Profile Evaluation?

[coffeeman123]

I have been a long time reader of the site and was wondering if anyone could give me a rough idea of where I should likely try to target my applications and what I can do over the rest of my junior year to increase my chances of getting into a better program. 

Type of undergrad institution: Public T40 in Political Science 

Major/Minor: Political Science / Economics and Statistics 

Overall GPA: 3.78 Major: 4.0

Special Courses: One graduate level game theory course, one graduate level IPE course, analysis of economic data, econometrics, research methods in poli sci, multiple 4000 level stats courses 

GRE: I have been prepping for around 6 months and think a combined 325-330 is likely with mostly the same quant and verbal 

LOR: Two from professors, one Tenured one TT I have done research with, 1 in the school of business, the other is an economist by PhD but in the Poli Sci dept. and then a professor who knows me very well from the Community College I went to while I was dual enrolled in HS, also TT. 

Research: Full academic year of research on business sustainability, one DIS, another semester working with the political economy and game theory 

Teaching: None

Subfield/Interests: Mostly interested in IPE and Development 

Other: One poster presentation about the sustainability project, one co-authored paper with professor from business school and then a standard B.S. senior thesis. 

 

I really appreciate anyone who took the time to read this! I have been stressing like crazy over what to do where I can likely get in so anyone giving me a general range of colleges would be appreciated. :)

 

[PoliSciGuy00]

2 hours ago, coffeeman123 said:

I have been a long time reader of the site and was wondering if anyone could give me a rough idea of where I should likely try to target my applications and what I can do over the rest of my junior year to increase my chances of getting into a better program. 

Type of undergrad institution: Public T40 in Political Science 

Major/Minor: Political Science / Economics and Statistics 

Overall GPA: 3.78 Major: 4.0

Special Courses: One graduate level game theory course, one graduate level IPE course, analysis of economic data, econometrics, research methods in poli sci, multiple 4000 level stats courses 

GRE: I have been prepping for around 6 months and think a combined 325-330 is likely with mostly the same quant and verbal 

LOR: Two from professors, one Tenured one TT I have done research with, 1 in the school of business, the other is an economist by PhD but in the Poli Sci dept. and then a professor who knows me very well from the Community College I went to while I was dual enrolled in HS, also TT. 

Research: Full academic year of research on business sustainability, one DIS, another semester working with the political economy and game theory 

Teaching: None

Subfield/Interests: Mostly interested in IPE and Development 

Other: One poster presentation about the sustainability project, one co-authored paper with professor from business school and then a standard B.S. senior thesis. 

 

I really appreciate anyone who took the time to read this! I have been stressing like crazy over what to do where I can likely get in so anyone giving me a general range of colleges would be appreciated. :)

 

I think this is a strong profile, definitely worth applying to the Top 10.  Of course, apply elsewhere too, but if you're able to swing a 325-330, I think you'll get some good acceptances.  

I do notice you have not discussed your personal statement or writing sample.  Do make sure to put ample amount of time into those as well.  Even the best numbers will only get you so far.  Try and get at least one professor and friend (preferably an academically-oriented friend) to read them.  Strongly consider sharing your personal statement with professors so they can tailor and write their letters accordingly.  

Best of luck during these difficult times.

[coffeeman123]

On 9/29/2020 at 6:11 PM, Mr_Spock2018 said:

I think this is a strong profile, definitely worth applying to the Top 10.  Of course, apply elsewhere too, but if you're able to swing a 325-330, I think you'll get some good acceptances.  

I do notice you have not discussed your personal statement or writing sample.  Do make sure to put ample amount of time into those as well.  Even the best numbers will only get you so far.  Try and get at least one professor and friend (preferably an academically-oriented friend) to read them.  Strongly consider sharing your personal statement with professors so they can tailor and write their letters accordingly.  

Best of luck during these difficult times.

Thank you very much! I will make sure to spend ample time on those. I am applying for next year's cycle, is there anything I should try to accomplish between now and a year from now?

[PoliSciGuy00]

On 11/27/2020 at 12:14 PM, coffeeman123 said:

Thank you very much! I will make sure to spend ample time on those. I am applying for next year's cycle, is there anything I should try to accomplish between now and a year from now?

I don't think so.  If you can get to 325 or 330 on the GRE, I'd say you will be in good shape.  There's different thoughts on this forum about reaching out to professors before you apply.  I don't think it's decisive for apps, but I did it and generally found it to be a helpful experience.  At several schools I learned that X professor had left or was retiring soon, or that, despite a number of professors in my field of interest, the program had admitted a lot of students in the past years that were studying in that area and wasn't looking for anymore right now.  If the thought of reaching out with a brief e-mail explaining your interests and asking if they are planning to work with graduate students doesn't scare you to death, I'd consider doing it.  Some professors were more helpful than others and some weren't answered, but I never got the sense I was annoying anyone.