How important is research experience in PhD App?

[Alun]

Hi, everyone. I'm a new poster who's now struggling to make a decision as to which program I should apply. I'm an international student from China with a IR major from a nationally recognized university, and an average score of around 90/100 for all major courses. I've got several awards from national and international collegiate competitions, but no research experience so far... My GRE score: 680 V, 740 M, W 5; Toefl is 117/120...In general, my academic performance in college is outstanding among my classmates, but there's nornally no research opportunity available for undergraduates in our school. And so I'm asking the question: 1, Is there any chance of getting into a decent PhD program without prior research experiences? 2, Is a Master's Program in Poli Sci relatively easier to get into than a PhD, particularly when an applicant lacks research experience?

As you all know, many prestigious universities simply don't provide M.A programs in Poli Sci or IR ( Despite the fact that MPA or MPP programs are numerous...), and even if there are any, generally no funding is accessible...

What should I do?? I'm really confused. Btw, I heard some say that an applicant should try to establish connections or at least contacts with professors from the targeting programs. Is it a must? If so, it seems that it's even harder for me to get into a PhD program...

[polisciphd]

Research experience is not a make it or break it criteria for most ph.d. programs, so don't worry about it. You should be in good shape to apply to ph.d. programs in the top 25. The most important thing is to match your future research interests to what is being done in the departments you apply to, which should be reflected in your statement of purpose. You need to show that you are a "good fit" for the program in question, so make sure to tailor your SOP to each department that you apply to.

[adaptations]

In addition to Tidefan's points, I would add that MA programs are generally easier to get into, but as you said, there is not a lot of funding for them. There are some other good threads on here about MA programs and possibilities of funding, so I would search for them to get a perspective on that subject. Otherwise, focus on a strong statement of purpose. I wouldn't worry about trying to build connections with faculty in the next three months. Focusing on trying to build a relationship over email isn't going to help your application. Let your scores, grades, and statement speak for themselves, and hopefully you'll have some good luck.

[Alun]

Research experience is not a make it or break it criteria for most ph.d. programs, so don't worry about it. You should be in good shape to apply to ph.d. programs in the top 25. The most important thing is to match your future research interests to what is being done in the departments you apply to, which should be reflected in your statement of purpose. You need to show that you are a "good fit" for the program in question, so make sure to tailor your SOP to each department that you apply to.

Thanks so much. But how could I know the general research interest /field of a department? By going over the profiles and articles of the professors? What if the professors' interests differ greatly, or professors' publications are not shown on the school's website...?

[adaptations]

Thanks so much. But how could I know the general research interest /field of a department? By going over the profiles and articles of the professors? What if the professors' interests differ greatly, or professors' publications are not shown on the school's website...?

You answered your own question. Read up on the research interests and publications of faculty in departments and figure out which schools have good matches for you. If there are departments at good schools, but the faculty aren't working in your field, then that school is probably not a good choice for you. Almost all schools post their faculty's research interests, CVs, and sometimes the actual papers or articles they have published. If they don't have the complete papers, you should be able to search for the papers online and at least find abstracts.