Low-down for Monterey Inst.

Graduate School
1

<p>I'm new at this, but hungry for information regardless.
I really want to attend the Monterey Institute for International Studies in the fall of 2011. I would like to pursue their Master's International MPA program and was wondering if anyone would provide as much information as possible to getting in. I maintain a 3.6 GPA from a CalState University and am double-majoring in IR and PA and double-majoring in Italian and German. I have very little "real world" experience under my belt other than serving as a research assistant to my public admin prof. and being awarded a relatively small grant to conduct research on task force formation to combat human trafficking (which is currently in progress).
Questions:
1.) GRE submission is not mandatory - should I take the test then? I'd rather not if it isn't necessary.
2.) Any tips on the Statement of Purpose?
3.) Any alumni/current students out there that I could talk to?
4.) Any secrets/common knowledge to the whole admissions process that I should be aware of?</p>

<p>Let me know if you need anymore information and I'll accommodate. Thanks for your review.</p>

2

<p>I’m thinking about their Translation/Interpretation program for fall 2011 too. I can’t offer much advice, except I’m going to spend a week to study, then take GRE once and see how it goes - hey, if my scores are fantastic, I’m gonna turn it in. If not, they don’t need to know, right?</p>