<p>Please Evaluate: 2009 Applicant
I have recently taken the GRE and am currently looking for phd programmes to apply to. As I am not American, and have not studied in America before, i really have no idea of what my chances are.
i have a BA in philosophy and english (Joint major), and an MA in philosophy from what I assume to be an unknown irish university. My MA thesis was on Habermas's use of the ideal speech situation in his theory of deliberative democracy, and I would like to major in political theory if i can get accepted to a decent grad school.
My university does not have GPA but when my results are translated, I assume I'll have something around the 3.5-3.8 mark.
My writing sample will be good, as I plan on reworking my thesis, to make it shorter.
My letters of recommendation will be strong, but won't be from anyone well known. Nor will they be from anyone working in a political science department. They will either be from three philosophers, or two philosophers and one english professor (who has previously given me a glowing review).
I got 660 V and 710 Q on the GRE. Haven't got the essay results back yet.</p>
<p>I plan on applying to Georgetown, Hopkins and UMd. What are my chances here?? Also, are any particularly strong for political theory? I know they all have an interest in theory (I've dismissed AU, GWU and GM as they don't have an interest in theory, as far as I can see from their website).</p>
<p>Also, is everyone on the same page here with pol sci rankings? I assume that people are referring to the Simon hix article, from Political Studies? <a href="http://www.politicalstudies.org/pdf/psr/hix.pdf%5B/url%5D">http://www.politicalstudies.org/pdf/psr/hix.pdf</a></p>
<p>So, what do you think? Any chance of a top fifty school? Any help or advice greatly appreciated. Thanks!</p>