<p>I am a college junior (about to begin my senior year). I started off college with not so stellar grades. I was on probation after my first semester, on dismissal after my second, managed to talk my way out of it, then immediately went on dismissal again. I was dismissed for 2 semesters after my freshman year, and I took 6 hours at a community college during the second semester. I think went back into my university (The University of Texas-Arlington), and since then have not made below an A. I took 55 hours my junior year (16 fall semester, 3 wintermester, 18 spring semester, and 15 during the summer) and made straight A's. I also took the GRE and made a 760Q/740V. I am trying to get into the IR programs at either Georgetown, GW, or American (American is my preference). I want to be in the Washington DC area because I want to work for the government. Also, I have taught myself to speak Arabic almost fluently.</p>
<p>What do you think my chances are at these 3 schools considering my poor performance in the beginning of college? I also have no work experience to speak of, and just the typical extracurricular activities (i.e.: some charity work, member of College Republicans, etc...).</p>
<p>My overall GPA is a 3.487, and my Major GPA (Political Science, with an International Policy Option) is 3.79. I would really prefer to go straight out of undergrad to grad school and really hope to be in the Washington DC area. Is that possible?</p>
<p>Yes, you have a good shot. Your overall GPA is by no means out of range for any of the top programs in the area (SAIS, American, SFS, GW.) However, even though you probably have a good shot of getting in, that doesn't mean that you'll get as much out of it. Why the rush to go straight to grad school?</p>
<p>But yes, you have a good shot of getting in. Make sure to get good letters of rec., polish those essays, and you'll be in good shape. Though, to be honest, you'll probably be unlikely to be first in line for funding.</p>
<p>With the three schools you mentioned, I think you have a chance, but you will probably have to do some explaining about your grade turnaround. But if you are interested in SAIS or a similar program, you will need work experience, those programs make it a prerequisite and essentially don't take people straight from undergrad.</p>