<p>I know there are plenty of threads on schools with amazing IR programs, but my dilemma makes those threads useless. When thinking of IR of course one thinks of Georgetown, American, or Tufts but I have to realize i know i cant get into those schools. Its currently the summer before my senior year and the thought of picking a school that suits me perfectly is getting to be too overwhelming. I am a hispanic, have a low socioeconomic background, and would be first generation college attendee. I go to a private catholic school with 99% of its graduates enrolling in higher educations. My GPA isnt all that great its a low 3.2. My test scores are currently 1360 SAT which i plan to re take and a 21 on my ACT. I want to major in Internation Relations and feel extremely passionate about it and i am in desperate search of the schools for me. I want to know about a state school or a private school that isnt very selective but has a strong IR major/program. I live in California and schools here are an option but i am not opposed to out of state. Schools ive looked into are SFSU, UC Davis, U of W, and plenty more. I desperately need input from you guys please.</p>
<p>American is not out of reach for you. I'd say it is a match. </p>
<p>George Washington is a realistic reach, as is the University of Wisconsin-Madison, both of which have strong IR programs.</p>
<p>Being Hispanic, having a low socioeconomic background and being first generation to college will help you a lot.</p>
<p>is that a 1360 out of 2400 or out of 1600?</p>
<p>Since he got a 21 on the ACT, I'd say the former.</p>
<p>Good point HauckT. If the OP's SAT is 1360 out of 2400, then American becomes a reach and GWU and Wisconsin become out of reach.</p>
<p>Its the new SAT with writting so its out of 2400</p>
<p>With a 1360 American is out of reach (with a 3.2 you'd need at least over a 1600 to have a shot). My D had a 3.3 and a 23 ACT. She got into George mason, Towson, Goucher, & Randolph macon for IR.</p>
<p>csdad's list is good for the DC area. There are several Cal State's where you would be competitive:</p>
<p>Some good matches for you:
Bradley (The Institute of International Studies at Bradley University, good overlooked program - <em>NOTE</em> - when you're looking up the program, the major will say International Studies Institute, but the degree is indeed B.A. in International Relations) </p>
<p>Seton Hall (I've heard only good things about the Whitehead School, enough that I do think it's worth a look, but I believe Whitehead is harder to get into than the general CofA&S, so this may be pushing reach)
Eckerd College (most see it as pale in comparison, but still solid program, and I know many NSLCers that applied to it)</p>
<p>Bryant University (they have quite a developed program that is top of the line for those less interested in the political-side and moreso economic development and non-profity orgranizations, talk to Professor Poususney if interested)</p>
<p>Others:
George-Mason
Randolph-Macon
Duquesne</p>
<p>I agree - George Mason might work well...</p>
<p>Alexandre - when did you become a moderator? Or was I just overlooking something...ha. Anyway, congrats!</p>
<p>I have been a moderator for a year...if not more.</p>
<p>You need to check on colleges' financial aid web pages to find out if you can afford to attend the colleges. There are plenty of colleges that will admit you: However, many colleges will not meet 100% of your documented financial need (and remember that "need" means what the colleges think you can pay, not what your family feels they can afford) or may meet the need with heavy loans.</p>
<p>Consequently, make sure that you apply to some colleges that you know you can afford, will be accepted to, and would enjoy attending. Often such colleges are local 4-year or 2-year public universities that you could commute to from home.</p>
<p>You are very fortunate to live in Calif., which probably has the best and most affordable public university system in the country. Check out those schools first. Keep in mind, too, that it's expensive to go to college far from home and in a very different climate. Trips home as well as the cost of winter clothing would add a lot to your college costs.</p>
<p>Thanks everybody this has been extremely helpful.</p>
<p>Work on those test scores, man. Especially that 1360, which is below the national average. Just practice.</p>
<p>s/he also needs to look at financial matches. American might be a match but they gap like crazy.</p>