Profile evaluation and application suggestions?

[UngainlyFlamingo]

Hi everyone,

I've lurked on gradcafe for some time now, but with application season fast approaching, felt the need to finally post. I had planned to apply for US PhD programs this upcoming cycle, but am now having some reservations about whether I'd be a competitive candidate in the first place and if it might be worth it to postpone applying for another year. I've included my profile below, but all in all, it just seems to me like a generic, even dull application; I neither have considerable research experience nor are my BA or MA theses (one of which will likely serve as my writing sample) very original. If I were to take a gap year, I could potentially use that time for more research assistance work and hope that some sort of publication or conference presentation comes out from it. Given my current profile, would you suggest that I apply this cycle or wait until the next one? If the former, might you recommend some ways to potentially improve my application? I thought about contacting professors, but have received very conflicting advice about whether or not this is a useful practice.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Type of Undergrad Institution: Top 30 US university
Major(s)/Minor(s): BA in Political Science
Undergrad GPA: 3.91
Type of Grad: Top 10 UK university
Grad GPA: Distinction (translates into a 4.00)
GRE: V167, Q167, AW 5.0
Any Special Courses: Undergraduate course in statistics (A)
Letters of Recommendation: One from undergrad professor, two from grad professors
Research Experience: Undergraduate and masters theses, one year as a research assistant, presenter at a fairly large political science conference
Teaching Experience: Some private tutoring
Subfield/Research Interests: International political economy, global financial regulation, financialization in developing countries
Other: Undergraduate and graduate paper prizes

Edited August 14, 2016 by UngainlyFlamingo

[CarefreeWritingsontheWall]

Your profile is more competitive than mine was. You have a solid GRE, research experience, top notch GPAs. The key will be to convey your passion in your statement, and to have your LORs bolster your profile by speaking to your character and your work ethic. Also, since you've studied in both systems, be sure to market yourself towards the American system. They prioritize broader, cross-subfield training, whereas the British/European system can sometimes lead to a niched focus because degree lengths are shorter.