Non-top programs with decent profs. doing Chinese politics?

[dujingqiang]

Hi all,

I am applying for Comparative Politics PhD this year.

My interest lies in the domestic politics of China (and into the details of its institutions, not macro theories), and primarily accountability of local government/officials.

After screening relevant articles on topics I'm interested, I come with the list of professors who are doing interesting work. And then I realize almost all of them are in top tier universities, and simply from a "fit" point of view, the rank of universities for me would be MIT, Berkeley, Harvard, UCSD(if Victor Shih is indeed moving to UCSD), and Columbia.

I got a Econ/Finance BA in a decent Chinese university (GPA 3.5) and just graduated with MPA at a top 10 government school (GPA 3.7, and because it is a policy school, none of my recommenders have contributed much in poli sci academia, I have ok quant training, but not much in poli sci). I know my profile is at most average (if not worse), so I am pretty realistic about my chances of getting into any of the programs listed above.

Therefore, I am wondering if you could give me some suggestions on some non-top programs that might be a fit for me?

I am thinking, besides a department with someone who does similar research, maybe a department with someone who studies accountability/legitimacy in transitioning/former USSR/Vietman while there is one or two people with a regional focus on China could also do?

Thank you very much!

[PDCU]

Dali Yang at UChicago might be of interest to you. Also check out Stanley Rosen at USC. Berkeley is known for its strength in comparative, and UW-Seattle and George Washington are worth looking into as well.

Edited November 6, 2012 by McMuffin

[gradcafe26]

Maybe Indiana (Kennedy) as well. BTW, no funding for international students at UCSD.

[blackcoffee64]

Check out Professor Whiting at Uni. Washington. Ranked #16 on NRC and 18# for Comp. on US NEWS.