Getting into a good IR MA program

[mglevitt1]

<p>OK so i am a currently an undergrad at a CC but am transferring into a 4year. im looking at a number of schools like UC Berkeley, American University, George Washington, UCLA and i have a guarantee to UCSD. I have my eyes set on a MA in international relations (like Georgetown SFS or HYPS) and my main question is what types of things do those types of schools look for in a graduate student? Also, I know that UCSD is a fantastic school, especially for IR, but it is not recognized as a top school normally. If i don't get into any of the other schools that are more well respected, would going to UCSD be a big weight on my chances of getting into GT-SFS and HPYS graduate programs?</p>