<p>I'm looking for some advice about seeking a PhD in political science. I'm currently an undergrad (4th semester). I've found that as I've taken more upper level PSC courses, I've started to like political science for it's own sake and I am leaning heavily towards pursuing a PhD in the field. </p>
<p>I go to an above average but not absolutely stellar school (hovering around top 50 if you believe in rankings like that). </p>
<p>GPA: 3.89
Major GPA: 3.9
Not taken GRE</p>
<p>Have no publications or anything of the sort. However I am only just starting my fourth semester. Have 4.5 more to go. I am working as a research assistant for one of the professors in the PSC department; but that's about it in terms of experience. </p>
<p>Just trying to get some preliminary information. If I decide this is for me, I would like to try and go for it straight out of undergrad. I've heard that sometimes if you go for an MA first, you end up having to repeat some of the same graduate courses again in the first half of the PhD program. Though, of course I am open to taking that route if it's the better way. </p>
<p>I suppose I just want to ask: What should I be doing as an undergrad that I'm not currently? When should I start preparing for the GRE? Any other relevant advice is highly appreciated.</p>
<p>I would say that you are on the right track. I would definitely start studying for your GREs if you have the time. Also, if available, I would do a undergraduate thesis. Grad schools love seeing that. Good luck.</p>
<p>Consider adding a few internships on top of the research assistant job, especially over the summer, or think about doing (probably unpaid) internships long-distance (for instance, writing reports or fishing out info about events, etc.) for other profs or think-tanks who are willing to let undergrads do some elementary analysis.</p>
<p>Consider double-majoring in stats as well or at least taking a stat minor. From what I hear, quant analysis is “in” right now.</p>
<p>Definitely do an undergrad thesis!</p>
<p>As I’m not a poli sci major, it’s hard for me to give specific advice, especially since I have no idea which branch of poli sci you are interested in. (Obviously, if you are interested in something like US-China relations, you’ll need to learn Chinese, etc.) But do try to ask some of your profs or advisors about how they think you should proceed. They will be more helpful.</p>
<p>Quant analysis is definitely in right now - so if you are interested in that, you may even want to take the calculus sequence and/or take some higher level statistics courses.</p>
<p>Thanks. Definitely going to do an undergrad thesis. </p>
<p>I am somewhat torn on whether to add in some STAT courses. I have a lot of skills that I need to build outside my major. I’m leaning towards the comparative politics field, and I’ve heard that American Politics is usually what becomes more quantitative (but I recognize STAT is quite valuable in any social science field). </p>
<p>Problem is that I don’t have any modern foreign language ability, which is important given that I take an interest in comparative politics and Europe. Planning to take 4 semesters of language classes and hopefully get myself to intermediate ability by graduation (leaning towards German but still considering). </p>
<p>Some have strongly suggested that I also take ECON courses, and I would like to do so anyway. Will likely take micro and then macro next year. </p>
<p>With all this in mind, and all the other general requirements I need to fulfill (not to mention honors program requirements bogging me down as well, beginning to think the program wasn’t entirely worth it) I don’t believe I will be able to fit in a statistics minor. Probably looking at 1-2 additional courses to the one I’ve taken. </p>
<p>As for internships, I’ve struggled to find/get offered any significant ones and also to balance it with work (as most internships are unpaid these days and I need a source of income). This is despite the fact that I am in DC and there are think tanks all over the place. However, I am looking for something to do this summer so hopefully I will find something. What is a good place to look for these long-distance ones?</p>
<p>So, I’ve sent in applications to a number of think tanks here in DC (for summer positions). I do think it’s rather unlikely that I will land one, given that DC is swamped with think-tank applications during the summer and I’ve heard from a number of sources that they highly prefer rising seniors (I will be a rising junior). Nonetheless trying to remain optimistic. </p>
<p>I’m trying to look for alternative things that I can do during the summer to further myself academically. Really don’t want to just limit myself to working the full-time summer retail job for near minimum-wage again. </p>
<p>I would definitely focus on finding something, even if its unpaid. What is your interest? (Mainly, what do you want to study in grad school?) Not sure if I caught it. If you can’t grab nothing, focus on your language skills. You have no idea how important that is. I personally don’t take a scholar seriously if they are a eastern Asian expert and aren’t proficient in one or two eastern Asian language.</p>