UK grade required for US PhD

[waitingbusiness]

Hi,

I am completing MSc comparative politics at LSE and would like to apply PhD in political science in US schools, top 25. If anyone could share what is the threshold grade in UK-terms that is required to get in these top notch programs, I'd be grateful. Considering that I score 700 -ish in GRE. Would getting merit 60 + suffice ?

Thanks.

[2010international]

Hi,

I am completing MSc comparative politics at LSE and would like to apply PhD in political science in US schools, top 25. If anyone could share what is the threshold grade in UK-terms that is required to get in these top notch programs, I'd be grateful. Considering that I score 700 -ish in GRE. Would getting merit 60 + suffice ?

Thanks.

Hi,

I did my MSc at LSE as well, so maybe I could be helpful. I don't know that there is any minimum threshold, and i think it's much more about you overall (ie work ex, publications, statement of purpose etc) than just being confined to GRE and your grades at LSE. that said, i would think that if you're aiming for top 25 then you should probably be aiming at 65+ to make a strong case for yourself. i don't think a low merit would have that kind of a cache, just because about 80% of the MSc students at LSE get a merit anyway, so the higher up in the 60s you can manage, the better (ie upper 60s - since distinctions are notoriously difficult. i remember in my department only one out of about 75 got a distinction).

however, a MSc grade of 60+ would probably be countered for by great and relevant work ex (or a very strong dissertation grade, especially if your area of interest at the PhD level is very linked to your dissertation topic).

hope this helps!

[waitingbusiness]

2010international,

Thanks for the guidance. Good to know that above 70 is a rare case. Sadly, one thing that I found frustrating at LSE is not being able to access one's scores until very last. Leaves us quite clueless. Anyway, thanks for the input.

[Ziz]

Hi, I also did my MSc at LSE. For context, I got a distinction overall and 75 on my dissertation. I also had 700+ on both parts of the GRE and got rejected from the 2 US schools I applied to (Harvard and Princeton). So I'd say it's not all about grades, but at the same time, just a 60 probably wouldn't be enough for the top schools.

[bg16]

LSE MSc grad here.

I know of at least two students in top 5 programs in the U.S. who received a Merit from LSE. The marks are not as important as getting a strong letter of rec and a good writing sample from your time at LSE.

Hope you're enjoying it! I miss it.

[waitingbusiness]

Thanks bg16. LSE rocks as ever.

There is one more question, regarding Letter of recommendation. The seminar tutors are more associate prof. and fellows. Does that matter or will my chances get better by requesting it with some renowned ones but who are less acquainted with me.

Thank you.