Political Science Application List Questions

[Censorry]

Hi,

 

I will apply for a political science PhD program as an international applicant.

 

I am making 4 applications and I have realized that my below list doesn't make much sense.

 

1) Boston University

2) Duke

3) George-Washington

4) Georgetown

 

I am considering taking Georgetown out because I heard getting funding is really difficult. In fact, I have no idea why Georgetown was on that list except for the presence of someone whose work I am very interested in.

 

I am interested in questions of both comparative and international political economy.

 

What do you think about the other three choices?

 

I love how Duke's program is organized, but getting admitted is of course not that easy.

Boston is a bit far off in terms of ranking, but I like the city, and I hear the program is re-organizing itself and getting better. In any case, I would love feedback on Boston University if anyone has any inside knowledge.

 

Also, if you have any suggestions with regards to the list, please feel free.

 

 

 

[silver_lining]

Your list makes perfect sense depending on what your very specific interests are. Georgetown has excellent IPE faculty, so I would keep them on your list. I've heard the same about their funding, but it is worth a try. George Washington has poor/difficult funding as well...

Also, you should add additional schools because 4 is far too few for Political Science. 

Edited November 18, 2013 by luckyducky

[Censorry]

Thanks for the feedback! I was always of the opinion that if I can't get into any of these 4, then there is probably something wrong with my application. Also, I asked for all my LoRs, but I will consider your suggestion, maybe I can squeeze two more applications in. How many schools did you apply?

 

I was feeling confident about my applications due to my GRE scores as they are quite competitive considering I am an int. student (verbal :164 / quant:161)

 

But I keep reading that GRE scores don't matter much and that SoP makes all the difference, which does make sense.

 

So I am buying this Ashton book.

[silver_lining]

Ph.D. admissions committees do not care about international/domestic student distinctions. Your GRE scores are competitive, but once you meet whatever requirements a school may have, they don't matter anymore. 

 

I bought the Ashton book. I didn't like it very much, but you may find it helpful depending on how far along you are with writing your SoP. There is a thread in the Political Science section with example SoPs you may want to check those out. 

I am applying to about 10 schools. If you cannot get into the 4 you are applying to, it does not necessarily mean that there is something wrong with your application. From what I have heard, people who have received their MA degrees from the Univ. of Chicago are recommended by the faculty to apply to close to 15. 

[Censorry]

Ph.D. admissions committees do not care about international/domestic student distinctions. Your GRE scores are competitive, but once you meet whatever requirements a school may have, they don't matter anymore. 

 

I bought the Ashton book. I didn't like it very much, but you may find it helpful depending on how far along you are with writing your SoP. There is a thread in the Political Science section with example SoPs you may want to check those out. 

I am applying to about 10 schools. If you cannot get into the 4 you are applying to, it does not necessarily mean that there is something wrong with your application. From what I have heard, people who have received their MA degrees from the Univ. of Chicago are recommended by the faculty to apply to close to 15. 

 

Thanks I will look into it. Well if you apply to 15 schools obviously you spread the risk and your chances are better. But you may also spread the risk by having a couple of back up options. Or if there is sufficient ranking difference between the schools you apply.