<p>Who is considering applying to IR programs, in particular Fletcher, SIPA, KSG, SAIS, Maxwell, etc.?</p>
<p>I'm going to an information session next week sponsored by APSIA (Association of Professional Schools of International Affairs) where most of these schools will be represented. </p>
<p>I would like to do a dual IR/MBA at Fletcher, but right now don't have the work experience they say they want to get admitted. Otherwise I think the rest of my ap would be ok, but I'm not really sure. Graduated 1/2007 from Ivy - double major Econ and Asian Studies, spent a full year in an intensive full time language program learning Japanese, GPA 3.82, GRE: V-730, Q -800, A -6, GMAT 760. I spent a summer studying in Tokyo, "ambassador" to premier Japanese Medical school, worked developing online Japanese language learning system, other summer work experience. But when I read backgrounds of people who are at these programs I don't feel like I have a chance. The kinds of jobs these people have had seem impossible to get, especially with just a BA.</p>
<p>You will definitely do well in the application process!</p>
<p>Mimsey,</p>
<p>Your applicationwould probably be one of the strongest these schools would see in terms of thos eapplying straight from undergrad. Not many people have those types of scores and not that many have that many internships and experience abroad. That said, alot of the work experience you see when you look at student profiles for SIPA and SAIS was aquired during their schooling, in many cases. Alot of the really great internships some of these students got only happened when they entered the program they are studying in.
On the flip side, however, many programs do want work experience and accept only very small numbers straight out of undergrad. I would recommend you get at least a year of related work experience in your field, and then applying. I think if you did that your application would be a slam dunk at SIPA and Fletcher and a probably admit at SAIS and some KSG programs.</p>
<p>It certainly doesn't hurt to apply, especially with your numbers and experiences. Those schools generally take students with work experience, but some people do get in straight from undergrad with less experience. You won't know until you apply. That being said, be looking simultaneously for internships and other work experiences in case you don't get an offer you like from a grad school.</p>
<p>Deepseek's advice is very sound.</p>
<p>To add to it, I would also encourage you to apply straight out of undergrad. Your chances at KSG and SAIS are probably pretty low, but I wouldn't be surprised if you were admitted to SIPA.</p>