Profile review for a few ~25-50 ranked schools(PhD)?

[esotericish]

Hey all,

 

I've been lurking for quite a while on these forums while trying to decide whether I wanted to apply for PhD programs this cycle. I'm looking at certain schools, mostly based on geography (the fiance has to be ok with the location). Particularly, UC-Boulder, University of Washington (Seattle), UT-Austin and probably Duke. 

 

Undergrad: UNC-Chapel Hill, political science and European studies. 3.6 GPA with an honors thesis.

Graduate: MA in Poli Sci also from UNC (comparative focus) with no GPA...they do a pass/fail thing. Took a couple PhD seminars as well.

My GRE from my MA application: 610 verbal, 680 QR, 4.0 AW (160/153 according to the GRE website).

Work experience post-MA includes international development nonprofit, Hill internship, a social science association (think APSA), and some communications stuff.

 

My main concern is the GRE. I think I can get the scores up, especially QR. I have great recommendations lined up. My focus is in comparative politics and IPE. Also, any schools I should add to this list?

 

Thanks!

Edited September 21, 2014 by esotericish

[BigTenPoliSci]

Nearly everyone considers both Duke and UT-Austin to be well above the 25-50 tier.