International Affairs programs

<p>Here are my stats. I’m looking to transfer for Fall ’08, and I’m an International Affairs major. I have a 3.7 GPA thus far, and my high school grades weren’t very good. Aside from George Washington University, and American, what other schools with STRONG IA programs should I look to transfer to? Keep in mind my high school/SAT scores weren’t the least bit stellar.</p>

<p>I've had the same question for about a week now.... hopefully someone knows.</p>

<p>I guess this is a good time to BUMP this thread...</p>

<p>georgetown..</p>

<p>the problem is that you seem to want the best but admit you can't get there so no one else knows you anymore than you do
of course georgetown is great and i have heard of a few instances where people did bad in hs and then did good in college and transferred there so thats good news
how about uchicago and i think ive seen you talk about hopkins</p>

<p>I've heard that Loyola University in Chicago has a pretty good International Relations major. Great city, too, which is a plus! I'm actually thinking about applying there for business.</p>

<p>Well, my SAT scores are horrible. UChicago is an impossibility. I only have a couple of reach schools, one being Brown because my psychology professor REALLY wants me to apply. She knows a lot of people in her family who go there and she thinks that it's a perfect fit for someone like me.</p>

<p>I have a lot to offer. I mean, aside from doing well (so far) in college, I'm Middle-Eastern, I grew up in near poverty, and I have a BIG physical disability. So I think that should make for a great essay, no?</p>

<p>Should I really even bother Georgetown? It's my favorite University in DC, but I just don't think they'll ever get passed my SAT scores. Not to mention the fact that I have a learning disability in math.</p>

<p>Hey, but what can u do with an international affairs degree anyway??? I mean, I truly love and am interested in politics, but I don't think it will secure my future. What can I do with an IA degree? Where can I work at?</p>

<p>Well, for me personally I plan on going to law school and continue on that with focusing on international law. With that, you can work for big corporate firms that deal with overseas things. Aside from that, it'll truly help you understand the world better. </p>

<p>I mean, sure there aren't many professional jobs you can get with that degree, unless you're going to grad school.</p>

<p>I do plan on going to grad school, but you said like "doeal with overseas things." WHAT DO U MEAN BY THAT? Can u please explain with details. I just want to understand something that I'am truly interested in. Is there any profession that you want to do sometimes in your life. I mean, like what do u want to do...It's okay if you don't know, that's why u go to GRAD SCHOOL. I just want to FULLY UNDERSTAND what the IA degree will lead to exactly. Thank you!</p>

<p>Well, for example. Let's say you're a lawyer who works for an international type firm that ships things across the ocean. Let's say the company's ship crashes into another ship in the middle of the ocean. Well, how do you determine who's fault it is and who pays for what? Or, basically, take a look at the Saddam Husain case. He had quite a few notable American lawyers on his team, and they all deal with things like that. </p>

<p>Or, let's take a look at another case. Ever heard of extraordinary rendition? Let's say you're a Canadian and you get seized at an Airport by the CIA who claim that you're a terrorist. Then they send you to another country where you're tortured for years, and then one day, they finally determine that you're innocent. Well, now you want to sue the United States Government, only, who's to blame, and how can you fight their arguements that since you were in a different country you can't sue America. And since you're not an American citizen, you were denied a lawyer when you were first captured.</p>

<p>That's what international lawyers do, and that's why the IA major is a good pre-law major! I hope that helps.</p>

<p>After a little searching I've found that Foreign Policy Journal published a list of the universities with the best international relations programs. They are as follows:</p>

<p>Top 10 International Relations Schools for Academic Careers: </p>

<ol>
<li>Harvard University </li>
<li>Columbia University </li>
<li>Stanford University </li>
<li>Princeton University </li>
<li>University of Chicago </li>
<li>Yale University </li>
<li>University of Michigan </li>
<li>University of California, Berkeley </li>
<li>University of California, San Diego </li>
<li>Cornell University </li>
</ol>

<p>Top 10 International Relations Schools for Policy Careers: </p>

<ol>
<li>Johns Hopkins University </li>
<li>Georgetown University </li>
<li>Harvard University </li>
<li>Tufts University </li>
<li>Columbia University </li>
<li>Princeton University </li>
<li>George Washington University </li>
<li>American University </li>
<li>Syracuse University </li>
<li>University of California, San Diego</li>
</ol>

<p>95% of those schools I have no chance of getting into. Of all those listed, I may apply to 3 tops. And those 3 are all reaches.</p>

<p>Trust me, with enough compassion and a great life story (after looking at your previous post I'm sure you've got a moving tale to tell) you can do wonders. There's really no such thing as having "no chance" until you apply and find out, as corny as it sounds. Make it happen! ^^</p>

<p>I will try my best! How about you, which one of those will you be looking to apply to?</p>

<p>Tufts and Georgetown have great undergraduate programs. American and GWU are good too, but less selective. Pomona, Macalester are also notable.</p>

<p>I'm not exactly sure...I've been going through the list and narrowing things down based on environment, campus population size, etc....</p>

<p>My high school grades and test scores were somewhat lukewarm, I'd a 3.5UW. Now after four quarters at a state college, I have a 3.95...hopefully I've a shot in somewhere--even if it means retaking a few subject tests.</p>

<p>Wow, that's pretty impressive! I'm SURE you'll get in somewhere, believe me.</p>

<p>Macalester might especially appreciate you; give it some consideration. It's a great school in a great location - nice neighborhood but easy access to downtown Mpls or St. Paul.</p>