Chance me for Northwestern's Ph.D. program in political science?

[StarkDark1]

Undergrad university: between #50 and #100 in most national rankings

GPA: 3.98, honors program

GRE: 165 verbal, 155, quant, 5.0 AW

LORs: Good, but it's been a couple years since I graduated so they probably won't be super personal or special (This looks like the most important part of the app going by Northwestern's website, so kind of worried).

SOP: Very strong, I spent a lot of time crafting it. Asked 3 profs to read it and I edited it several times. Mentioned that I contacted a prof I want to work with, and she said she's down to work with me if I'm accepted. Outlined her research and my interest in it in the SOP, as well an independent study I did in my undergrad.

Writing sample: Good, but super contentious. I won't get into the details, but I wrote about and took a controversial position. Hope the AdCom is fair-minded or not too far on the opposite side of the debate.

Diversity statement: I'm a POC and I think the statement is fairly strong.

MA: Just started 1 year MA that ends right before the Ph.D. program would start if I'm accepted.

Edited December 17, 2019 by StarkDark1

[Mixedmethodsisa4letterword]

What's your subfield?

[StarkDark1]

Comparative politics

[uchenyy]

36 minutes ago, StarkDark1 said:

Comparative politics

What region do you focus on? Do you have relevant language skills? What's your methodological orientation?