Harvard Gov - Apply from UW or Chicago?

Graduate School
1

<p>Hi!</p>

<p>I have a bit of a dilemma. I wish to apply to Harvard’s Government dept for graduate school. I am a sophomore at University of Washington, but I have junior standing (because of an IB Diploma, though–not community college), i.e. I could apply to grad school this Fall (in my third year)</p>

<p>However, I am also strongly considering transferring to U of Chicago next year. There, I would have two more years. I would really prefer to stay at UW (money reasons, for one) and graduate early, but I am afraid it will jeopardize my chances because
(1) I am both applying in my third year and
(2) because it’s from a third-tier state school.</p>

<p>If I applied out of UW next fall, I would have about 3.9 GPA (3.93ish in poli sci) with Phi Beta Kappa, GREs likely 1500+, dept honors, 3 grad courses and one in progress, one published article (co-authored with a prof) and likely researching at National Bureau of Asian Research. In the Fall, I would be writing my thesis, and probably working on an original paper and trying to organize a panel for the 07 APSA Conference. I have a very clear sense of purpose and have read a whole lot in International Relations literature. I know four languages, but I don’t know if that matters. I’d visit Harvard’s program, maybe e-mail some people I want to work with, etc. From my painful transfer ap prep, I have crap like debate (elims at 06 Nationals), Model UN conference organizing/chairing, tutoring English and Student Gov left, but that’s probably useless now. I could get a lady who was the prez of the Am Poli Sci Assoc 04-05, went to Harvard, and knows some faculty there to write me an excellent rec. I suppose I could try to play the precotious card to justify applying in my third year.</p>

<p>Anyway, knowing how tough Harvard is, can I make it or should I go to Chicago, build a better application, cash in on the name, the rigor, additional research, and the famous recommeders, and apply in my fourth year? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks a lot!</p>

2

<p>I would stay where you’re at. Chicago is a more prestigious name, but it’ll probably hurt your GPA, as Chicago grades pretty tough. Why risk it? As it is, you have excellent work to put on your app. You aren;t the only person to apply after 3 years of undergrad, and many are successful. If not, you can always do the 1-year masters in social science at Chicago or another post-bac at another school, or you can spend a year getting a relevant job.</p>

<p>One thing to consider is what part of government you’re interested in. Are you taking poli sci, or IR, or…? Some areas and schools prefer their candidates have some work experience. As you have several languages, you may want to take a year and work overseas. There are a lot of options, but I don’t think transferring at this point is your best one.</p>

3

<p>Thanks a lot!</p>

<p>To answer your question, I’m interested in IR. I want to study Chinese foreign policy with Iain Johnston.</p>

4

<p>Chicago has a highly regarded one year MA in International Relations, too. So that’s another option. The MA in SS at Chicago is pretty flexible - you basically take whatever grad classes you want and devise your own program. I would apply for the PhD program at Harvard (and maybe a few more that you’re interested in), the MA at Chicago, and also keep abreast of some job options in your field. That way you have enough flexibility you’re not caught scrambling if Harvard doesn’t work out, and you’re doing productive work that will help you no matter what.</p>

5

<p>I entering the program at Chicago for an MA in International Relations this fall. The courses are really flexible, I can take classes in all different departments and apply them to my degree. I think it’s fabulous. So I think DespSeekPhd has it right.
Also, I just graduated in three years and think it was a great decision. However, sometimes graduate schools, especially in IR or government, prefer people who have post-graduate experience so either doing an MA elsewhere or just working could really help your chances. The precocious card doesn’t really work in my experience. You could apply to Harvard this year, as well to other schools, and if you don’t get in then do something else and reapply.</p>

6

<p>Josephine, what kind of funding are you getting at CIR? How much does it cost, anyway?</p>

7

<p>Somnambulist,</p>

<p>Quick question: Do you have a particular reason that you’re interested in Harvard’s program, or is it just the name? What are your goals with the degree in the long term?</p>

8

<p>

</p>

<p>Excellent program. </p>

<p>I’m wont to say that any of the programs that are members of APSIA are also good options to consider. If your area of interest is (Northeast) Asia, then consider SAIS, Columbia SIPA, UCSD IR/PS (yes, I know I’m a shill), and KSG as well.</p>

9

<p>Somnambulist, CIR costs about the same as another year of college, so it isn’t cheap. I am getting a pretty decent scholarship but it is not close to full tuition, I will have to take a lot of loans. But since I saved the money from a year of college and I need the MA for my proposed career path, I think it is worth it.
I would say that, as UCLAri said it might be worth looking at other programs too. However, the reason CIR was suggested is it is shorter and more flexible then most of these other programs. Plus, SAIS and SIPA, among others, usually want outside experience. That’s why I didn’t apply to those.</p>

10

<p>

</p>

<p>Yes, this is true. SAIS, SIPA, KSG, IR/PS, and pretty much all of the top 10 IR programs want at least 2-3 years of work experience.</p>

<p>But I think that an exceptional applicant with strong scores and internship experience can overcome that.</p>