Comparative Politics Chances?

[neonmeatte]

I graduated with a BA in Political Science (GPA 3.1) and am finishing up a Masters in International Relations (GPA 3.94). My GRE scores are just under 1300. I have three glowing recommendations and my statement of purpose was as good as possible (I had all three of my recommenders review it for me).

While working on my current degree I have published two journal articles, have two more under review and I am currently conducting field research in the Gaza Strip (four months total). I hope my publications and practical experience will indicate to admissions that I am a serious researcher (and eclipse my substandard GRE scores/undergraduate grades).

I have applied to the Comparative Politics doctoral programs at the following schools (listed from first choice to last choice):

UC Berkeley, UCLA, NYU, Rutgers, UCSD, UF, CUNY, UW

The last three schools on my list are back-up plans... I am really hoping for one of the top five. From what I have been reading on this site, it seems quite random at times...

So what do you think? Can I count on the fact that most applicants haven't done field research prior to applying?

[Minnesotan]

If, by UW, you mean UW-Madison, I'm not sure how you can call a public ivy a "backup." The Grad Center @ CUNY is pretty picky, as well, in most programs.

I dunno. Maybe you meant UWM, or the U-dub.

[neonmeatte]

No sorry... I meant University of Washington. And I only consider CUNY a fall-back because some of friends applied there and it was the one school to which they were all accepted (but in the end none of them chose to go there).

[Minnesotan]

Oh, okay. U-dub's a pretty good school in the humanities, but yeah, not Yale by any means.

[neonmeatte]

...yeah, one of my former advisers recommended their program as lesser, but still good. But among other reasons, I'm not so keen on ending up in the rainy Northwest. I have my fingers crossed for the others I mentioned.

I wish it were already March.

[Minnesotan]

Yeah. This is one of the few times in life, where I would be willing to just skip over about 5 months. I would have my thesis done and defended, and I would know where I'm going to be nextyear (and at least three years after that).

Oh, the waiting!

[neonmeatte]

One of my faculty contacts in the department at Berkeley has been helpful... He mentioned that he doesn't have real power to influence decisions, but would recommend that the committee closely review my file. Who knows if he really said anything, but one day later I received an email from the department asking if I could elaborate on my research interests for them.

Sounds hopeful!

[Minnesotan]

Yeah. Anytime they care enough to want more information, it's probably a good sign. =)