Credentials sufficient enough?-Feedback on Quality

[bpagvar21]

I was wondering if my profile gives me the chance of being accepted to any political science PhD programs. I am currently applying to six programs in political science and I would greatly appreciate any feedback on my likelihood of admission. 

 

Undergraduate Major: Political Science(from a University of California)

 

GPA: 2.7

 

Substantial course work in political science.

 

GRE Scores: 156 Verbal, 152 Quantitative. 

 

Three letters of recommendation: And all recommenders were eager to write a letter for me.

 

The schools I am applying to:

-University of Minnesota-Twin Cities

 

-UC Davis

 

-University of Wisconsin-Madison

 

-University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

 

-University of Washington

 

-University of Notre Dame

 

I have also assisted a faculty member at my undergraduate institution with a personal project--an NSF funded one--of his.

 

I would greatly appreciate any feedback from anyone on my prospects with any of these programs I am applying to. 

[AuldReekie]

Here is a quote from the University of Washington's Political Science Dept. 

 

Most applicants who are admitted to the program have combined verbal and quantitative scores on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) substantially higher than 315 and a cumulative college grade point average greater than 3.4 (B+). As noted above, the Admissions Committee examines the complete set of materials for each applicant in order to identify promising individuals whose scores or grades might not fully represent their potential.
The Admissions Committee admits the applicants who it believes, on balance, reflect the best or strongest credentials across these criteria. No formulas are applied.

 

 

Similarly the average GPA for entrants to Notre Dame is 3.6 (http://graduateschool.nd.edu/departments-and-programs/ph-d-programs/political-science/admissions-history/).

 

Unfortunately you might find it difficult. I'm not expert and just an applicant like you. However, you're applying to some really competitive places..  If you do strike out I would consider looking at ways to strengthen your application. Perhaps a terminal MA?

Edited December 6, 2014 by AuldReekie

[cooperstreet]

You're going to have a very tough time getting into a funded PhD program. Your GPA is very, very low. It would need to be explained in your SOP and even then it will still hold you back. How about an MA? If you kill it (4.0) you'll have a better chance.

[victorydance]

You would suffer from what I call the double dagger. A low GPA and a low GRE score. Doubtful you even make it past the first lines of screening. It's possible to overcome one of the those deficiencies, unlikely with both. 

[AmericanQuant]

As others have said, unless you have something in your file that makes you an exceptional candidate like an amazing (and relevant) job or a high-level publication, none of those programs are going to give your application more than a cursory look for a PhD.  Even if you do have one of those things, your grades and GRE scores would probably still be disqualifying. 

 

Is there a reason to think you'd do better in grad school than in undergrad? People that go on to PhD programs are almost exclusively excellent students.  Do you think you can do as well as them at being a student? While grad school is very different from undergrad, it's probably more like undergrad than a job. Given your undergrad grades, your comparative advantage may not lie in going to graduate school. 

 

Grad school also doesn't pay well.  You're basically wasting years where you could be making more money elsewhere while you're in school.  That may be a worthwhile investment if you want to pursue an academic career, but if you don't end up pursuing such a career (and especially if you don't earn the PhD) the years are wasted, financially-speaking.

 

That all being said, if you really want to go get a PhD from a decent program, you're going to need to do something else first.  I'd suggest applying to MA programs at schools with good political science departments.  Get good grades, write a good thesis (or do good independent research), and get political scientists to write you letters of recommendation. Since PhD admissions happen in the winter, you'll have to do a 2 year program to get good letters of recommendation and show improved grades.

[Brandon263]

Hi,

 

I'm interested in this question also. Generally, above what GRE and GPA 

would someone be considered competitive? OP seems to have good recommendations and research experience.

 

 

As others have said, unless you have something in your file that makes you an exceptional candidate like an amazing (and relevant) job or a high-level publication, none of those programs are going to give your application more than a cursory look for a PhD.  Even if you do have one of those things, your grades and GRE scores would probably still be disqualifying. 

 

Is there a reason to think you'd do better in grad school than in undergrad? People that go on to PhD programs are almost exclusively excellent students.  Do you think you can do as well as them at being a student? While grad school is very different from undergrad, it's probably more like undergrad than a job. Given your undergrad grades, your comparative advantage may not lie in going to graduate school. 

 

Grad school also doesn't pay well.  You're basically wasting years where you could be making more money elsewhere while you're in school.  That may be a worthwhile investment if you want to pursue an academic career, but if you don't end up pursuing such a career (and especially if you don't earn the PhD) the years are wasted, financially-speaking.

 

That all being said, if you really want to go get a PhD from a decent program, you're going to need to do something else first.  I'd suggest applying to MA programs at schools with good political science departments.  Get good grades, write a good thesis (or do good independent research), and get political scientists to write you letters of recommendation. Since PhD admissions happen in the winter, you'll have to do a 2 year program to get good letters of recommendation and show improved grades.

Edited December 8, 2014 by Brandon263

[victorydance]

Ideally, you want a 3.5+ GPA and a 160/160+ GRE to make it that neither will get you cut automatically.