Study Abroad Grades

Graduate School
1

<p>I am a junior political science major studying abroad in China. In the future, I plan on applying to either PhD programs in political science, or MA/MPA programs focusing on international relations.</p>

<p>My question relates to grades from my study abroad program. My program is a language program--nothing but Mandarin. At the beginning of the semester I elected to take classes somewhat above my skill level (to help me learn the language faster). This has turned out to be a mixed blessing--I am advancing much faster than I would otherwise, but my grades are likely to be less than stellar. Through 5 semesters at my home school, I have a 3.98, but I will most likely get C's and B's this semester. The problem is that classes here are graded on an extremely strict curve, and I simply can't outperform students who have 1-2 years more experience than I do. </p>

<p>My home school understands the situation, and has agreed not to list the grades on my home transcript or include them in my GPA. I know, however, that most grad programs will want all original transcripts. So my question is, how will grad schools look at these grades? If it helps, I can get a note from my home school explaining that I took classes above my level, and that they were graded on a rather strange curve. It is also safe to assume that I will get A's in whatever Chinese classes I take next year at my home school. Outside of this semester, my academic record is stellar--straight A's, publications, research, strong recommendations, etc...</p>

<p>Any thoughts?</p>

2

<p>Just submit the transcript. Don't say a word. Let your As in Chinese next yera show how terrific that program in China has been in preparing you for more advanced study in the language. I had a similar situation. I took very intensive Hebrew in Israel and wound up with Cs and C+s (and a D+ but re-took the course over the summer to bring up that grade). I came back and got an A- in "Advanced" Hebrew (riggghhhttt).</p>

<p>If you're going into a field related to China, I would bet that the professors in grad school will be a bit more sympathetic- they know that Chinese isn't easy and don't expect you to get perfect As in China where you're definitely not a native speaker and are being judged by native speakers.</p>

<p>These kind of language programs are designed NOT to be a cake-walk. They're meant to make you LEARN and therefore, they grade you strictly so you can keep pushing yourself. But everyone, EVERYONE knows that at the end you end up winning because of the major progress you've made in such a short time.</p>