<p>Hey there.</p>
<p>So, I'm about to graduate with an M.A. in Government (focus on American Government) at a well-regarded school. It was a terminal M.A. program, for the record - so I didn't just get the diet degree because I couldn't hack the full-calorie PhD :).</p>
<p>Anyway, I know this is a broad series of questions, but I'm looking for some general advice. I have a 2-3 year Presidential Management Fellowship beginning soon. After that, I'm seriously considering going for a doctorate in political science. My main area of interest is media and politics, but I'm also interested in political sociology and American political development.</p>
<p>With these particular interests, which schools should I be looking at? Reaches? Safeties? Etc? Any advice on what I can do over the next couple years to strengthen my chances of admission at a great program? Should I take the GRE again? ( don't really see why not; I have a few <em>years</em> to study, and I know I've expanded my vocabulary dramatically in grad school.)</p>
<p>Basic academic info:</p>
<p>GRE - V:660 M:750 W:6
MA GPA: 4.0
UG GPA: 3.95, summa cum laude (Tier 1 school)
Recs should be strong, especially if I make sure to stay in touch with my professors over the next couple years, and I have several solid writing samples.
Other things: Presidential Management Fellow. Passed M.A. comprehensive with distinction. Working on getting a streamlined version of my master's thesis published at a magazine (though not a journal). Several media internships under my belt.</p>