2020-2021 Application Thread

[cisco]

Anybody hear anything back from Brandeis? IK its a small school so I thought maybe nobodies posted..... 

[kmccorm327]

1 hour ago, jacksonearlsweatshirt said:

I am too. Didn't get info about their virtual visit day, which isn't a great sign about my place on the list haha.

That's also why I asked. I remember seeing a huge influx of wait-lists and then no acceptances in the next few days.

Think it's worth reaching out to PoIs and asking about virtual visit day?

[jacksonearlsweatshirt]

3 minutes ago, kmccorm327 said:

Think it's worth reaching out to PoIs and asking about virtual visit day?

I was going to reach out to the CP contact pretty soon, and I'll definitely ask about the visit day as well. I'll report back if I find out anything of interest for our cluster of UVA wait-lists.

[kmccorm327]

1 minute ago, jacksonearlsweatshirt said:

I was going to reach out to the CP contact pretty soon, and I'll definitely ask about the visit day as well. I'll report back if I find out anything of interest for our cluster of UVA wait-lists.

I'm thinking about reaching out soon as well, given that we got our waitlist notifications at the beginning of the month (and I haven't heard anything since). I'll do the same!

[Miss Evidence]

2 hours ago, Habermas said:

Rejection at Yale.

Same here!

Waiting for MIT. Were any of you invited to an interview? I was not. 

[natpvh72]

Hi all. I'm a long time reader just wanting to thank you everyone for all the information and positivity.

Also claiming a rejection at Duke and Yale.

[icemanyeo]

I would like to give a huge thanks to everyone on this forum for being such a supportive group this year. This cycle has effectively ended for me, pending my MA application responses. 

I will be taking a break from this forum and come back around April to post my final results as I'm in the last leg of my master's (thesis defense soon ?) and would like to focus on finishing on a strong note.

If you would like to keep in touch beyond this forum, I'm pretty active on Twitter! DM me and I'll send my handle to you. 

Congratulations again to all those who have received offers in such a difficult cycle -- if you are planning to apply in another cycle, you'll probably see me on this forum again. 

Best wishes to all! ☺️❤️

[The Converse]

Claiming a Yale rejection as well.  I was admitted to two programs this cycle, but I have had enough rejections to conclude my research interests are not worth pursuing.  Best of luck to those starting programs in the fall!  

[nivy25]

+1 on the Yale rejection. The cycle is pretty much over for me! 

I was wondering if I could have your opinions on something:

What are your views on UT Austin and Rice University for IR, with respect to placements in R1s, and the overall benefit of going to either?  Please do respond to this! Especially if you applied to either of these schools, and even if you didn't apply to either but you know anything about them. 

[natpvh72]

20 minutes ago, nivy25 said:

+1 on the Yale rejection. The cycle is pretty much over for me! 

I was wondering if I could have your opinions on something:

What are your views on UT Austin and Rice University for IR, with respect to placements in R1s, and the overall benefit of going to either?  Please do respond to this! Especially if you applied to either of these schools, and even if you didn't apply to either but you know anything about them. 

I applied to Rice (rejected) so I can only comment on what I researched about the program.

Overall I think it's a good program, with 5 IR faculty covering a broad range of research interests (including alliances, conflicts, foreign policy analysis, etc.). It's also quant-oriented and has a joint MA in Stats as well which is a good plus.

It also seems that many of the recent graduates (the last 5-6 years) went to to diverse places (a lot of international academic positions OR industry positions).

The program also doesn't require a lot of TA or RA works (about 10hrs/week) at least from what they say on the website - maybe somebody can correct me on this.

Edit: just curious did you get accepted to Rice?

Edited February 23, 2021 by natpvh72

[nivy25]

2 minutes ago, natpvh72 said:

I applied to Rice (rejected) so I can only comment on what I researched about the program.

Overall I think it's a good program, with 5 IR faculty covering a broad range of research interests (including alliances, conflicts, foreign policy analysis, etc.). It's also quant-oriented and has a joint MA in Stats as well which is a good plus.

It also seems that many of the recent graduates (the last 5-6 years) went to to diverse places (a lot of international academic positions OR industry positions).

The program also doesn't require a lot of TA or RA works (about 10hrs/week) at least from what they say on the website - maybe somebody can correct me on this.

Edit: just curious did you get accepted to Rice?

I am currently on the waitlist for both, and I am meeting with my POI from Rice and UT Austin this week. I just wanted to make sure I get all the possible information about these two. My personal career goals are to research at a university that actively researches and shapes my field. I want to make sure going to either of the two, if  I am accepted would be the right choice and would actually help me achieve that goal. Rice seems very welcoming. If I'm being completely candid there's only two red flags for me with respect to Rice: 1. The ranking is a little lower as compared to all the other schools I applied to and 2. As you mentioned, the placements in the last few years have been very different from what I would like to do. Barely any student has been placed in a R1 in the last couple years. I don't know if that's because the students' goals were not to pursue that path, or is there some reason why Rice graduates aren't being offered jobs at R1s? 

[Homeless]

30 minutes ago, The Converse said:

Claiming a Yale rejection as well.  I was admitted to two programs this cycle, but I have had enough rejections to conclude my research interests are not worth pursuing.  Best of luck to those starting programs in the fall!  

Two admissions is nothing to sneeze at! And while it's fine to change your research interests in grad school, don't do it just because you weren't the right fit for other schools. You might be able to pursue those interests at the programs you're admitted to--indeed, they may be excited for you to do so! There's so much that goes into an admit decision and so much of it is beyond your control that I would urge you not to give up something you're interested in. 

[uname_suggests_rdumb]

Thank you everyone who is sending out positive energy - it is much needed. 

I also claim rejections from Duke and Stanford. I think it is time to admit this cycle is over for me. Realistically speaking, I do have other backup plans, and I went into this cycle knowing that it's not likely I'll get anything. Yet, that slightest hope kept me day-dreaming, and I dare to admit that I am frustrated about it. 

Best of luck to everyone still waiting for admission results.

And for myself: Stay strong, don't be caught up with an obsession, and be open to life. 

[polisciii]

4 minutes ago, uname_suggests_rdumb said:

Thank you everyone who is sending out positive energy - it is much needed. 

I also claim rejections from Duke and Stanford. I think it is time to admit this cycle is over for me. Realistically speaking, I do have other backup plans, and I went into this cycle knowing that it's not likely I'll get anything. Yet, that slightest hope kept me day-dreaming, and I dare to admit that I am frustrated about it. 

Best of luck to everyone still waiting for admission results.

And for myself: Stay strong, don't be caught up with an obsession, and be open to life. 

Yes; that's the mindset!

Graduate school is not the meaning of life -- and, as we have all seen thus far, there are so many variables we cannot control such that, at the end of the day, about 98% of the process is luck. We just got unlucky!!

[natpvh72]

12 minutes ago, nivy25 said:

I am currently on the waitlist for both, and I am meeting with my POI from Rice and UT Austin this week. I just wanted to make sure I get all the possible information about these two. My personal career goals are to research at a university that actively researches and shapes my field. I want to make sure going to either of the two, if  I am accepted would be the right choice and would actually help me achieve that goal. Rice seems very welcoming. If I'm being completely candid there's only two red flags for me with respect to Rice: 1. The ranking is a little lower as compared to all the other schools I applied to and 2. As you mentioned, the placements in the last few years have been very different from what I would like to do. Barely any student has been placed in a R1 in the last couple years. I don't know if that's because the students' goals were not to pursue that path, or is there some reason why Rice graduates aren't being offered jobs at R1s? 

First of all congrats and good luck!

About the 2 things you said, this is what I have learnt from my college advisors (and my POI at the school I'm accepted to), of course take my words with a grain of salt:

(1) Ranking is important for sure, but only to an extend. The reputation and network of your advisor are important in getting you an R1 job as well. And your own publications and dissertation during the program is important for that matter. Also, I have learnt from both my ugrad advisor & POI that the environment at a program is crucial (sometimes as important or more important than ranking). Departments with supportive and collaborative environment can provide you w good mentorship and help you produce better research. My POI said that for the past few years several IR faculty just left a highly-ranked and very well-known program (yes I'm trying to be vague, but the program is well-known - you'll definitely know it if you hear the name). Most recently among these faculty is her friend, all because the friend's been so miserable. -> so I'd say keep ranking in mind for sure, but consider the environment & the resources they have to make you thrive as well.

(2) Tbh I have no idea either. But it's not like Rice hasn't been able to place people in R1 schools. So if I were you I'd directly ask them about this, but frame the question like "I noticed an interesting trend abt placement. Are students' interests shifting toward non-academic jobs or is it the direction of the department? & what can the department do to help students get an R1 job?" - or something like that (but that's just me tho).

And another advice maybe to ask them about any general expectations for grad students in general or you in particular if you're accepted - basically "how can I contribute to the program." That way you can figure out what they look for in an applicant and then pitch yourself to show how you can contribute and thrive there (maybe it'll help lifting you from the waitlist) - I believe everyone like a person who not only seeks to get things out of the program but also wants to give sth back.

Sorry for the long answer. Hope that helps. Again I hope you can get in - ideally to both places.

[uncle_socks]

58 minutes ago, nivy25 said:

I don't know if that's because the students' goals were not to pursue that path, or is there some reason why Rice graduates aren't being offered jobs at R1s? 

It's almost always not that students' goals were not to pursue that path, if they knew they reasonably could. The job market sucks. People from top 20 schools are thankful to get TT jobs at directional state schools. Some people really do realize that academic jobs are not for them. But most people who end up in industry (especially if we exclude the small sliver of industry that has starting pay in the six figures) would rather have an R1 job if they had the choice. 

Schools will very often say stuff like "oh they chose to be in industry, that's why they're not in academia" but it's very often not a true choice if you value getting paid, having a family, and living somewhere semi-desirable. 

[guest789]

Another plus for UT Austin @nivy25: if you decide to go industry route, the tech startup scene in Austin would mean you a) are less likely to have to move afterwards assuming you get a job in data analytics/science/tech public policy - all of which are common routes post poli sci grad school - and b) are likely to be in that small proportion earning 6 figures as @BunniesInSpace implied. [Another way to get into that group is to go a top school (generally like Princeton or quant methods wise like NYU) or otherwise get outstanding methods skills in some other program.]

Edited February 23, 2021 by aaaaaaaaaa

[The Converse]

1 hour ago, Homeless said:

Two admissions is nothing to sneeze at! And while it's fine to change your research interests in grad school, don't do it just because you weren't the right fit for other schools. You might be able to pursue those interests at the programs you're admitted to--indeed, they may be excited for you to do so! There's so much that goes into an admit decision and so much of it is beyond your control that I would urge you not to give up something you're interested in. 

Thank you.  I appreciate the encouragement.  I realize I should be grateful for the two admissions and I am.  However, I have presented a lot over the past few years on my research and to be passed over by top programs makes it seem like it is less about fit and more about research viability.  I have been humbled and pleasantly surprised by everyone on this forum.  I already have a graduate degree and it is really time for me to read the writing on the wall.  There are so many great people on here and I wouldn't want to take someone's spot.  It has been great going through this process with each of you.

[nivy25]

1 hour ago, natpvh72 said:

First of all congrats and good luck!

About the 2 things you said, this is what I have learnt from my college advisors (and my POI at the school I'm accepted to), of course take my words with a grain of salt:

(1) Ranking is important for sure, but only to an extend. The reputation and network of your advisor are important in getting you an R1 job as well. And your own publications and dissertation during the program is important for that matter. Also, I have learnt from both my ugrad advisor & POI that the environment at a program is crucial (sometimes as important or more important than ranking). Departments with supportive and collaborative environment can provide you w good mentorship and help you produce better research. My POI said that for the past few years several IR faculty just left a highly-ranked and very well-known program (yes I'm trying to be vague, but the program is well-known - you'll definitely know it if you hear the name). Most recently among these faculty is her friend, all because the friend's been so miserable. -> so I'd say keep ranking in mind for sure, but consider the environment & the resources they have to make you thrive as well.

(2) Tbh I have no idea either. But it's not like Rice hasn't been able to place people in R1 schools. So if I were you I'd directly ask them about this, but frame the question like "I noticed an interesting trend abt placement. Are students' interests shifting toward non-academic jobs or is it the direction of the department? & what can the department do to help students get an R1 job?" - or something like that (but that's just me tho).

And another advice maybe to ask them about any general expectations for grad students in general or you in particular if you're accepted - basically "how can I contribute to the program." That way you can figure out what they look for in an applicant and then pitch yourself to show how you can contribute and thrive there (maybe it'll help lifting you from the waitlist) - I believe everyone like a person who not only seeks to get things out of the program but also wants to give sth back.

Sorry for the long answer. Hope that helps. Again I hope you can get in - ideally to both places.

I appreciate all your inputs! I am aware that rankings aren't the only thing that matter, and my goal will be to get a feel of both the programs' environments through talks with my POIs and maybe even current graduate students. 

I'm just afraid of not getting a TT job at a R1. I know how horrible the job market is, and I am not being naive. I just want to try my best to maximize my chances and not make decisions that would jeopardize them, which is why I asked for advice in the first place! 

Your input on the way I should frame my question is super helpful. I'll probably ask something on similar lines and see what they think about it. 

[nivy25]

41 minutes ago, BunniesInSpace said:

It's almost always not that students' goals were not to pursue that path, if they knew they reasonably could. The job market sucks. People from top 20 schools are thankful to get TT jobs at directional state schools. Some people really do realize that academic jobs are not for them. But most people who end up in industry (especially if we exclude the small sliver of industry that has starting pay in the six figures) would rather have an R1 job if they had the choice. 

Schools will very often say stuff like "oh they chose to be in industry, that's why they're not in academia" but it's very often not a true choice if you value getting paid, having a family, and living somewhere semi-desirable. 

I see what you mean. Very few people actually prefer industry jobs, unless the pay is exceptional. 

I'll try my best to seek answers from both the schools in question about their placements. 

[nivy25]

30 minutes ago, aaaaaaaaaa said:

Another plus for UT Austin @nivy25: if you decide to go industry route, the tech startup scene in Austin would mean you a) are less likely to have to move afterwards assuming you get a job in data analytics/science/tech public policy - all of which are common routes post poli sci grad school - and b) are likely to be in that small proportion earning 6 figures as @BunniesInSpace implied. [Another way to get into that group is to go a top school (generally like Princeton or quant methods wise like NYU) or otherwise get outstanding methods skills in some other program.]

Definitely! That would be great as a sort of backup perhaps, because at the moment I would still like to see myself pursue academic jobs! 

[Homeless]

4 minutes ago, The Converse said:

Thank you.  I appreciate the encouragement.  I realize I should be grateful for the two admissions and I am.  However, I have presented a lot over the past few years on my research and to be passed over by top programs makes it seem like it is less about fit and more about research viability.  I have been humbled and pleasantly surprised by everyone on this forum.  I already have a graduate degree and it is really time for me to read the writing on the wall.  There are so many great people on here and I wouldn't want to take someone's spot.  It has been great going through this process with each of you.

I don't know. I think you should talk with people more knowledgeable about your work (LOR writers, POIs at the schools that have accepted you) before making any decisions. Don't get me wrong, there's a million and one reasons not to go to a phd program right now, and if you can imagine yourself being happy doing something else, I would say do that. BUT, as one stranger on the internet to another, I would say that you're letting this get to you more than it should (and I understand the feeling, trust me). Happy to talk about this more in dms if you want. 

[natpvh72]

7 minutes ago, nivy25 said:

I appreciate all your inputs! I am aware that rankings aren't the only thing that matter, and my goal will be to get a feel of both the programs' environments through talks with my POIs and maybe even current graduate students. 

I'm just afraid of not getting a TT job at a R1. I know how horrible the job market is, and I am not being naive. I just want to try my best to maximize my chances and not make decisions that would jeopardize them, which is why I asked for advice in the first place! 

Your input on the way I should frame my question is super helpful. I'll probably ask something on similar lines and see what they think about it. 

I get you! The job market just sucks.

Thankfully I'm an international student and I'm open to getting academic jobs outside the US, where there're a lot more opportunities. The US market feels crowded nowadays, esp. for R1s. Maybe you should consider goin abroad as well. From what I know a lot of globally-ranked schools would welcome people with US degrees.

[topochica]

Didn't get a Duke rejection today - anyone else still waiting?

[afjackie]

2 hours ago, The Converse said:

Claiming a Yale rejection as well.  I was admitted to two programs this cycle, but I have had enough rejections to conclude my research interests are not worth pursuing.  Best of luck to those starting programs in the fall!  

I would also like to point out that most of the top US programs are VERY orthodox and VERY narrow-minded in what constitutes "worth pursuing." To the point that there are many good (and scholarly articles) out there about how political science is writing itself out of relevancy. I didn't apply to any top 10 programs this time for that reason, because I am passionate about my research and much life and professional experience has convinced me of its relevance. I was specifically told by a political science professor this year to keep in mind that, "just because it is a compelling real-world political problem, doesn't make it an interesting political science question." While I can see how that might theoretically be the case, there is still a huge problem with the privileged ivory tower getting to decide which random and often irrelevant political science questions deserve attention this decade. I have no idea what your specific research focuses on, but if you are passionate it, don't give up. Don't let a very small portion of the profession that has made up the rules on what is worth pursuing or not tell you otherwise. The rules are constantly rewritten and the more scholars that are out there pursuing interesting, relevant, cutting edge work, the more that becomes the norm. I'd urge you to seek out other scholars who are interested in similar questions, and worry less about the rankings of the programs they are at (not that you didn't do that this time - I don't want to assume!). But I do know that a lot of amazing academics who wrote the book on something didn't come from top ten or top twenty programs, but wound up redefining how those programs taught. 

I'll get off of my soap box now! Sorry for the ramble, I know I don't know you, but you've been a good influence on this forum and I hate to see great potential scholars disheartened by a system that isn't designed to create innovation and advancement but rather to replicate itself over and over again. I hope the future sees an army of political science renegades constantly redefining the profession we are all so passionate about!

(To be clear, I'm not putting down anyone who goes to or got into a top 10 program - that is amazing, and if your research interests fit go get it! I'm just advocating that there are other very relevant areas of research outside of what some of those programs are willing to consider.)

Edited February 23, 2021 by afjackie