<p>Hello, I just came across this website and wanted to see what you may think of my chances of getting into these graduate schools to study Politics and International Studies/Affairs:</p>
<p>University of Oxford
London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)
University of Cambridge
Georgetown University
New York University (NYU)
Tufts
John Hopkins University</p>
<p>-I am originally from Iran and lived there for 8 years before coming to the US. Therefore, I can speak, read, and write in both Farsi and English.
-I graduated from Arizona State University with a GPA of 3.58.
-I have a BS in Political Science, a minor in History, and a Certificate in Religion and Conflict. </p>
<p>Is it even worth considering these schools? Thanks for any advice!
Let me know also if there is anything else that you may need to give me better advice. Thanks again!</p>
<p>I dont know too much about grad school but i do know that it is not terribly difficult to get into even the best of grad schools. Your college gpa is pretty good so id say yes its worth it. I think that it may be tough but doable. Make sure you got a couple safeties too. Good luck!</p>
<p>I have worked since I turned 16, but at places like Sports Chalet, Wal-Mart, and currently at Knockout Fitness where I teach Mixed Martial Arts. So I am assuming that those are not what they are looking for…??
No research unfortunately.</p>
<p>International Affairs programs often look for 2-5 years of work experience - something related to international affairs and/or politics in some way, although that’s usually interpreted broadly. The schools you are applying to are all very competitive programs, and most successful applicants will have had at least 2 years of work experience before applying. So if you are applying straight from undergrad (or without any work experience in the field) you are at a disadvantage.</p>
<p>Your GPA is good and should pose no problems, but there are other factors involved:</p>
<p>-GRE scores. You want them to be above-average. I would say aim for at least the 60th percentile in both sections. Some of these schools’ websites may have the middle 50% or 80% of GRE scores for accepted applicants.</p>
<p>-Given that you have no work experience, do you have any other internship or leadership/activity experience that may mkae you more competitive? I’m talking about summer internships related to IA and politics; or activities like student government, Model UN, community service and activism organizations, that kind of thing. If you have no work experience AND no internship experience, your chances are slim. In my personal experience, the few outstanding undergraduates who get admitted to IA/IS programs straight from undergrad were very active on their campuses and had 1-2 summer internships, and sometimes a term-time internship, at some politically or internationally related organization.</p>
<p>-Other things that will factor in are letters and statement. Your LoRs should not only talk about your potential to succeed academically, but your potential to succeed professionally in IA/IS/politics. Your statement should be clear and focused and explain why you want to go to school for this; it needs to be especially compelling given your lack of experience.</p>