I am apoogizing ahead of time, this is a repost from the Econ PhD forum, but I decided to post in both forums because I am considering the possibility of both programs (though I'd think my app would be less mainstream for Polisci)

Currently a rising junior undergrad (I know its early, trying to think ahead) at a top 30/40 University with a top 10-20 Polisci Phd department. Double Majoring in Econ and either Applied Math or Statistics, with a Minor in IR. 3.84 GPA, 3.88 Econ GPA, 3.65 Math Stats GPA, 4.0 Polisci/IR GPA. I will have a faculty sponsored undergrad research project in economics under my belt by the time I graduate. And am considering working as a reserach assistant for credit in the Polisci department.

But here's the deal: I am also in the Navy ROTC program and will serve as an officer in the navy upon graduating for at least 5 years. I might change my mind in that time; I honestly don't know how long I want to be in the navy, and if I get out what exactly I want to do. However, getting a Polisci PhD is definitely on my radar for after the Navy. I'm posting here to see if this could actually be a real possibility. How likely is it that with my stats I can get into a decent Polisci PhD program after serving in the navy? Is 27 too old to get a Phd from a good program? What about 30/31? The reason why I am asking this now because the answers I get will influence what courses i take next year--if I have a shot it might be worth taking more polisci classes since right now I don't have that much depth. It miiight also have a small impact on where I decide to go into after graduation (ie aviation requires 8 years of service as opposed to the typical 5). Also need to know so I can ask professors to write recs to be used later..or should I not do that---would it be better to get a masters in IR/Public Policy/International Econ first to have a more solid background in Polici/IR? I may be able to get a masters while serving (it depends)