Dreamy_Snufkin

Hi all! Inspired by a fellow forum member, I am in a real emergency situation here. Within three days - by Friday afternoon Greenwich time - I have to decide whether to accept my MSc thesis grade as it is, or delay my graduation with over half a year (not as simple as it sounds in my current situation). I would like to pursue a DPhil/PhD in IR/PolSci or Philosophy (Political). I have a BSc and an MSc in Philosophy, minoring in IR. My Master's thesis was graded 5/7, or 3.7/5 or something equivalent of Upper 2nd Honors from a European (non-UK) university. My overall average in my Major (Philosophy) is: MSc thesis -> Upper 2nd BSc thesis -> 5/5 or First Class MSc coursework average -> First Class BSc coursework average -> First Class Minor (IR): BSc + MSc -> Upper Second My chance is that I could, in theory, be able to push my Master's thesis grade to First Class by the end of the year. Of course this is not guaranteed, and if I have to work throughout the summer and fall with it, I won't have energy or time to prepare a strong DPhil application for Fall 2013, so would have to delay DPhil for another year. So I am asking your opinion: Should I keep this grade, or try to improve it???? If I do, will I have considerably better chances of being selected to top pedigree universities (Oxbridge, LSE, Berkeley, Harvard, McGill, Princeton, etc.) or will I have only slightly better chances??? ......Assuming I'll excel in the research proposal, references, academic and extra-curricula achievements and so forth, of course! Would really appreciate a constructive and honest opinion!! :) Thanks to you all, and best of luck in reaching your dreams!! --Dreamy Snufkin--

Hi all! I'm desperate! I have 3 days to decide whether to postpone my graduation until the end of the year, or graduate this spring. I'll be graduating as MSc in Philosophy from a European (non-UK) university, and already possess a BSc in Philosophy (minoring in IR and Pol-Sci). I mean to pursue a DPhil/PhD studentship in any of the well-known universities in Philosophy or International Relations/Peace Building, that is LSE, Oxford, Cambridge, McGill, Harvard, Berkeley, etc.... My BSc coursework average and thesis both were First Class Honors. (i.e. in my Major. In my Minor subject I averaged Upper Second) My MSc coursework average is First Class (with my minor Upper 2nd). My MSc Thesis is only Upper Second. I can withdraw my thesis before I graduate, but I have several huge reasons why I should graduate this spring. Assuming I'll make a strong research proposal, with excellent references, academic and extra-curricula achievements, do you think my 'ok' MSc grade will be a big hindrance??? I have no idea how important the Master's thesis grade is, and I keep hearing conflicting opinions all the time. I'd like to hear from someone I don't know personally. Any experiences, where someone with an Upper 2nd/2:1 Master's thesis made it to one of these universities? I'd welcome any constructive comments you may have on this!! And I wish you all good luck with whatever your aspirations are! May we all realize our dreams!! - Dreamy Snufkin -

Hi all! I'm desperate! I have 3 days to decide whether to postpone my graduation until the end of the year, or graduate this spring. I'll be graduating as MSc in Philosophy from a European (non-UK) university, and already possess a BSc in Philosophy (minoring in IR and Pol-Sci). My BSc coursework average and thesis both were First Class Honors. (i.e. in my Major. In my Minor subject I averaged Upper Second) My MSc coursework average is First Class (with my minor Upper 2nd). My MSc Thesis is only Upper Second. I can withdraw my thesis before I graduate, but I have several huge reasons why I should graduate this spring. I aspire for DPhil/PhD studentship in any of the well-known universities in Philosophy or International Relations, that is LSE, Oxford, Cambridge, McGill, Harvard, Berkeley, etc.... Assuming I'll make a strong research proposal, with excellent references, academic and extra-curricula achievements, do you think my 'ok' MSc grade will be a big hindrance??? I have no idea how important the Master's thesis grade is, and I keep hearing conflicting opinions all the time. I'd like to hear from someone I don't know personally. Any experiences, where someone with an Upper 2nd/2:1 Master's thesis made it to one of these universities? I'd welcome any constructive comments you may have on this!! And I wish you all good luck with whatever your aspirations are! May we all realize our dreams!! - Dreamy Snufkin -