<p>Hey everyone. I was looking for some advice on applying to grad school. I am a Political Science major at Florida Atlantic University and I'm in my senior year. GPA is 3.75, taking my GRE in 2 weeks and I have been studying for it. I am on Obama's campaign staff for this coming election as an intern/fellow and I am currently working on an undergraduate thesis. I wanted to know what my chances are at getting into a pretty decent school for my Ph.D in Poli. Sci. I was thinking John Hopkins, George Washington, Emory, Georgetown.. Maybe Brown or U Penn?? My safety school is Florida International University but they are not very respected in the field and I don't want to limit myself to only a few if any opportunities although they will probably offer me a full ride... What do you guys think? Do I have a shot at the schools mentioned above?</p>
<p>What about American University? I heard they are good in Pol Sci</p>
<p>American looks like an ok school but not what I’m really looking for. I feel like if I get into American I might as well go to FIU. Thanks for the insight though</p>
<p>Even if AU and FIU were equal in all other respects–and I have no idea whether they are–I’d think that American would be more appealing to an aspiring political scientist because it’s in Washington, DC. Which is, after, where most of politics–or, at least, the sexiest part of politics–happens in this country. And where the most connections can be made.</p>
<p>That is a very valid point Sikorsky. However, I would rather be involved in academia as opposed to government. Therefore, I view AU & FIU as equal due to the placement records, admissions profiles, financial aid opportunities, etc…But getting back to the original question, do you guys think I have a decent shot at getting into the schools I mentioned earlier? Such as JHU, Georgetown, etc… Appreciate the insight guys thanks again!</p>
<p>Being on Obama’s campaign staff won’t help you much directly. Political science programs are social science-based research programs, and they will be primarily concerned with research experience. The campaign stuff will be interesting as far as fleshing out your personality, but it could possibly be detrimental to list it if 1) your potential professors have differing political views and 2) it makes you look like you don’t understand what political science is. You may mention that you interned for a presidential campaign on your CV or in supplemental materials, but I wouldn’t make it a focal point.</p>
<p>Which brings me to my next point - it’s virtually impossible to predict your chances of getting into PhD programs. First of all, you didn’t include enough information - we only have your GPA, and not your GRE scores (even projected), your research experience, publications, major GPA, what your letters of recommendation may look like (weak? strong? excellent?), etc. GPA is only one component of a holistic application process.</p>
<p>Second of all, even if you handed us your application there’d be no way of knowing, because the admissions process involves a lot of factors. You’re compared against other applicants and your research interests are compared to the program for “fit” factors. Even your personality may be considered in some programs; my field interviews, and if we don’t feel potential candidates will fit in with our lab we reject them because we don’t want them to be miserable here.</p>
<p>If you’re asking if your GPA is high enough to get admitted, then I say that it’s unlikely to keep you out anywhere. But other than that, no one can give you any useful information. I will say that I hope your undergraduate thesis is not the first formal research experience you have. Most competitive applicants will have at least 2-3 years of experience.</p>