Profile Evaluation - Comparative Politics

[Greg12312]

When I finished my undergraduate degree back in 2019, I wasn't thinking about academia at all. My initial goal was to work for an international organization. After spending several years in professional and policy settings, I realized that what I truly want is to pursue a doctoral degree and build an academic career. I'd appreciate any advice or feedback on my profile and chances this cycle.

 

Undergraduate:

B.A. in Journalism, GPA 3.56. My undergrad was my first English-based academic experience as an international student. My first two years were around 3.0–3.3, but my junior and senior years were consistently between 3.7 and 3.9, which raised my overall GPA to 3.56.

First Master's:

M.A. in International Affairs (Top-5 IR program), GPA 3.7. Concentration in Development Economics and International Political Economy. Received solid quantitative training and completed an econometrics-based thesis (grade A).

Professional Experience:

Worked for one year as a political analyst at a government office.

Second Master's:

M.A. in Political Science (Top School, like top 5), GPA 3.61. Completed a graduate thesis (grade A). I understand some view the program as terminal or "cash-cow," but it provided the academic environment I needed to deepen my political science foundation.

Research Experience:

One year of policy analysis in government and a three-month research internship at another governmental body.

Letters of Recommendation:

Four professors from my second master's program, three of whom are senior and well-known scholars in political science.

Writing Sample:

Based on my master's thesis (graded A), I am currently revising for clarity and framing.

Research Interests:

Comparative politics — particularly political communication, legitimacy, and democracy.

 

Target Programs:

Michigan, Cornell, Northwestern, Wisconsin, Virginia, Minnesota, Georgetown, Toronto, and Penn State.

 

I know my research experience is relatively limited, and my GPA is relatively lower. I'd appreciate any realistic feedback or advice on how competitive I might be for these programs this year. Some people said I can easily get into the top 30, but others said the top 30 is very challenging for me because of my GPA and lack of formal research experience. I am not sure which opinion is a more accurate assessment.

Edited November 12 by Greg12312

[A Dalek]

I think you have a good chance, but I would add a few more 30-50 range programs. Many, including my own, have reduced slots. I think most programs in the top fifty are moving towards 5-7 students a year.

Personally I recommend applying to programs in blue/purple states. I don't trust places like Texas to be supportive of international students the next couple of years.