<p>I did my undergrad at FSU in International Affairs. I'm being objective when I say this, but UF's program in IR offers very little in terms of coursework--from looking at their schedules it seemed like there was barely enough courses offered to get the 30 hours or whatever required for the degree, let alone taking courses that are actually of interest to you (it seemed like their focus is Africa and Latin America, so if you're into that then it might not be too much of a problem). When I was applying to grad schools I instead applied to UF's International Business program, so I'd actually recommend that if you like the economic side of things. FSU's IA program actually isn't too bad, as its interdisciplinary approach gives you much more latitude in terms of what courses you can take. As far as Florida goes, I'd also recommend checking out Miami's International Studies program, though it's obviously going to be more expensive than UF/FSU as a private school. Hope that helps.</p>
<p>I have a question regarding test scores. I have taken both the GRE and the GMAT. I scored decently although not spectacularly on the GRE (low 1300s), while I scored in the 91st percentile for the GMAT with a 98th percentile on the English section. </p>
<p>The SAIS website says that they accept GMAT scores. I believe the Fletcher School at Tufts does as well. Naturally, the other programmes say they prefer the GRE. But do these schools accept score reports for different tests in addition to the GRE? It would be a shame to let the better GMAT score go to waste, especially when the skills that the test covers are so important to success in the private sector. It would be nice if the admissions boards at least looked at the score even while giving more weight to the GRE.</p>
<p>FYI, I am an American with an MA in French (French and English double undergrad major) who has 6 years of work experience as a French teacher, a senior copywriter in a B2B media company and a group copywriter at the world's largest port operator in China, Hong Kong and Taiwan. I have several years of Chinese language experience. I had a 3.96 undergrad GPA, a 3.82 grad GPA. I was a Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar in Switzerland as well. I am presenting this background not to ask my chances, which nobody can really determine, but to ask whether my concern over the test scores is even justified.</p>
<p>Fist time posting, but I've read this thread top to bottom and appreciate all the information and debate.</p>
<p>One thing I haven't read about specifically and would like to hear opinions on is the strength of different programs with regards to International Trade. I'm looking to get into the trade and int'l commerce arena and wonder based on experience or research if anyone has opinions about which schools are best positioned for that specific area.</p>
<p>I'm currently considering SAIS, Fletcher, SIPA, GTown, GW and internationally, LSE and the Geneva Graduate School (any specific thoughts on these or additional names to add to the list are appreciated).</p>
<p>Generally schools will only accept the GRE--usually their policy wrt this can be found on their site. It does suck that they won't look at the GMAT score, but I guess that's just how it is.</p>
<p>Any thoughts from anyone on International trade/commerce concentrations at SAIS, Fletcher, SIPA, GTown, GW and internationally, LSE and the Geneva Graduate School? Any names I should add to the list? Geneva is attractive because of its proximity to the WTO and other multinational orgs, but I know little about its reputation and name recognition back in the states.</p>
<p>I read recently about the "International Commerce and Business" concentration in Georgetown's MSFS program and it looks like a compelling option. I'm curious to hear anyone's thoughts.</p>
<p>Recently, I've been accepted to the Whitehead School of Diplomacy and to the Korbel School of International Studies. I am waiting to hear from the Graduate Institute in Geneva and the Diplomatic Academy of Vienna, but assuming I am accepted, can someone break down some pros and cons between these schools? Personally, the prospect of studying in Europe is appealing because of the level of foreign language acquisition that comes with immersion. These schools also seem to be a fair bit cheaper, though funding may be more difficult. I have a good chance of getting a research assistantship at Whitehead, and it proximity to NY and DC could be very important. Korbel has the better reputation between the US schools, but can someone put this in perspective to the European schools I've mentioned? From reading a few threads, I have also heard people mention that the State Department's security clearance could be complicated by 'extensive' time abroad. Anyone familiar with the institutions that can offer some guidance would be much appreciated.</p>
<p>thombo -
If you are referring to the Graduate Institute, formerly HEI, it has a wonderful reputation for producing quality Econ PhDs and may be helpful in landing an internship with the IMF and possibly WTO. If your goal is to work in academe, the bias tends to be toward American universities.</p>
<p>Thanks ptstucky. I'm looking more for a terminal degree (rather than pursuing a path in academia). I think my interest in the Geneva Institute is threefold: 1) It's proximity to WTO and other IGOs will hopefully help me land an internship 2) It's very attractively priced, although living expenses would be very high and 3) living abroad, notably in Geneva, is a pretty nice bonus.</p>
<p>Hey guys - I'm very new to the prospective IR degree thing. I was wondering if you could let me know where I stood as far as entry/scholarships into the top 10.</p>
<p>BA - History
Minor - German language
GPA 3.6 (3.95 history, 4.0 German - damn Freshman and Soph year)
3 Research Fellowships, 1 Museum Internship
Studied Abroad in Florence and Rome (1 week), Full Scholarship to study in Germany (1 year)
GRE (not taken yet - but will study obsessively)<br>
Fluent in German, Beginner in Farsi (Persian)</p>
<p>Eh? I'm lacking on the work experience, but I thought maybe my German cred. might be enough to overcome it. Also, the year in Germany hasn't happened yet (leaving in Sept) so I could teach English for a year while I am there.</p>
<p>Mike - the "entry" part you should be okay with for a number of schools provided you have a good overall application, but the scholarships are nearly impossible to predict with any degree of certainty.</p>
<p>Does anyone know anything about IBEI in Barcelona? I'm well aware that people who wish to get into NGOs and academia are best served by doing advanced study in the US, but I am looking to be an international journalist and would strongly consider a program like this, given my career goals, the bilingual program, and a European perspective. Any thoughts?</p>
<p>Hello everyone! Thanks so much for sharing your insight and wisdom on this thread, it has been very helpful and interesting.</p>
<p>I was wondering if anybody had some thoughts about LSE versus the top tier graduate programs in the states. I was admitted to LSE for an MSc in International Development Studies and I am waiting to hear back from SAIS, SIPA, and Elliot - I think I have a good shot at getting into one of those other schools. I have a good sense of how US schools stack up against each other, but not of how they compare to LSE. I am curious about both overall quality of education as well as job prospects after graduation.</p>
<p>Thanks for any insight you might be able to provide!</p>
<p>Hey everyone. I wish I would've read this post prior to applying to graduate schools. But having already done so, I'm having a difficult time selecting which graduate school to apply to. Obviously school reputation & location is important, but at the same time I want the program to focus on my academic focus, which is international security studies.
I've recently been accepted to:</p>
<p>Syracuse University's Maxwell School (Global Security)
University of Denver's Josef Korbel School (Intl. Security)
Seton Hall's Whitehead School (Security Studies)
Boston College Grad School of Arts & Sciences (Poli Sci- I.R.)
GWU Columbian College of Arts & Science (Poli Sci- I.R.)</p>
<p>Obviously GWU would be an ideal pick for me due to the reputation, the cost isn't THAT high, and the location is ideal for internships and fellowships. However, I didn't apply to the Elliott School because I was unfortunate not to read this post prior to completing my apps. I didn't apply to the Elliott School because I have never taken econ course or foreign language courses. However, after reading this post I am aware that many people admitted to the Elliott School had little econ or foreign language skills, which was a requirement for the application. Nevertheless, I was admitted to GWU's Columbian College (Poli Sci Dept.). I'm wondering if this should still remain a top choice even though it wasn't the Elliott School. And whether I should accept admission to GWU and possibly apply to the Elliott School a year afterwards? Or if I'd be better off going to one of the other schools? If anyone could offer me advice I'd sure appreciate it.</p>
<p>I am very interested in a career in International Relations/International Development, with a particular focus on the Middle East. If I know I generally want to work with global affairs and have a region set, how and with what resources can I get more information to focus exactly what I want to do. Where and how would I find out what exactly I would be getting myself into if I decided to get a masters in International Relations (with a regional conentration) versus a Middle Eastern Studies MA, or a International Development MA. Any help would be GREATLY appreciated.</p>
<p>Hi,
I'm am currently applying for a scholarship that only allows me to go for a 1-year Masters program. I'd like to do it in Asia (China, Hong Kong, Singapore specifically). Where can I find a ranking of the best MA International Relations colleges from that region?</p>
<p>Hey guys I am highly interested in applying for an IR degree and I have ran through some difficulties:</p>
<ol>
<li>I am a Canadian student wishing to do my MA elsewhere (this already brings obstacles)</li>
<li>I would like to begin my studies in January of 2010</li>
<li>How important is this economics requirement? I see that some people here say it is not important but when I called over 10 Grad schools in the U.S. they said you must have it...I tried to do an economics course this semester and in the end dropped it because I havent done math in ages and it just was not my thing. (So I guess this already reduces my options)</li>
<li>What does the GRE test consist of and how important is it? Can we still try to register without it? As someone earlier said he didnt have economics and still got accepted..could it be possible with the GRE also?</li>
<li>I have checked for schools all over the U.S. and the U.K. because I am afraid not many begin in January since most programs have one start date (September) and my choices are still limited. ---> Are there any good schools out there which do have a January start date?
I have over 10 schools in the U.S. but dam they look very competitive and require the GRE/economics courses/foreign language/'professional work experience'</li>
</ol>
<p>What would you guys suggest is the best option?
-Should I apply to schools in the U.S. without a GRE score?
-Should I apply to only schools in the UK? or the US?
-Should I give this GRE test a try?
-If I do give the GRE a try I would have to wait 8 months and begin my studies in September of 2010 (is it worth the wait?)</p>
<p>No, you can't apply to US schools without GRE scores. There are several exceptions - a couple schools let international applicants (or those whose undergraduate studies were conducted in a language other than English) to take the TOEFL/IELTS instead, but if your studies were in English, you still have to take the GRE. You won't need the GRE for a lot of programs in the UK, though.</p>
<p>As for economics, the absolute majority of American programs will have a mandatory economics course built into the program, so you're going to have to take econ at some point anyway. Some programs aren't as strict about econ classes being an admissions requirement, but even those that aren't will still make you take it, regardless of whether you've taken it before. </p>
<p>American University (SIS) has spring admissions. The application cycle for January 2010 would start somewhere in September of this year.</p>
<p>-Wow so the GRE is really that important when it comes to registering for American schools? Incredible hehe..as if they do not have enough things to look at to cut students out they put another barrier...
-As for the economics i never knew that economics classes were built in to most programs...i looked at the program structure and course outlines of a few schools and did not see the economics courses built into the program...i only thought that, like the gre, the economics is a prerequisite just to cut students out and lower the applications....</p>
<p>Blah i am so lost as to what i should do...wait till September next year or no?
I was so thinking that with the economic crisis that is unfolding that maybe the schools would reduce their tuition fees or at the least reduce their requirements for admission but wow it turns out that none of this is happening and in fact in some cases tuition is rising...
What would you guys suggest I do?
How tough is this GRE test? (I heard there is algebra component...I am not too strong on the math..)</p>