Should I apply to graduate schools, and where?

Graduate School
1

<p>Hello,</p>

<p>I will try to be as detailed as possible below, but here is the basic information:
-Expected Undergraduate GPA: 3.2, with a strong, late upswing
-GRE: Not taken.</p>

<p>Now for the details:
I am interested in applying for graduate school for either an MA or PhD program in political science with the intention of either working in a think tank or as a university professor. My undergraduate GPA is a 3.1 but it should be a 3.2 by the time I graduate this year in June. I will graduate with a major in political science and a major in sociology from the University of California, Irvine. I will also have a minor in conflict resolution.</p>

<p>My GPA is quite low because I did not do well during my first 3 years (I went into my 4th year with a 2.5). My brother had several brain surgeries during those years, which was certainly disturbing, but it was mostly my lack of work ethic that kept my grades low. In the 4th year I encountered a teacher who motivated me, and my brother's brain surgeries ended. In the 5 quarters since then, I have had a 4.0/4.0 at 18-20 units per quarter (except for summer, where I took 8 per quarter, which is the maximum allowed, and got a 4.0). Several professors have since told me they will write me GREAT letters of recommendation for whatever I choose to pursue. One of my professors has included me in his research, and I should be co-authoring a paper with him soon. </p>

<p>It is also important to note that I will be applying this fall for 2011 entry. Before then, I will be teaching English in Japan, China, or Korea while learning the local language at night and in general. I worked about 30 hours a week at a book store during my second and third year of college(before the grade improvement). I also hope to get an internship and/or a job this summer while studying for the GRE before leaving to teach abroad.</p>

<p>Finally, my interests include East Asian affairs with an emphasis on Korea. I also have an interest in the political effects of the changing global environment - especially in the Arctic and in East Asia.</p>

<p>I am well aware that, given the circumstances, my GRE score will be essential for determining my chances. Still, I appreciate any guidance or advice that anyone has to offer.</p>

<p>Again, my main question (as seen in the post's title) is "Should I apply to graduate schools, and where?"</p>

<p>Thank you.</p>

2

<p>Bump. Thanks in advance.</p>

3

<p>Should you apply? I mean, that’s such a nebulous question. Many people are able to come back from lower GPAs and do very well in PhD programs - some go straight into PhD programs if they can show that their grades within their major field of study were strong or that their junior and senior year grades were strong. GREs are only to get your foot in the door; score above a 1200 and you should be fine. Your research experience is going to be kind of what your admission hinges upon; hopefully it’s solid.</p>

<p>Your teaching abroad in East Asia will have almost nothing to do with your admission to the program - the only plus will be the language learning. The book store job will mean nothing, and the internship you plan to get this summer will only help if you’re doing political science research or related work, which I doubt applying this late in the season.</p>

<p>If you want to get an MA or a PhD in political science the only way to get one is to apply to some programs, so you should apply. If you do apply for PhD programs next round include some MA program applications in your survey to increase your chances of admission to a program.</p>

<p>I’m not a political scientist so I can’t comment on where you should apply.</p>