I just finished my first year at UChicago, and am now looking towards the next two years. I know UChicago has a four year BA/MA in International Relations, which fits in with my intended career path (government), and is also greately interesting to me. I know that one applies third year, and that the GPA cutoff in 3.55. If I can maintain a GPA higher than the cutoff, and finish the core and most of my major (Poly Sci)by the start of the program, can I reasonably expect to be admitted? In other words, how selective is it, and just how good do I have to be to stand a chance?
You should visit the department and ask
My impression, from my kids’ friends, is that if you meet those qualifications, and you are realistic about the amount of work that will be necessary, and you have a track record that shows you can do that amount of work, you will be admitted. The admission requirement is less about competition and more about making certain people are serious and are going into it with their eyes open.
My impression, from my kids’ friends, is also that it is a lot of work, and completely eats your fourth year.