Rank the MA International Relations programs

Graduate School
221

<p>puma-</p>

<p>hey! based on what youve posted, I would say the top programs (the Ivies plus fletcher, sais, etc) might be a bit out of reach. your gpa is very low for most of the top programs, although there are numerous instances of this being overcome with excellent LOR’s, gre’s, work experience, personal statements etc…I’d also be concerned about your v GRE score, if your really serious about getting into a top 10-15 program, why not take em again? can’t hurt</p>

<p>Your current job should really help your chances. While you are certainly a long shot for SIPA, I don’t think your an “automatic rejection” either. Another couple of years working and showing personal and professional growth with really good LOR’s and improved gre scores and who knows. UCSD seems more reasonable and you should have a decent shot</p>

<p>best of luck</p>

222

<p>Thanks dufflebaggenius, anyone else? Particularly on the UCSD program?</p>

223

<p>FLYERS29: </p>

<p>I am applying to the same schools this coming Fall and have the same undergrad GPA. I was wondering what your work experience was prior to applying to the schools.</p>

224

<p>JASON: It definitely is hard to obtain even a low-paid internship with this economy. Recent grads are competing with MA students for these positions, which makes it much more difficult. But sometimes, depending on your qualifications, application, and interview (if you are offered one), they will give more preference to recent grads just because recent grads are willing to give a full-time commitment. I took this route with low-paid internships in DC, and fortunately, I survived the whole year with an intern’s pay. I don’t know how I did it, but I made it through the year. I was lucky enough to get positions with organizations that provided travel expenses and monthly stipend. You really just have to research various different organizations and see what kind of compensation they provide. In your application, you need to really state your goals and what you want to make of the internship experience. </p>

<p>Another route that people often overlook is going abroad and teaching English for a year. This not only gives you substantive international experience but also work experience as well working with a foreign education system. Teaching jobs also provide a monthly salary and accommodations which makes going abroad affordable. There are also fellowships that you can apply for that are specifically geared towards college graduates and they fund your abroad experience (i.e. JET, Fulbright, etc.) These fellowships don’t judge an applicant based on their high GPA but rather their commitment to the goals of the fellowship which will be reflected in your personal statement and a LOR if required of the application. </p>

<p>Hope this helps. Don’t be dismayed by the whole internship situation, especially having to compete with MA students. You really just need to present yourself and clearly state your goals (similar to when you write your personal statement for grad school, but of course to a lesser extent).</p>

225

<p>I realized that I got so caught up in reading all the interesting and informative replies that I forgot that all the top schools may not be relevant to me:( I happen to have a very low GPA that barely covers the required score (I’m not sure but I think it’s almost 3.0…) and I don’t have any work experience to speak of except the one-semester RA work I did. But I do have a pretty good GRE (760V, 800M) and I think i’ll get at least two good recommendations. So i’d like to ask…what do you think? I’d like to know if you think I have a shot at schools like Johns Hopkins/SAIS and Columbia/SIPA. I also saw an overall nationwide ranking on Political Science master’s programs and Yale, UC-Berkeley and UC SanDiego were w/in the top 10. Are these schools too high for me? Can you recommend any other schools that might be okay?:)</p>

226

<p>Hi, </p>

<p>I’m new on this forum and currently thinking to prepare for graduate school in IR. I’m French and questioning my own competitiveness to get into a top postgrad program in the US. Maybe some of you can give me your input on what my chances are and what I need to ace the application process.</p>

<ul>
<li>I just graduated from one of the top Business School in France where I completed a Master in Management. As you guys might know, the edu system in France is very different. Before entering what we call “Grandes Ecoles”, I intended 3 years pre-business program with strong focus on Maths, Econs and Philosophy. The grading is also quite different, if I can say so my Master GPA is about 14 out of 20</li>
<li>I have a lot of international experience having spent 6 months studying in Hong Kong and a year in Cape Town, South Africa</li>
<li>I’m obviously fluent in French (native) as well as in English (took the Toefl 2 years ago scoring 110/120). I have basics in German (studied it for 11 years but havent practiced for the last 4 years)</li>
<li>Havent taken the GRE… what are usually those top schools requirements? Is the GMAT fine?</li>
<li>Finally, I have about 1.5 year experience working in Venture Capital and Private Equity here in France</li>
</ul>

<p>Any advice/recommendations/tips or whatever that could help me in the process would be really appreciated.</p>

227

<p>Hi, I am applying to the top 10 IR MAs and think I have a good shot at getting into a couple. However, I am wondering if anyone could do me the <em>possibly-life-changing favor</em> of telling me what kind of chance I have of getting into one of the top ten PhD programs for political science/IR. Without further adue, here are my creds:</p>

<p>Graduate Certificate in International Studies (16 credits) 3.92 GPA - Johns Hopkins SAIS
One year work experience at prominent DC think tank doing national security research
Wrote a scholarly monograph on intel policy (100 pages) - not published
Two political book reviews published in literary magazine and one policy analysis piece published with non-profit/think tank
Undergrad fellowship to study Israel-Palestine conflict
Undergrad: Polisci/History/IR Univ of Florida 3.13 GPA (<—will this hurt me too much?)
Volunteer work in Cuba and Nicaragua
Speak Spanish at Intermediate-high
Speak Arabic at Beginner-high (three classes of post-bacc coursework, 4.0 GPA)
Research internship at a second think-tank and also at a multilateralism-advocacy non-profit in DC
Wrote a book composed of 60 essays/op-eds for young people (150 pages) - not published
Wrote for online magazine AmericanChronicle
I’d rate my Letters of Rec at 8-10 each on a scale of 1-10; with top name writers
Research focus on Middle East, South Asia, US Foreign Policy and intel/security so far
Very involved extracirricularly in undergrad, president of student govn’t party, volunteer at alternative media library, etc.
Predicted GRE: 1350-1400
Out of school 4 years; 25 years old.</p>

<p>Thanks a billion!!</p>

228

<p>looking for an IR degree then jumping into the private sector. I am 40 years old and have an BA in Economics, an MBA from Columbia University, and work experience with Ford Motor Company in Finance along with some foreign exchange trading. Not your typical applicant to say the least.</p>

<p>LSE and Chicago are attractive due to the 1 year program but am also looking at SIPA and SAIS due to their proximiaty to New York and DC respectively.</p>

<p>What considerations should an older applicant consider? Also will I be at an advantage or disadvantage upon graduation? Who wants to hire someone who is 42?</p>

229

<p>Hello all,</p>

<p>I am applying now with the intent to attend a top 10 I/R school in Fall 2010. My background includes:</p>

<ul>
<li>3.34 Undergraduate GPA</li>
<li>Syracuse University (Maxwell School); Major: Political Science, Minor: Middle Eastern Studies</li>
<li>Proficient / near fluent in Spanish</li>
<li>GRE: 550 V, 630 Q (waiting to see writing score)</li>
<li>24 months in Iraq as a US Army officer (two deployments: Tikrit and Baghdad; four years Army experience total, left as a Captain)</li>
</ul>

<p>Can anyone with the requisite experience provide feedback on my chances for admission? Should I re-take the GRE?</p>

<p>Thank you all for your assistance.</p>

230

<p>Hi all,</p>

<p>I’m discouraged by all the talk of math and economics in this thread. I have never taken calculus, but I’m fairly well-versed in economics (and I’ve taken a class in political economy). I’m looking to get an MA in international relations, and I’m planning on eventually joining the FS. I’m thinking about Oxford, Columbia, LSE, and Georgetown. Here are my stats:</p>

<ul>
<li>3.89 GPA - University of Washington, Seattle</li>
<li>Double-major in Political Science and Philosophy</li>
<li>Honors program, Phi Beta Kappa</li>
<li>Haven’t taken the GRE yet (one reason I’m applying to Oxford is to avoid GRE at all costs)</li>
<li>Internships: U.S. Senator’s office, Department of State, Department of Justice</li>
<li>Studied abroad in Rome, where I also did my State Dept. internship</li>
<li>Various campus leadership stuff–President of a political club and political campaign work</li>
<li>Languages: Latin (advanced), Italian (novice), German (intermediate) – only Latin is reflected in my transcript</li>
<li>No fellowships, published papers, etc… I only recently decided international relations was the route to go</li>
</ul>

<p>I’ve work on environmental policy issues for State Dept. and Justice Dept., and both had an international component (obviously State would). I’m interested in global environmental politics, or just international affairs with an emphasis on environmental issues.</p>

<p>So what are my chances? Thanks.</p>

231

<p>Hi all,</p>

<p>New to site, thanks though for some interesting info. I am a current graduate student at a very unique, new 1 year IR/IL MA outside the US, with little brand recognition. </p>

<p>This has actually been a great experience, and cost me about a tenth of what SIPA would have. IF you aren’t 1000% sure what you want to do, I HIGHLY recommend doing a year certificate or MA somewhere cheap first, but others will tell you I’m crazy, so YMMV. See final comment.</p>

<p>However, now that I know better what I want to do, I think I really want to get another master’s that leads to a PhD.</p>

<p>How do I get there from here? Any advice on choosing a Master’s that will help one get into a good PhD program? is it usually best to go to that school for the master’s as well?</p>

<p>My GPA is not super awesome, maybe a 3.3 or 3.4 (we use a different scale). UGrad, 3.6. GRE is in the correct range, but not anything mind-blowing.</p>

<p>Currently Tufts is my wish school, despite the downside of being outside DC, because some of the other schools and joint-programs they have would dovetail really well with my focus areas.</p>

<p>Is it completely crazy to imagine I could get into a PhD program at a top tier school? Or a Master’s for that matter? Should I focus my sights lower? And does anyone have any comments on specialization areas and the relative merits of a program more focused on one specific subject area within IR or ID? Such as Agricultural policy, for one example.</p>

<p>Thanks!</p>

<p>Oh, and Final Comment:
Here’s the thing. A lot of people on this thread talk about investments into grad school. Grad school IS an investment, but don’t go into it for/expecting <em>monetary</em> returns. It will help raise your salary expectations a little, and help you do interesting work hopefully, but it is NOT in itself a money maker. It’s not even that much more likelihood that you’ll find a job. If all you want to do is make 70-100K, then find somebody rich and become their assistant. An excellent high end secretary has as much earning potential as most jobs.</p>

<p>If you want to think for a living, or help save the world in high status ways, or become a mogul of something, realize that much like art, there are a LOT of people who want to do this and a limited amount of people paying for it. The more fun the job, often though certainly not always, the more limited the salary.</p>

<p>I digress. My point is, go to grad school because you LIKE studying what you are studying. AND because hopefully it will help you do the kind of work you LIKE doing.</p>

<p>IF you are only going to grad school in the hopes of obtaining something that comes after it, I would think twice. It’s a lot of TIME to spend doing something you don’t like, with very uncertain payoffs. Just my opinion though…</p>

232

<p>Hey olderguy,</p>

<p>I feel ya, as I am a career changer also.</p>

<p>I don’t have an expertise on admissions or top tier schools, so I can’t speak to that, however, based on my private sector experience, I would prepare yourself expecting to be at a disadvantage.</p>

<p>Which is not to say undersell yourself or feel you need to go hat-in-hand. On the contrary, what I would say is really focus on what you can do awesomely well, and create a pitch or pitches for a few niches. Distinguish yourself from the pack. Ageism is a reality in the US job market, however, if you can do something the company really needs, and do it very well, they won’t care how old you are.</p>

<p>But that’s just my experience from work, and from watching others struggle with their careers from 40-65.</p>

<p>Don’t be discouraged! Do what you love. Just be determined, creative, and prepared with some (skill set) Aces up your sleeve. And of course, network.</p>

<p>Goodluck!</p>

233

<p>Hi Flyers29,</p>

<p>I’m interested in going to grad for IR, and I’ve been doing some research about strong programs. One of the schools that I recently found is U. of Denver. Was wondering if you could tell me a little about your specialization, the kinds of courses you’re taking, and how you’re finding the program & professors? Also, what were some of the factors that led you to ultimately choose Denver over some of the other programs? American, is currently my top choice. </p>

<p>Also, what do you think my chances of getting in are? My stats are 3.5 GPA, 570V/570Q/5.0A GRE scores. I received a BA in English and a BS in Psychology. I was an exchange student in England for one semester. And, after graduating I taught English in Korea for a year. Thoughts?</p>

<p>Thank you kindly.</p>

234

<p>I’ve been starting my investigation into Graduate IR programs, have seen the posts here and would like some input. Currently I’m a Junior at the University of Hartford with a 3.5 GPA, double majoring in Political Science and International Relations with a Philosophy Minor (might change to Russian or Arabic since the latter is extremely useful). I’ve been interning in government since Freshman year, (CT President Pro Tempore freshman year, Atty general 1st Soph) and this Spring and summer interned at a DC policy firm and the US Senate, respectively. I’m planning to go to Russia this summer and work for the Carnegie Moscow Center, and am taking Russian this semester and next semester in preparation for this. I’ve been looking at Georgetown, American and SAIS somewhat passively but am planning on beginning my outreach after then end of the term.</p>

<p>However, I have GAD (documented), which has negatively affected my performance this semester (F in contemporary mathematics this semester with 39 credits; intending to retake and possibly transfer to another school afterwards). How might this affect my prospects of realistically being admitted to any of the above named schools? As regards my transcript? As regards classification issues? If anyone can lend any advice, I’d be most grateful.</p>

235

<p>Hey all, looking for some advice.</p>

<p>I’m a recent graduate who took a year off to squander time in DC interning for some think tanks. I’m an older dude, 25, and want to go to an IR grad school. Here’s my question: I’m thinking about going in the service; should I go to graduate school now or later?</p>

<p>Right now the biggest factor for and against going now or later is age; I’m already fairly old by both military and academic standards, waiting one or two years to go in means I’m a 27 year old boot, whereas waiting till after means I’m a 30 year old first year graduate student.</p>

<p>If any BTDTs could reflect on if they could do it all over again and offer some sage advice, that would be helpful.</p>

<p>Also, if anyone could talk about their experiences at Korbel that would be helpful too as I’m really interested in that school.</p>

<p>Thanks for the help.</p>

236

<p>A little advice for a couple of the high-flyers that have posted above about getting into the best IR programs:</p>

<p>I applied for a couple of the tops two years ago and was rejected. I called the schools afterward and one admissions person said “it’s unclear what benefit our program offers you; it seems as though you are already qualified for the usual jobs our new grads expect and we’re not sure that a master’s would add much to your CV”.</p>

<p>Maybe you guys are more savvy than me, but it never occurred to me to really explain what I wanted from the program. I thought the benefits of more learning and a swanky degree were self-evident, so I took the precious word count to talk about why I was good enough.</p>

<p>Now, my resume isn’t nearly as awesome as a couple of the hoppers who posted recently, so if you’re the type with experience that begs the question “why do you need an MA?”, you should try to answer it, both for yourself and your schools. </p>

<p>Not only will it help if and when you apply, but you might realize that your money and time could be better spent. I’m considering more school again, and have recently been canvassing some old profs for advice. To my surprise, I’ve been hearing that I might be a better fit for a PhD program than an MA. I plan to soon start a thread looking for help comparing PhD to MA programs in IR/PoliSci, so maybe some wisdom will emerge.</p>

237

<p>Very interesting thread, as an IR guy [UK grad] I find the ranking of top US programmes most interesting. SIS at American University is well known here, as is Georgetown, in addition to HYP based schools.</p>

238

<p>So I hate to be like all of the other people on this post asking what their chances of getting into such and such a program are, but I really don’t have a sense and since this is my future I thought I would try and get some outside perspectives.</p>

<p>I applied to master’s programs at the Josef Korbel School at DU and American University’s SIS (U.S. Foreign Policy) for fall 2010. I really want to go to American because of the D.C. location so if anyone has some insight into my chances of acceptance to American in particular I would really appreciate it! Here are a quick run down of my “stats”:</p>

<p>I go to a well respected private liberal arts college
Majors: Political Science, History
Minors: French, Philosophy
g.p.a 3.75 (Poli sci major g.p.a 3.9)
GRE: V 570 Q 600 A 5
Studied abroad in Paris for a semester (near fluent French)
Did study abroad trips to Egypt and Brazil
Played college soccer for 4 years on a nationally ranked team
Honorable Mention Scholar All-Region (soccer)
3 time Academic all conference
Currently an NCAA postgraduate scholar nominee
History honor’s society
Volunteer with elementary after school french program</p>

<p>For what it’s worth, and I think it’s worth something, I have 3 excellent letters of recommendation</p>

<p>–I’m really worried about not having internship experience, but it was either that or the semester in Paris and I thought the international experience would be better in the long run–</p>

<p>Anyways thanks for any help that anyone can give me, especially regarding American. I just have no objective idea where I stand in this IR rat race!</p>

239

<p>I’m looking for a program with a Master’s in International Relations, and I’m having trouble finding rankings for these programs. The Top-10 are easy to find, but what about rankings beyond the top-10?</p>

240

<p>Hi Everyone,</p>

<p>I am interested in an IR program and the information on this thread has helped a lot. However, a lot of this thread is centered on the “top programs, top tier, etc” and I was wondering what schools are a little easier to get into but still have a quality program?</p>

<p>My profile:
3.0 GPA
570 V, 700 Q, 4.5 AW
Been out of undergrad now for 6 years.
Have taken Macro/Micro Econ with an A</p>

<p>(personal statement addresses the low GPA)</p>

<p>My GPA worries me and I feel like I don’t have any backup schools. Please help!</p>

<p>Thanks in advance.</p>