<p>Hi,</p>
<p>I know I want to major in International Affairs. However, I have an odd case that I don't know what my best decision is.
I'm 15 years old and have been accepted into my in-state univesities like UA, ASU, and NAU. I'm homeschooled, but I've been taking college classes at the community colleges for two years now (we actually have good ones here). I'll be able to graduate in-state by the time I'm 18.
However, I also have the option of waiting the additional year and applying to out-of-state second tier schools like Tulane, GWU, Berkely, etc. If I stay, I'll still be applying a year early, and I have the following to support my app:
Outstanding letters of reccomendation
3.8 GPA
Current SAT score of 1870 (I plan to try again with ACT since I took it as a freshman)
Good extra-curriculars including president of my college student body.</p>
<p>If I want to apply to a grad school like Georgetown, GWU, Columbia, etc, what will be better for me? To graduate at 18 from an in-state school where I'm top of my class, which will also allow me a few years to get some work experience, or to wait a year and attend a more prestigious school? Also, do you think I could get accepted into a good second tier school with my record?</p>
<p>If you get your SAT scores up, I think you will be very competitive to great OOS schools like Tulane, Berkeley, etc...</p>
<p>My advice to you is to not rush everything. I would definitely take a year off and reassess your priorities... graduating from college at 18 is extremely young. The average age of someone who is entering SAIS is 27, and I'm sure its similar for Georgetown, GWU, SIPA, etc.</p>
<p>I agree with Welsh that taking the extra year would be beneficial. Most of the top International Affairs masters programs expect most applicants to have at least 2-5 years of work experience before applying, which may be hard for you to get if you graduate at 18 or 19. Having done some HR work myself, I know that I would be somewhat reluctant to hire an 18 or 19 year old for a professional position. That's not to say that you won't find a position, it just might take you longer to get your foot in the door.</p>
<p>Also, many International Affairs programs want applicants to have at least some international experience, as well. I would recommend spending at least part of the time before starting college overseas. There are any number of foreign exchange programs, work abroad programs, and volunteer abroad programs that you could surely take advantage of. That would also likely increase your likelihood of getting in to better school for undergrad and/or getting a better financial aid package. </p>
<p>Those are just my 2 cents as someone who just applied to international affairs grad schools.</p>