analogue

Well, haven't had any replies yet. And since there aren't as many SOP's on the web as one would expect I have really high hopes for this thread. In the worst case scenario, I might just stalk current grad students and ask them for their SOP's directly

I'm applying for schools this Fall and could really look at previous years' successful applicants SOPs and/or writing samples for guidance and inspiration. If anybody is ready to share, I would be thankful immensely! Needless to say, you shouldn't worry about confidentiality/plagiarism etc.

These are some valuable advises you gave me. Appreciate it.

Luckily, I have some time before my application season comes, so to me doing some research/writing outside class for the sake of publishing/conferences is not a waste of time, but, instead, a great stimulus to do some more reading in the area of my interest and improve writing skills. Plus, since I still haven't made up my mind on the topic of my writing sample, there is no better way to do it than through actually trying to write something. This way, publication or conference participation is nothing other but a bonus one shouldn't miss on. As for the schools, there aren't too many schools with continental emphasis, so, probably, Boston College, Stony Brook, Georgetown, LSU (MA), Loyola Chicago, DePail. Perhaps, some European schools, as well. Warwick is great, for instance, if I can secure some kind of a scholarship to attend.

What you say seems reasonable. Yet, I think you underestimate the importance of publications. That is, they might not add anything substantial to your profile as a philosopher, however, they are probably a somewhat good indication of a person's ambitions and commitment to academia. I may be wrong though. Also, what about conferences, esp. participating in grad conferences as an undergraduate?

OK, so I am planning on applying to a number of PhD programs in continental philosophy. In this connection, I would like to get some of my papers published prior to the application season (I know this is not something absolutely necessary to do, but still...). Does anybody know any active undergraduate philosophy journals that would publish something in 20th century continental philosophy (structuralism, poststructuralism, psychoanalysis). Perhaps, some literary theory journals? Thanks in advance!

Greetings to all, I am a Political Science major from a mid-level US liberal arts college with great interest in Continental Philosophy (19-20th century, esp. post-modernity) and Political Philosophy of 20th century. These interests I would love to pursue on the MA stage of my education. That is, my first question is what political philosophy departments could fit me, given my interests. I am only starting on the "track" but just to name few thinkers I am interested in -- Lyotard, Foucault, Nancy etc. Understandably these thinkers (and alike) are not very popular among political philosophers of today, but yet... And my second question is (as I am only during my first years at college) what should one do to get accepted to respected MA (or better PhD) program? Top grades, good recommendations, excellent writing sample -- this is all obvious. Yet, what kind of extracurricular activities should I be involved with? Right now, I am doing what I like -- I am trying to write some essays and short articles and publish them somewhere or attend some relevant conferences, but, unfortunately, no significant luck there yet. This is all for now, thanks in advance to everybody!