Political science at University of Toronto, etc.

<p>I'm a junior beginning to explore graduate programs in political science. I'm particularly interested in schools with good political theory/history of political thought concentrations. Does anyone know about or have any experience with political theory at Toronto? How selective is the program? Are american students at an advantage or disadvantage in the admissions process?</p>

<p>I attend St. John's College and will graduate with a double major in philosophy and history of math and science, and a double minor in comparative literature and classics. I currently have a 3.8. I'm close with several professors who should be able to write good recs. Also, I've been a part of a political philosophy study group with two professors for the last two years. Haven't taken GRE's and, from what I understand, they aren't required at toronto. What can I do to make myself a more attractive candidate? Should I try to make a connection with potential thesis advisers?</p>

<p>I'm also considering the programs at Boston College, UT Austin, and at the Claremont Graduate University. Any other schools that I should consider for political theory? Thanks.</p>

<p>I think as an international student, you are at a disadvantage because of funding (as I am, applying to US schools from Canada). I don’t know to what extent though and certainly don’t let that stand in the way of applying. </p>

<p>I am not in PolSci, but I would suggest definitely contact advisors (maybe September next year, if you are applying next year). Again, I’m not sure how polsci works, but I don’t think contacting profs is ever a bad idea. You never know if they are going on a sabbatical, not accepting students, etc. Canadian schools tend not to care about GREs except for select few programs. I would think taking polsci courses would make you more attractive, but I’m speculating.</p>

<p>Thanks for the response. Yeah it’s sort of complicated, even though my degree isn’t in political science, political philosophy is a major part of the philosophy component of my major. Hopefully the course descriptions that will be sent out with my transcript will make clear to the admissions committee that I am, in fact, somewhat prepared to undertake graduate work in this field.</p>

<p>There’s no disadvantage to being an applicant from the US, and the great books training at St. John’s will put you in good shape for admission without the political science courses on the transcript.</p>

<p>Remember that you’re not applying to work with a particular professor, but to a department - no need to contact people on the faculty unless you have a specific question.</p>

<p>And for history of political thought kind of work, you might also want to look at some of the higher ranked departments like Harvard, Yale, Chicago, or Magill.</p>

<p>Anyone able to comment on the relative selectivity of the programs I listed above? Thanks again.</p>