<p>Hello all,</p>
<p>I'm interested in applying for PhD programs in political science for a 2013 intake. Thus, I have a solid year ahead of me to prepare and I seek advice from the experienced members on this forum.</p>
<p>I recently encountered a problem... I was going to do a one-year international security master's that would have been completed before fall 2013. I wanted to do this program to shore up my lack of research experience and relatively low GPA as undergraduate.</p>
<p>Long story short, there was a complication with in-state tuition status and I cannot attend this program.</p>
<p>So what am I left to do now? Should I look for as many research internships as possible? Am I well beyond the pack now in terms of acceptance into top 20 programs?</p>
<p>Undergraduate Degree: Near Eastern Studies (Arabic language and lit.)
Undergraduate GPA: 3.2 accumulative / 3.9 major GPA
Overseas experience: 3+ years living in MENA (fluent in Arabic)
Research interests: Middle East politics, terrorism, homeland security
No publications or research experience as of yet...
GRE: 700V 700Q 5W</p>
<p>Your help is much appreciated as I go forward from here!</p>