Jump to content

Political Science Application List Questions


Censorry

Recommended Posts

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.

 

 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

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 by luckyducky
Link to comment
Share on other sites

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.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

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. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

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.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use