Applying for phd programs in poli sci - does my background look strong for a top 10? top 20?

[heartintheclouds]

I'm starting to apply to poli sci PHD programs. I still have so many questions to ask and blanks to fill, but I'm starting to compile a reasonable list of programs I want to apply to so I can be motivated while I'm studying for the GRE and writing my statements. At the moment I am eyeing NYU, Columbia, Princton, Stanford, Chicago, UCSD, etc., but I have no idea as to whether these schools are way too much of a reach for me. Any opinons are helpful! And please let me know if I'm being too vague so I an clarify:

UG Degree: International Politics with a minor in Data Science at Top 20-30 school

UG GPA: 3.7, Cum Laude, with grades improving each semester

Grad Degree: Applied Data Science at an Ivy League

- Also took 2 classes within the political science department

Graduate GPA: 4.0

GRE: Haven't taken it yet. I've been studying for a month and got 315 on a  practice test a while back. Aiming for a 325 though, and won't take anything less than a 320 

Teaching Experience: TA for a graduate class that I took in my graduate year

Research Experience:

- Was an RA for a semester for a professor outside of the US who focused on IPE, elections, etc.

- No publications but did write a thesis during my graduate career related to political science

Programming Experience: R, Python, Java, Stata, SQL

Job experience: 

- Was an interning RA for a small think tank relating to international security

- Summer intern for one of the government departments, mostly related to qualitative research/auditing

- Currently a political data scientist at one of the largest political tech/consulting companies. Recently got promoted

LORs: A solid LOR from a professor that I did research for, one of my graduate professors that I took several classes with, and my boss at my current.

Research Interests: Currently interested in (I)PE, methods, and CP.

[JPYSD]

Maybe besides your undergrad GPA (which should look much better with your quant grad degree), you have stellar credentials and definitely have a shot at all of those programs, if you can make sure to put your quant experience to good use and write a really good SOP that proves a great fit with the department. 

I am at one of the programs you have listed above, so feel free to DM if you have any questions 🙂