Preparing for Graduate School in Political Science

General Resources

Learn more about the discipline of Political Science

Search for graduate programs in:

• Political Science
• Political Theory
• International Relations
• Public Administration
• Public Policy
• Urban Planning
• Government
• Public Affairs

Association of Professional Schools of International Affairs

Learn about, and register for, the GRE

Tips for asking for Letters of Recommendation:

• Ask for recommendations from professors who know your work very well. 
• Give your recommender plenty of time!  Don't wait until the deadline for your application is near.  You should know by the middle of the first semester (October-November) the list of schools to which you are applying. One or two weeks notice is not enough time so plan months in advance.  Remember that you are not the only person applying to grad school this year.
• Provide the professor with everything they need to write a complete letter.  When you provide the letter of recommendation form (make sure this is signed!), also provide a description of the program to which you are applying, a resume, your writing sample and/or personal statement, an unofficial copy of your transcript, and papers from the classes taught by the professor.  And give us all of this at the same time!  This will help ensure a more complete, well rounded letter.