2023-2024 Application Thread

[CormacSunderland]

I need to get this off of my chest. I don't trust anyone around me to be honest, call it imposter syndrome if you want. That's what they say. Take a look at my credentials and tell me what you think. 

I'm going for my PoliSci after my undergrad. My top choices are UChicago, Northwestern, WashUStLouis, and Georgetown, among others... I come from a very low-income area, am very low-income myself, and went to a famously terrible high school. 

Cumulative GPA: 3.3 (I'm bad with languages and econ isn't easy.)

Major GPA: 3.7

I published research during my undergrad and now work for the university as a TA and head a research program for undergraduates. I've also done some tutoring for a tough methodologies course. Last semester, I served as an intern at a major government agency focusing on intelligence analysis. Currently, I've been published in an undergraduate think-tink, publication, thing. I'm also on the review board, soon to be editor, for an undergraduate journal. 

I have some pretty good recommendations set up as well. 

Let me know what you think. What are my odds? Am I finished?

[ThucydidesLatte]

1 hour ago, CormacSunderland said:

I need to get this off of my chest. I don't trust anyone around me to be honest, call it imposter syndrome if you want. That's what they say. Take a look at my credentials and tell me what you think. 

I'm going for my PoliSci after my undergrad. My top choices are UChicago, Northwestern, WashUStLouis, and Georgetown, among others... I come from a very low-income area, am very low-income myself, and went to a famously terrible high school. 

Cumulative GPA: 3.3 (I'm bad with languages and econ isn't easy.)

Major GPA: 3.7

I published research during my undergrad and now work for the university as a TA and head a research program for undergraduates. I've also done some tutoring for a tough methodologies course. Last semester, I served as an intern at a major government agency focusing on intelligence analysis. Currently, I've been published in an undergraduate think-tink, publication, thing. I'm also on the review board, soon to be editor, for an undergraduate journal. 

I have some pretty good recommendations set up as well. 

Let me know what you think. What are my odds? Am I finished?

Not to be rude, but we are still focused on our own prospects for this admission season. Furthermore, we do not serve on any school's admissions committees, therefore, we cannot provide you with the detailed insight you are looking for. We've been supporting one another for months on this thread, and I can tell you that folks with better credentials than you have been rejected everywhere and vice versa, so you won't receive the straightforward answer you desire.

That being said, given my personal experience with two admissions cycles, I can tell you that the most important thing Departments look for is a good match between your research interests, the Department's own interests, and the faculty's capacity to advise you. Best of luck.

[NiebuhrsLatte]

19 hours ago, cbsag123 said:

Has anyone received an official rejection from UCLA?

Not me, although I’ve seen someone posting a rejection in the results page earlier in March. 

[Ir2024]

14 hours ago, CormacSunderland said:

I need to get this off of my chest. I don't trust anyone around me to be honest, call it imposter syndrome if you want. That's what they say. Take a look at my credentials and tell me what you think. 

I'm going for my PoliSci after my undergrad. My top choices are UChicago, Northwestern, WashUStLouis, and Georgetown, among others... I come from a very low-income area, am very low-income myself, and went to a famously terrible high school. 

Cumulative GPA: 3.3 (I'm bad with languages and econ isn't easy.)

Major GPA: 3.7

I published research during my undergrad and now work for the university as a TA and head a research program for undergraduates. I've also done some tutoring for a tough methodologies course. Last semester, I served as an intern at a major government agency focusing on intelligence analysis. Currently, I've been published in an undergraduate think-tink, publication, thing. I'm also on the review board, soon to be editor, for an undergraduate journal. 

I have some pretty good recommendations set up as well. 

Let me know what you think. What are my odds? Am I finished?

You don't specify PhD or masters here. I would say you have a high likelihood of getting into a decent Masters program, but little chance for admission to one of the Ph.D. programs listed above.

[ugh08]

To the people who are accepted to the University of Illinois for IR, please please let them know if you accept or deny as soon as you feel able. I am the only one left now on the IR waitlist and U of I is my number one pick. Being the only one left is terrifying. I'm so close yet so far 😭

[jce8491]

On 4/10/2024 at 9:02 PM, CormacSunderland said:

I need to get this off of my chest. I don't trust anyone around me to be honest, call it imposter syndrome if you want. That's what they say. Take a look at my credentials and tell me what you think. 

I'm going for my PoliSci after my undergrad. My top choices are UChicago, Northwestern, WashUStLouis, and Georgetown, among others... I come from a very low-income area, am very low-income myself, and went to a famously terrible high school. 

Cumulative GPA: 3.3 (I'm bad with languages and econ isn't easy.)

Major GPA: 3.7

I published research during my undergrad and now work for the university as a TA and head a research program for undergraduates. I've also done some tutoring for a tough methodologies course. Last semester, I served as an intern at a major government agency focusing on intelligence analysis. Currently, I've been published in an undergraduate think-tink, publication, thing. I'm also on the review board, soon to be editor, for an undergraduate journal. 

I have some pretty good recommendations set up as well. 

Let me know what you think. What are my odds? Am I finished?

Nobody can give you odds. It's an idiosyncratic process. Are you finished? No. Your cumulative GPA will make it harder for you, but you can overcome it. The key for you is writing a killer statement of purpose and finding programs with professors who match with your research interests and are taking students. Publishing will also help you. I'll also say that getting into a PhD program directly out of undergrad is not easy. If it doesn't go your way the first time, you can pursue a Masters (if financially possible) or spend time working and try to publish or gain relevant experience to bolster your application.

[ThucydidesLatte]

Dear all, I trust you're having a good and productive week. Since the deadline is here, I want to gently remind you to formally decline any offers from schools you won't be attending (if you are reading this before April 15th at 11:59 pm).

Finally, I want to extend my heartfelt wishes for success to each of you, no matter where your journey takes you. Personally, I'm hopeful that this will be my last admission cycle. Regardless of the outcome, sharing this experience with you all has been a pleasure. G-d bless.

💚

[Polisci24]

2 hours ago, ThucydidesLatte said:

Dear all, I trust you're having a good and productive week. Since the deadline is here, I want to gently remind you to formally decline any offers from schools you won't be attending (if you are reading this before April 15th at 11:59 pm).

Finally, I want to extend my heartfelt wishes for success to each of you, no matter where your journey takes you. Personally, I'm hopeful that this will be my last admission cycle. Regardless of the outcome, sharing this experience with you all has been a pleasure. G-d bless.

💚

Second that and greatly appreciated. I have declined my other offers and only kept one offer and one waitlist. Hopefully there is a chance to off the waitlist. I wish everyone good luck!!!

[Samzz]

Lost here...is the cycle over or should I still expect to hear from universities that have waitlisted me? Arghh:(

[london_boy]

Hi everyone, I hope you all heard good news or will hear soon. I just wanted to update you that I got an offer from Princeton and will be attending in September. It was a lovely ride here and thank you all for your support and solidarity throughout the process. I hope to see you all as wonderful future scholars!

I'll make sure to write a long and detailed Lessons Learnt when the post is up.

À la prochaine!

[ThucydidesLatte]

4 hours ago, london_boy said:

Hi everyone, I hope you all heard good news or will hear soon. I just wanted to update you that I got an offer from Princeton and will be attending in September. It was a lovely ride here and thank you all for your support and solidarity throughout the process. I hope to see you all as wonderful future scholars!

I'll make sure to write a long and detailed Lessons Learnt when the post is up.

À la prochaine!

Congratulations!!!

[london_boy]

39 minutes ago, ThucydidesLatte said:

Congratulations!!!

Thank you! Best of luck to you as well, I wish you the best!

[Gracchus]

On 4/17/2024 at 1:09 PM, london_boy said:

Hi everyone, I hope you all heard good news or will hear soon. I just wanted to update you that I got an offer from Princeton and will be attending in September. It was a lovely ride here and thank you all for your support and solidarity throughout the process. I hope to see you all as wonderful future scholars!

I'll make sure to write a long and detailed Lessons Learnt when the post is up.

À la prochaine!

Congrats! Heard about that great news of yours from Mark last week! Can't wait to meet you in person this fall!

[ThucydidesLatte]

Dear all, I'm thrilled to share with you that I've been accepted to CU Boulder! Thank you all immensely for your unwavering support throughout this time. I wish you the best, and perhaps our paths will cross someday. Take care. GO BUFFS!

 🖤

[london_boy]

9 hours ago, ThucydidesLatte said:

Dear all, I'm thrilled to share with you that I've been accepted to CU Boulder! Thank you all immensely for your unwavering support throughout this time. I wish you the best, and perhaps our paths will cross someday. Take care. GO BUFFS!

 🖤

Congrats!!! I'm glad there is a happy ending to the story. Best of luck with everything!

[Gracchus]

On 4/22/2024 at 11:16 PM, ThucydidesLatte said:

Dear all, I'm thrilled to share with you that I've been accepted to CU Boulder! Thank you all immensely for your unwavering support throughout this time. I wish you the best, and perhaps our paths will cross someday. Take care. GO BUFFS!

 🖤

So happy for you!!! Wish you a great academic journey!!!

[fizzan]

Final rejection (rutgers) came in today - wild it took them so long! 

Thrilled to say I'll be attending UW - Madison in the fall, wishing you all the best of luck  

[polisci119]

Hello everyone,

I'm looking for some guidance on how to strengthen my application for PhD programs in Political Science in the U.S. Last application cycle, I received an unfunded offer from the University of Florida and rejections from six other schools (UNC, Madison, Georgetown, UIUC, Syracuse, Northwestern) without submitting my GRE scores.

My academic background before last application deadlines includes:

Undergrad in International Relations from China with a 3.78/4.0 GPA.
Master’s from LSE with a 3.5/4.0 GPA.
Was pursuing an MPhil in Ireland (no grades available at that time).

By now, I’ve recently taken the GRE and scored 165 verbal, 170 quant, and 4.5 analytical writing, and I am just about to start an intern job at UN in data analysis. My current coursework marks for the second master's are all 4.0. I feel more confident this year but still not sure where I'm gonna go.

I would greatly appreciate your advice on:

The Value of Referees: Does it significantly benefit my application to have referees who are well-connected in the US?
Writing Samples: Should I adjust my writing samples to be more quantitative to align with U.S. preferences? Given the fact that I indeed lack the quant research background. 
Overall Application Strategy: Any specific tips or strategies for applying to top U.S. programs in this field?
Thanks in advance for your help!

[Tempaccount]

Hi all,

I'm on the waitlist for Georgetown's MSFS and was told that we would be notified after May 1st if there are any spots remaining for Fall 2024.

Does anyone have any info on the likelihood of SFS admitting off of the waitlist and when that usually occurs? This wait and stress has been killing me ugh.

(Further context: I had applied for a Georgetown dual degree program and was admitted for the other program. I know that faculty from the admitted program had reached out to SFS on my behalf - so wondering if that boosts my chances at all?)

Thank you if anyone has any info!

[PolPsychGal11]

On 4/25/2024 at 5:24 PM, polisci119 said:

Hello everyone,

I'm looking for some guidance on how to strengthen my application for PhD programs in Political Science in the U.S. Last application cycle, I received an unfunded offer from the University of Florida and rejections from six other schools (UNC, Madison, Georgetown, UIUC, Syracuse, Northwestern) without submitting my GRE scores.

My academic background before last application deadlines includes:

Undergrad in International Relations from China with a 3.78/4.0 GPA.
Master’s from LSE with a 3.5/4.0 GPA.
Was pursuing an MPhil in Ireland (no grades available at that time).

By now, I’ve recently taken the GRE and scored 165 verbal, 170 quant, and 4.5 analytical writing, and I am just about to start an intern job at UN in data analysis. My current coursework marks for the second master's are all 4.0. I feel more confident this year but still not sure where I'm gonna go.

I would greatly appreciate your advice on:

The Value of Referees: Does it significantly benefit my application to have referees who are well-connected in the US?
Writing Samples: Should I adjust my writing samples to be more quantitative to align with U.S. preferences? Given the fact that I indeed lack the quant research background. 
Overall Application Strategy: Any specific tips or strategies for applying to top U.S. programs in this field?
Thanks in advance for your help!

Hey. I think your issue was not applying to better programs... often what happens is admissions committees reject applicants they think are likely to go elsewhere. It's not worth the time and effort to recruit someone who isn't likely to show up. I'm assuming you're interested in IR/comparative? Apply to better programs! Columbia, Penn, Stanford, Minnesota, Madison, Princeton, Washington, MIT, Syracuse, Northwestern (I know some of these were on your list).

Make sure your personal/research statement is tailored to the school, and highlights your research interests. I would not change your writing sample, but make sure that it is original research from one of your master's degrees, and not a lit review-type paper.

Having references that know people at the schools you're applying to can certainly help, but it's not a requirement. Your GRE scores should help. Highlight any language skills you have and if you have data (inc. qual) experience. 

[edwardsaid]

Hi all,

Congratulations to everyone who got into their desired programs this cycle and I wish you all the best as you begin this fall!

While I didn't get into any program this year (the closest was a waitlist at Stanford), I just wanted to check if anyone knows the admissions prospects for the next few cycles under the Trump administration with the cuts, etc. I'm still interested in applying again as someone focusing on CP and methods incl. topics such as religion and politics, historical political economy, political economy of development, democratization, and MENA politics. 

If anyone who knows more inside information can comment, it would be very appreciated  

[A Dalek]

17 hours ago, edwardsaid said:

Hi all,

Congratulations to everyone who got into their desired programs this cycle and I wish you all the best as you begin this fall!

While I didn't get into any program this year (the closest was a waitlist at Stanford), I just wanted to check if anyone knows the admissions prospects for the next few cycles under the Trump administration with the cuts, etc. I'm still interested in applying again as someone focusing on CP and methods incl. topics such as religion and politics, historical political economy, political economy of development, democratization, and MENA politics. 

If anyone who knows more inside information can comment, it would be very appreciated  

I can't speak about the Ivies, but in the state flagships there is a lot of pressure to reduce admissions and/or admit every other year. I know several top 50 programs who have already decided to postpone admissions next year. Given funding uncertainty, there is pressure to focus on providing funding for current students versus new students, and for graduating people after five years.

 

IMO I think comparative is going to be the worst hit since CP students usually need extra time to do field work. I suspect we'll see more dissertations relying on existing datasets and fewer dissertations with significantly new data. 

[edwardsaid]

21 minutes ago, A Dalek said:

I can't speak about the Ivies, but in the state flagships there is a lot of pressure to reduce admissions and/or admit every other year. I know several top 50 programs who have already decided to postpone admissions next year. Given funding uncertainty, there is pressure to focus on providing funding for current students versus new students, and for graduating people after five years.

 

IMO I think comparative is going to be the worst hit since CP students usually need extra time to do field work. I suspect we'll see more dissertations relying on existing datasets and fewer dissertations with significantly new data. 

Oof.. that's depressing to hear. That basically confirms my existing suspicions that they will only admit students with safe and feasible research ideas. How about if one declares they're willing to be unfunded? I can apply for scholarships from my home country. 

[A Dalek]

45 minutes ago, edwardsaid said:

Oof.. that's depressing to hear. That basically confirms my existing suspicions that they will only admit students with safe and feasible research ideas. How about if one declares they're willing to be unfunded? I can apply for scholarships from my home country. 

If you have guaranteed funding from your foreign government, many (but not all) programs are willing to admit you as long as they think you are qualified. Note that this is different from simply saying that it's a possibility. You'll have to show that you actually have the funding or are in process of acquiring it.

For US citizens, there is similarly some leeway if you have the military paying for your degree.

I don't think you necessarily need a 'feasible' dissertation upon admission. My view is that most students will change their dissertation topic drastically after coursework and better understanding the literature. I'm personally more interested in whether a student really wants to be an academic or is only marginally interested. Being an academic is a great career, but it takes a lot of sacrifice and isn't for everyone. We can teach students the literature, research methods, etc. We can't teach the desire to be an academic.

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