IR Grad School, Tips not Chances

Graduate School
1

<p>Hello all,</p>

<p>I am an undergraduate student(Junior) looking to apply to graduate school for the Fall of 2015. I am currently looking into APSIA graduate programs that offer a Masters in International Relations and Diplomacy.</p>

<p>I am really looking for advice on how to strengthen my prospective application for Top IR graduate programs. As well as suggestions of schools based on my credentials thus far. Hoping to ultimately work as a Foreign Service Officer, Think Tanker, or at an NGO.</p>

<p>College Stats:</p>

<p>Undergraduate Junior at TOP 20 Public University
Major: Political Science with Human Rights Minor
3.8 GPA(80 credits), University Honors program and have Honors Credits
Deans list all 5 semesters so far.
Humanities Research Grant($2000)
University Academic Scholarship(1/2 tuition for all four years)
University Scholar Award(2013)- Having above a 3.7 for two consecutive semesters
Alpha Lambda Delta(Freshmen Honors Society)
Golden Key Society
Honors Senior Thesis(will be working on it next year)
International Relations Pro-Seminar(Graduate Course within Department) </p>

<p>ECs:
Honors Research Assistant(Fall 2013- Present)
Research Intern and Project Lead for a Top U.S. Think Tank(Summer 2013)
UNESCO Human Rights Student Intern/Ambassador(Spring 2014)
U.S. State Department Intern overseas in Europe (Summer 2014)
Vice President of Residential Hall Council
University Newspaper Staff Writer
Political Website Foreign Affairs Writer
University Medical Center Volunteer(2 years)
Model United Nations Committee Director(2 years)
Youth Ministry Leader(2 years)
Law Society(Secretary)
International Relations Association(member)
Red Cross Club
Alternative Spring Break Trip Coordinator(Tampa 2013, New Orleans 2014)
Symphonic Band(Saxophone for 7 years, played at Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall)
University Leadership Cohort(Top 15 Undergraduate Leaders on Campus)
University Student Government Senator
Captain Intramural Soccer Team(Fall 2013)</p>

<p>Additional Information:
Language Skills: Fluent in English, French. Conversational: Arabic
Computer Skills:: Proficient in Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint Minitab, R, and research skills
International Studies Association-Northeast Conference Attendee(Nov 2013)
National Student Leadership Conference Attendee(2009)</p>

<p>Also may take a gap after Undergraduate to do Peace Corps, AmeriCorps, or teach English Abroad.</p>

<p>Thank You all in advance, hope you are having a great weekend.</p>

2

<p>Someone must have some advice on here…</p>

3

<p>Tips? Take 2-3 years after college to work, preferably internationally or something related to IR. You can take the foreign service exam and work in that field with a bachelor’s, or you can work for an NGO or think tank with a bachelor’s degree.</p>

<p>Most competitive applicants to top IR schools have credentials like yours AND around 3 years of work or internship experience. Very very few students go straight from undergrad to IR, and when they do it’s because they have significant study abroad and internship experience. By the time you apply you will have maybe 6 months (summer 2014, and possibly spring 2014 - it’s not clear whether the UNESCO position is overseas or stateside).</p>

<p>Also please note that your non-IR ECs (sports, band) do not count for grad admissions.</p>

<p>I would go ahead and plan to take that 2-year gap and do the Peace Corps or teach English abroad (not AmeriCorps, as it won’t really help you get to your goal). Also, there are plenty of jobs at internationally-related NGOs and think tanks for people with bachelor’s degrees; look into that as well. You really need the experience to be competitive at the top IR programs.</p>

4

<p>Agreed. I wouldn’t teach English abroad though; follow your area of interest and work in that field. Grad schools aren’t looking for generalists.</p>