Need advice for PhD Programs

[Naclam]

Dear all,

I am a recent college graduate looking to do a PhD in Political Science. Admittedly, I am in the nascent stages of my search for programs and at the moment have very little idea as to what field I would ultimately want to go into (I don't plan on applying for a year or so anyway). I am aiming for some of the top programs, but am fearful that my stats are not strong enough. My undergrad GPA was a 3.52 (respectable university), and my recent GRE score was 790 (Q), 680 (V), AW (?). If I am to have a shot at the top 15 programs, is it worthwhile to do a terminal masters and then go into a PhD? Furthermore, should I retake the GRE once more? I am not sure that my verbal numbers were sufficient, and I feel as though I could do better.

Thanks in advance for your help!

[wannabee]

First, I am not an "expert". I am in the midst of applying and hearing results. But I will say this...there is absolutely no guarantee that you can get into a top 15 program. Most programs, at least in the top 10, accept less than 10% of applicants. I would say that there is no guarantee even if your gpa is 4.0 from a top 20 school plus you had a master's and top GRE scores.

One question --Although you say you have a 3.5, is this the gpa in your major, or your overall gpa?

Still, you are on the right track to strengthen your credentials. Your GRE is strong. You can always retake over the summer if you want to give it another shot. One of the difficulties in getting an MA is that many programs do not give funding, but some do. What is your concentration and possible research interest? That will influence the type of MA program you might want to consider. For example, a student in comparative could look at an area studies program. There are other threads in this forum that discuss possible MA options with funding. Some of them are just a little ways down this page.

I chose not to go directly into a doctoral program. I wasn't ready and felt I needed more background. Last year, when I graduated, I applied to four different language and area studies programs (MA and non-degree) that had the possibility of funding. This year, I am shooting for the PhD after completing a one-year specialty program in Arabic. Even this time, I am applying to some MA programs as well as the PhD.

There are other things you can do to improve your credentials and work towards the doctorate. Think about your field of concentration and your research specialty. Can you write a statement of purpose that will show the department that you understand what scholarly research is? If you know what you want to study, start pouring over faculty rosters, asking your professors, poking your nose into academic journals in order to find out which professors would be good and where they teach.

Good luck! I have found this to be a long and slowly evolving process.

[Naclam]

First, I am not an "expert". I am in the midst of applying and hearing results. But I will say this...there is absolutely no guarantee that you can get into a top 15 program. Most programs, at least in the top 10, accept less than 10% of applicants. I would say that there is no guarantee even if your gpa is 4.0 from a top 20 school plus you had a master's and top GRE scores.

One question --Although you say you have a 3.5, is this the gpa in your major, or your overall gpa?

Still, you are on the right track to strengthen your credentials. Your GRE is strong. You can always retake over the summer if you want to give it another shot. One of the difficulties in getting an MA is that many programs do not give funding, but some do. What is your concentration and possible research interest? That will influence the type of MA program you might want to consider. For example, a student in comparative could look at an area studies program. There are other threads in this forum that discuss possible MA options with funding. Some of them are just a little ways down this page.

I chose not to go directly into a doctoral program. I wasn't ready and felt I needed more background. Last year, when I graduated, I applied to four different language and area studies programs (MA and non-degree) that had the possibility of funding. This year, I am shooting for the PhD after completing a one-year specialty program in Arabic. Even this time, I am applying to some MA programs as well as the PhD.

There are other things you can do to improve your credentials and work towards the doctorate. Think about your field of concentration and your research specialty. Can you write a statement of purpose that will show the department that you understand what scholarly research is? If you know what you want to study, start pouring over faculty rosters, asking your professors, poking your nose into academic journals in order to find out which professors would be good and where they teach.

Good luck! I have found this to be a long and slowly evolving process.

Thank you for all your advice. When I listed my GPA by the way, I meant is as the cumulative number. My major GPA was higher, probably 3.7/3.8.

[California88]

I am just now on the other side of the process (finally picked my school) and although I don't have too much advice on the subject of a master's as I went straight from undergrad, I think something that is under-emphasized in the "stats" is the fit with the program. I didn't think it was as big a deal as I have since found out, but I got into 2 of the 7 programs I applied to (both top 20) but they were not the lower ranked. I applied to schools all over the map and the ones I ended up getting into were the ones that fit my specific research interests really well. The programs have so many people to choose from, even just the top 30, that the fit can be a very decisive factor. They can tell if you will complement the research and faculty in the department, and so a 3.5 GPA might beat out a 3.9 when the fit is better. I'm sure you have considered this but I wanted to reiterate because I know I underestimated the impact of this factor in my process. When you say you want to get into a top-15, you have to think how many of those are realistically a GREAT fit with your interests? Maybe 3-5? All top ranked programs are not the same, nor are all top ranked students. Just keep that in mind. That being said, I think your GRE is fine. I wouldn't bother re-taking it. Spend your time researching the best programs for your interests and preparing to convince school in your essay that you're a great fit.

[adaptations]

Dear all,

I am a recent college graduate looking to do a PhD in Political Science. Admittedly, I am in the nascent stages of my search for programs and at the moment have very little idea as to what field I would ultimately want to go into (I don't plan on applying for a year or so anyway). I am aiming for some of the top programs, but am fearful that my stats are not strong enough. My undergrad GPA was a 3.52 (respectable university), and my recent GRE score was 790 (Q), 680 (V), AW (?). If I am to have a shot at the top 15 programs, is it worthwhile to do a terminal masters and then go into a PhD? Furthermore, should I retake the GRE once more? I am not sure that my verbal numbers were sufficient, and I feel as though I could do better.

Thanks in advance for your help!

Here's a quick response. Your GRE is just fine - no need to retake (mine is almost identical). Your GPA is okay, but may be on the lower side of the average class at top programs, but not a deal breaker. Lots will depend on LORs and your statement, etc. My suggestion is to apply for the PhDs if that's the route you know you want to pursue, and maybe a couple MA programs on the side (or to schools that consider you for the MA if you don't get into the PhD). Best of luck!

[GopherGrad]

I did essentially what adaptations suggested this cycle and I think it was a good idea. I've whiffed completely on Ph.D. programs, but it looks like I'll have at least one MA option to weigh. Your stats are strong enough to apply for great Ph.D. programs.

You left out critical info for us in your OP. What is your undergrad major? Do you feel you have any training weaknesses that should be addressed? You need to honestly appraise deficiencies in your application and ask how an MA would patch them and whether you will actually do those things during the program. For example:

I have a similar GPA/GRE breakdown. I did not study political science. I have a sense that my application was weakened by this in several ways:

- I got Bs in the few political courses I took

- None of my letters came from political scientists

- My statement outlined a current, relevant topic that many scholars find interesting, but did not frame it in the language of political science

- I have never published or attended a conference or the like

I looked for MA programs that focused on addressing these weaknesses. I valued smaller class sizes and two-year programs with lower credit requirements so that I would have access to teachers and time to explore the possibility of publication. I wanted foundational courses in popular subfields (to build my knowledge base and vocabulary) that were intense enough to signal to schools that those Bs were behind me.

I'd be a little wary of doing an MA right out of undergrad just to repair a low-ish overall GPA. If you are already a polisci guy with a 3.7ish major GPA and you don't get in to any top 20 Ph.D. programs, you should try to find out why before committing to a time and money suck like and MA. Even if you fit this mold and are set on an MA, look outside the box. "Area studies" degrees might help make you an expert in a region. Stats or quant-heavy polisci MAs might make you stand out as a math and methods genius. Etc.

[maicondouglas]

Dear all,

I am a recent college graduate looking to do a PhD in Political Science. Admittedly, I am in the nascent stages of my search for programs and at the moment have very little idea as to what field I would ultimately want to go into (I don't plan on applying for a year or so anyway). I am aiming for some of the top programs, but am fearful that my stats are not strong enough. My undergrad GPA was a 3.52 (respectable university), and my recent GRE score was 790 (Q), 680 (V), AW (?). If I am to have a shot at the top 15 programs, is it worthwhile to do a terminal masters and then go into a PhD? Furthermore, should I retake the GRE once more? I am not sure that my verbal numbers were sufficient, and I feel as though I could do better.

Thanks in advance for your help!

As someone at the tail end of his application process, I can tell you that you might have a chance. Your GRE scores are definitely good enough to get into a good program. Your GPA is probably on the low side, but I got into 2 top 15s with comparable stats. My GPA is more in the 3.7 range, but I only scored a 760Q /600V on the GRE. But then again there are so many other factors that influence admission (especially in Political Science). For example, I have about 30 credit hours of math/stats class, including a handful of 400 level courses. I have also been told by a person at an adcom that my SOP and LORs were highly influential.

It may be a long shot, but if you're willing to fork out a few hundred bucks to apply to some good PhD programs, then I say go for it. Then go ahead and hedge your pipe dream with some sound safety MA programs. That's what I did and my luck paid off. Just make sure that your application is spotless. Make sure your letter writers know you and your interests and then revise your SOP again again and again until it's something that you're really proud of.

[slacktivist]

Dear all,

I am a recent college graduate looking to do a PhD in Political Science. Admittedly, I am in the nascent stages of my search for programs and at the moment have very little idea as to what field I would ultimately want to go into (I don't plan on applying for a year or so anyway). I am aiming for some of the top programs, but am fearful that my stats are not strong enough. My undergrad GPA was a 3.52 (respectable university), and my recent GRE score was 790 (Q), 680 (V), AW (?). If I am to have a shot at the top 15 programs, is it worthwhile to do a terminal masters and then go into a PhD? Furthermore, should I retake the GRE once more? I am not sure that my verbal numbers were sufficient, and I feel as though I could do better.

Thanks in advance for your help!

Assuming you know what your general research interests are, take this next year to write a conference paper if you do not yet have a writing sample. I decided at this time last year to pursue a PhD and I benefited greatly from the experience of writing a conference paper. I believe it helped several elements of my application:

1) It helped me better understand which programs were a strong research fit.

2) It allowed me to signal to universities that I understood what graduate study meant.

3) It served as the center of my narrative in my SOP. The middle of my SOP makes the transition of describing my research agenda, then writing about a specific project, then back out to how this project indicated my interest in broader areas of research interest, which transitioned into writing about how University X was a strong fit for my broader interests.

4) My letter writers were able to point to my project as indicative of my ability to engage in graduate-level research.

5) I was able to list conference presentations on my CV.

I am certain I have one of the weakest combinations of grades and school pedigree out of all of the posters in the political science forum. However, my conference paper and GREs have landed me a place in a top-30ish program this fall.

For the top tier of schools, I think there is little differentiation in the stats of applicants (with the exception of those 4.0/800/800/6 outliers). Your stats are, assuredly, good enough to be considered anywhere. Once that threshold is cleared, research fit is what makes one stand out. The SOP is the place where you make the substantive argument that you know what graduate school is about, the program is a fit for your interests, and that you can hack it as a researcher. The writing sample, LORs, and CV provide support for your case. Writing a conference paper does much to focus your argument.

Edited March 1, 2011 by slacktivist

[The Lorax]

Well put, Slaktivist. I took a similar route, and found working on a conference paper to be of immense value. My LORs came from profs who worked with me on the project - so i had an excuse to get close to them. My paper served as a great writing sample that BOTH demonstrated my ability to do original research, my writing ability, and that I have a high level of creativity in understanding what is cutting edge.

But above all, I would recommend you do your research on programs FIRST. Reach out to profs you might want to work with, schedule phone appointments, talk with grad students, do much much more than just read the program website. Have a tight, focused understanding of what you're after, and pick the ACCESSIBLE profs working on that subject. I applied for PhD programs for the fall of 2009, and got straight rejections, but made it into an MPP program. I used the intervening two years to build my profile. this time, I have already been accepted to a top 30 program with a lovely funding package, and anticipate more good news. I think the greatest stride I made is achieving clarity and focus, and finding the profs who care about what I'm trying to do.