<p>I was just wondering if anyone out there is either in or considering a program in either Japanese language or literature. If so where, why, and what are your impressions? What kind of job do you eventually hope to land (i.e. academic, etc.)? Thanks, and 頑張って！</p>
<p>I'm not doing Japanese language or lit., but I'll be picking up the Nihongo textbooks again in September at UCSD IR/PS.</p>
<p>Career? What's that? :p</p>
<p>Hi UCLAri, was browsing through the forums and realized that you are enrolled in UCSD IR/PS this year! That's Excellent! UCSD is my dream school and i'm really interested in doing East Asian economic growth and development.</p>
<p>So how do you like it? It is really difficult to get in? </p>
<p>Actually, i'm an international student and is in the midst of looking through the schools to apply to but nothing else comes even close to UCSD at this point. Mind sharing a few pointers?</p>
<p>Hear from you soon.</p>
<p>Cheers,
Shawlin</p>
<p>I'm not, but I've watched way too much anime :D.</p>
<p>/don't ever think watching/liking anime is sufficient motivation to study japanese</p>
<p>ChimesS,</p>
<p>Are you interested in UCSD IR/PS or UCSD grad or UCSD undergrad?</p>
<p>I can't answer much about UCSD undergrad, but I do know IR/PS.</p>
<p>Admissions is fairly competitive, but the applicant pool seems pretty self-selective and drawn to the program. Average GRE is high (90th percentile +) and average GPA is good. Work experience is very important.</p>
<p>So far I love the program, and I think it's great preparation for many careers. </p>
<p>Any other questions? :)</p>
<p>Hi UCLAri, thanks for your reply! I'm interested in the graduate program. I graduated in 2004 with a BAchelor in Business Administration. Right now, i've about 2 years of experience in the media industry as a journalist for Sports Business in Hong Kong. Have been interested in Political Science and especially in political economy, international relations and comparative studies for a long time. IR/PS is my dream school due to my bona fide interest in East Asian affairs, particularly China and Japan. Honestly, i'll be really disappointed if i don't get into UCSD. (My GRE is 600-verbal and 780-quan, is that ok?) I've tried my best, juggling heavy work commitment and studying for the exam. <em>Grins - lousy excuse i know</em></p>
<p>Btw, seems like you are really the "expert" in poli sci and admission matters from all your replies in the forum! :) Do you have any other recommendations on any schools dealing with the Pacific Rim? Oh yah, are you enrolled in the Masters or PhD program?</p>
<p>Hear from you soon.</p>
<p>*PS: you can email me at <a href="mailto:slchaw@yahoo.com">slchaw@yahoo.com</a> too!</p>
<p>ChimesS,</p>
<p>Are you a native speaker? If not, your GRE score is great. If so, the verbal is a TAD low, but not low enough that I'd worry. Depending on your GPA, I think that you have a great shot.</p>
<p>Unfortunately, IR/PS is the only really dedicated Pacific Rim school, but I'd look at Monterey, SAIS and SIPA as well.</p>
<p>Here's the tricky situation. I'm in International student but i did speak English growing up. 600 is indeed worrying but i'm not keen on taking it again. </p>
<p>Oh btw, how many schools did you apply to in the last round?</p>
<p>ChimesS,</p>
<p>You're still well-within the range for an international. You should be fine. </p>
<p>I applied to 6 schools for my MA.</p>