applying for MA in int. development

Applying to College
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<p>I'm applying for masters in international development, this is directly an INT DEV degree, sometimes an MPA/MPP with concentration in Int. Dev. depending on school. </p>

<p>I have an unusual application and I'm wondering how competitive it is. </p>

<p>I have a 3.18 GPA with dual degree in Middle Eastern Studies and Economics from a top 10 public university, plus 3 years of work experience based in Turkey as a project manager doing research in conflict areas in the middle east. I speak Arabic, Turkish, Farsi (and decent French.) In undergrad, my quant/statistics grades were not great, B's, but I apply these skills in work with analyzing data, creating databases, and doing other statistics work. I have recommendations to back this all up. My GRE is 170V/160M/4.0W, I took the GRE 2 years ago also and had 690V/750M/4.5 W so if the schools took the best scores, I would be something like 170V/165M/4.5W.</p>

<p>Am I a strong candidate or do my somewhat low grades 5 years ago doom me? I would really appreciate advice ....</p>

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<p>You are on the wrong forum. This is largely for undergraduates. However, I did an MPP degree at the Kennedy School. The reality is that it depends on where you want to go. Your GPA is significantly below the range for the “biggies”: Harvard, Princeton, Columbia, SAIS and Georgetown. However, as you note your post-university may mitigate for this. It really depends on what you have been doing. Is it for an international development agency? Can you get great recommendations from World Bank or UN staff? These things could make a difference. That could, and would, make a difference.</p>