Political Theory Applicant - What are my chances?

[Canadianpolsci]

BA Toronto. MA overseas

GRE: verbal 700 (97%) math 710 (74%) writing 6/6

One published article in a journal in my field. A number of undergraduate and graduate awards.

Applying to study political theory at:

Harvard

Yale

Duke

Princeton

Columbia

What are my chances at each school? What kind of reputation does the Unversity of Toronto have among Americans? How hard is Columbia to get into for political theory specifically?

[Minnesotan]

Being an American ex-pat studying in Toronto, now, I can tell you that UofT has the best overall reputation out of Canadian schools. Normally I think it's treated like a little brother of the Ivy Leagues, or like a large Midwestern Research I.

People in fields where Canadian schools have a strong presence might have a better idea about other big Canadian schools - UBC, York, McGill, etc. - but it seems like UofT is very well-known among the people I talk to in The States (mainly in arts/humanities disciplines).

You've probably got a fighting chance at any of those schools. It all probably hinges on fit, making sure you have a potential advisor to fight for you, and making sure your supporting materials look polished.

It never hurts to apply to some mid-level programs for backups, though.