<p>Not to write it again I will use exactly what I used to describe myself in a previous post. </p>
<p>I am a freshman in Philosophy in Turkey at Bilkent University (<a href="http://www.bilkent.edu.tr)%5B/url%5D">www.bilkent.edu.tr)</a>. Planning on studying Political Philosophy and still trying to transfer to a more credible major like Political Science or IR.</p>
<p>I have dream ECs, chief journalist in school newspaper, publishing an academic review from ground zero and stuff. Great recs too if needed. I am in the top three for my major with a GPA around 3.7. </p>
<p>I am actually shooting for the top schools. HYP and stuff. Will definitely go grad but may shoot for law school, too. </p>
<p>I know that GREs and LSATs matter and I am working my backs of for an almost perfect score. I don't think I would have any problem regarding the extra stuff: Essays, ECs, recs. They can even turn out to be my hooks. </p>
<p>What would you recommend for a Philosophy/Political Science major with the targets aforementioned. I am trying to snap some fancy internships too but all of my knowledge and vision is vague. I know that it may seem quite early to feel concerned about such stuff but he who starts first ends first, right. And we are talking about HYP in here. Not Quinnipiac State kind of thing. And these schools, their name stands for toughness globally. =) </p>
<p>3) A 3.7 is about average for HYPS class grad schools. LORs, research and SOP will be important in making you stand out. Don't sweat the GRE - it is nowhere near as important to grad admissions as the LSAT is for law.</p>
<p>Finally, and this cannot be repeated too often: The Ivies are not necessarily the best schools. Talk to your professors about where you can realistically expect to be admitted given your undergrad institution and background. </p>
<p>And... relax, get good grades, and forget about this stuff for another two years!</p>
<p>Thanks WilliamC. I have a few things to ask. First of all, what are LORs and SOPs? It's probably some grad jargon but they are totally Hebrew to me. </p>
<p>And secondly, I wasn't actually hoping for HYP law but for their normal grad schools. I am studying Polsci/Phil and in my area HYP is among the best. 3 of the Top 4 is HYP and the other one is Stanford =) </p>
<p>Do you think that it still is not realistic to think about HYP Grads. </p>
<p>Btw, for law and I am not even sure if I'll do law but I was thinking NYU, Georgetown, Michigan, Northwestern, Virginia and Chicago. Either them or none probably. Above them too hard of a reach except for them, nothing gets on my feet. </p>
<p>The real problem with grad school admissions "chances" is that even for the same person, they change from year to year depending on the applicant pool true, but more important on the availability and interest of advisors. </p>
<p>Professor X will have a better informed opinion, but my limited understanding is that at the top schools you can assume that:</p>
<p>1) Effectively all the applicants will be at least your equal in GPA, test scores, and preparation
2) Nearly all will have excellent, highly focused SOPs</p>
<p>The difference comes down to your LORs and the advisors who will be available and interested when you need one. </p>
<p>Fortunately, you have plenty of time to develop relationships with the most likely LOR writers at your school. Ideally you want them to have been to programs like the ones you're applying to so they can speak directly to your preparation and ability in such a program. </p>
<p>Finally, be sure to keep in mind that these are programs that admit a very small number of applicants each year. Harvard's Philosophy program "typically expects an entering class of five to eight students. We receive upwards of 200 applications each year." That's about a 5-8% admit rate (since not everyone admitted will enroll). </p>