. It was an emotional, fitful, disappointing process, but it proved to be a great learning opportunity through this online community. I'll be much better prepared for the next time through, thanks to your advice. I'll be logging on regularly - but I think I'll lose my now-inappropriate "handle" of "IRguyinTN". You've helped me realize that's not really who I want to be. Cheers! :wink:

tidefan, Thanks for your reply. I've got a lot to think about and research before I consider the next move. You've been a great help!

Hello anyone out there! So I went 0 for 4 for my first cycle of graduate applications for PhD in Political Science/IR. Ugh! I thought I had a good chance based on my GRE scores (720 V, 800 Q), but I was sadly mistaken. I've read some common themes and suggestions through all the postings. Unfortunately I learned them a little too late in the process... 1. Match up your research desires with the right program 2. Establish a working relationship with faculty members prior to application 3. Craft a SOP that emphasizes academic goals, not potential gov't work This whole process has been very helpful, however it would have been better if I actually got into my prospective schools: Harvard, Princeton, Duke or Vanderbilt (schools chosen for name recognition and location). So my primary question is this: Do you know of any good programs in IR to research US-China Relations as we move forward into the 21st Century? I am very interested in researching this vital relationship in regards to Foreign Policy, Trade Debt, Military History, Regional Concerns (Taiwan, N. Korea, Japan), Partnership in Humanitarian Intervention, Social Policy, Political Transformation, etc. all related to how the US and China will relate over the next 30 years. I am fluent in Mandarin, love Chinese history and culture, have spent many months living and traveling throughout China, and I am deeply concerned over the many potential flash points between these two world superpowers. I would love to have a flourishing academic career of research, teaching and writing, eventually opening doors within the Department of State to serve as a foreign policy consultant. I mentioned this in my SOP, but that might have been a mistake. Oh well... just trying to show all my cards to the admissions office, I guess. Any suggestions for good programs to consider as I prepare for future grad applications? Thanks so much for any help you can offer! - IRguyinTN

Thanks for letting us know about Vanderbilt... Sound's a bit "tight" in the department. Only 8 slots... sure hope the funding reflects their high selectivity!

k314, Thanks for your message of hope. There are already 5 Princeton acceptances posted on this site, so my confidence level has been on the decline for the last day. Who knows... I signed up for this "game", so I guess I have to play. Harvard is on my short list as well. Please let us know if anyone's heard anything!

Hey fellow Princeton applicants... (This is my first post on The Grad Cafe) I've enjoyed reading these threads like a crazed, impatient hopeful for grad school acceptance. :| It's good to know I'm not the only one checking my email every 3-5 minutes in hope of getting a glorious message from Princeton. Haven't felt this way since applying for undergrad back in 1991 (yeah, I'm an old guy). Please keep writing in and let me know if you get in. Even if I don't, I'm glad to hear of your acceptance! Does anyone know if they slow-leak the email acceptance notifications, or if it's an e-blast? If it's the latter, I'm toast.