Chances and direction for the SoP?

[Mnemonics2]

Hey all,

I'm back for a second run at applying for a PhD this year. Last year went poorly for me...though more in a mixed sense than for some, I gather. I got a bunch of waitlists and an unfunded offer that was just unfeasible.

But I'm returning now and targeting fewer schools that have better fit...and I'm predictably unsure about my chances.

My background - I went to a top 5 public undergraduate...and didn't do well. I got super sick and got a low gpa (2.75ish), though my last two years are significantly higher and I even got Dean's list at the end. So I went to do an MA at a great up-and-coming school in DC (got in with 1400ish GRE scores). Got a 3.85, did an internship at a prominent think tank and published a couple of papers in second tier journals. I applied to a bunch of great schools (which fit me decently) and got the above result.

This year, I've picked much better schools, but I'm obviously still encumbered by my low undergrad scores.

Since I applied last time, I've interned at another prestigious research think tank, become a research fellow in my issue area (proliferation and bargaining with a focus on East Asia) at an even more prestigious one, presented at a conference on a major research project with a former professor and have published a number of both short and journal-sized pieces.

My target schools are Mason, UVa, Maryland, Hopkins government and GWU.

What are my chances, and moreover, how best to express myself and my desire to move into academia in a statement?

[Bearcat1]

I don't know about political science specifically, but I don't think your undergraduate GPA wouldn't be a problem since you've done well in an MA program. I've actually had two professors (both very highly respected in their fields) with a similar story, although more due to lack of ambition and not so much a legitimate issue like yours. I would explain in your SOP (very briefly) that your poor grades as an undergrad were due to an illness, but that you stuck it out instead of taking time off. (That, to me, seems pretty commendable.) And you should also talk about how your internships and research have helped you to become more focused. All of that shows growth away from the poor GPA. Again, not being a political science major, I don't know about your situation specifically, but your resume sounds pretty impressive and it's clear just in your short post that you are highly capable and that your UG GPA isn't a reflection of the kind of scholar you are now.

[Quant_Liz_Lemon]

Instead of addressing your health in your SOP, I'd suggest having an LOR address it instead.

[adaptations]

Given that you were waitlisted at a number of schools last year, your file was already getting positive attention, and since you've had another year to improve things, I expect you'll be competitive at a range of schools. Rather than scaling back on the number of schools you're applying to, I would expand the list. All it takes is one funded offer and then you're off and running in a PhD program. So I would apply to a broad range of schools that you would want to attend, and hopefully at least one says yes to you and gives you funding. Good luck!

[RWBG]

My impression from personal experience, and from seeing the profiles of others, is that simple measures like GPA aren't all that important to your application; what's more important is what courses you took, how well you did in specific courses, etc. and how that fits the narrative in your SOP. So I'd agree; expand the list.

[Mnemonics2]

Thanks for the comments...that's great!

Does anyone have any SoP pointers or links to other good threads about the SoP? I'm currently constructing mine, but I'm not sure I like it!

[chaetzli]

http://grad.berkeley.edu/admissions/state_purpose.shtml

[RWBG]

Not sure if you've already seen this, but this remains a good resource:

[Mnemonics2]

Thank you both for your links. They've been really helpful on helping me get a grasp of what I want to write (particularly after I looked at my application from last year and was shocked at the state of my statement!).