Expert: Jay Cutts - 3/5/2009

Question
Hello, Jay.

I hold a Master's Degree in Global Affairs, with a concentration in terrorism and global security, from Rutgers University-Newark. My cumulative GPA was 3.9. I got a 1200 (640 V/560 Q/5.0 W) on my GREs. I taught as an adjunct professor of English Composition for one semester this last fall (I was an English major and Poli Sci minor as an undergrad); I've worked at a learning center teaching language arts for over three years; I've interned at a think tank for grad credit; I've also interned at my state assemblywoman's office; I've copyedited for my alma mater's academic journal for over a year; and I've also copyedited for a county-wide magazine; I got recommendations from two of the dean's of my grad program (one of whom got his PhD from Columbia; the other taught at Cambridge) and the dean of RU-N's political science department; I speak Portuguese fluently; and I've had an article published in an academic journal....

...I've already been rejected from NYU's Graduate School of Arts and Sciences PhD. in Politics program...what are my chances that the admission's decision letters I receive from Columbia and Georgetown will be any better?

(I am applying to poli sci programs, concentrating in political theory/international relations.)

Answer
Hi, Samuel.

I think you are asking for some feedback and wanting to know what could have gone wrong.

The primary criteria are undergrad GPA, GRE score and personal statement.  It's not clear whether your 3.9 is undergrad or masters GPA.  They will look only at undergrad, though they will consider that you have a masters and have done well in it.

Your GRE scores are good but perhaps borderline for these schools.  In the 700's in both areas would be more competitive.

I haven't seen your personal statement, so can't speak about it.  However, I very frequently see people who have good things to say and are good writers and have shown the personal statement to other good writers come up with a personal statement that is not going to be strong from the standpoint of the admissions committee.  The PS is very tricky.  For example, If you gave them basically an expanded version of what you have told me, you will have been off the mark in a critical way.

Finally, these schools are very competitive.  You may have been an excellent candidate in their eyes - along with 20 other people for one position.  (This is why the PS is so critical.)

Sometimes the only way around this is to take on a very specifically targeted research project on a cutting edge issue in your field.

It might be good for you to immediately contact NYU and ask them for feedback on your application.  Be careful not to convey a "so why didn't you accept me" attitude.  Rather, thank them for their time and ask if they could give you some feedback so that you can be more competitive next time.

Feel free to contact me directly.  My web address is http://www.cuttsreviews.com

I will be glad to look over your applications and strategize with you.  Not sure what can be done at this point but perhaps something can be or at least I can help you plan for the next round.

Best regards,

Jay Cutts
Cutts Graduate Reviews