<p>I cross posted this in "What are my chances" so if I'm in the wrong please forgive me. </p>
<p>I'm an older (mid 30s) recent Tulane University graduate.
I attended evening classes mostly, and graduated with a 3.85 primarily political science and history. Technically my major was social science (as being an evening school student gave me some price break on my fees).</p>
<p>I did take several day classes including: International Conflict, Terrorism, European and Latin American Politics, Policy and Public Opinion (taught by James Carville), etc.</p>
<p>I am interested in studying in the UK (I'd like to work for an organization in the US that operates in the UK or for a UK based organization eventually).</p>
<p>I'm applying to Royal Holloway (Political Communication), King's College London (International Relations), U of Glasgow (Political Comm) and my backup is Middlesex University (International Relations).</p>
<p>Only issue with my past is I attended school in the 1990s with poor grades primarily due to finances and depression. I did finish strong before leaving school in the 1990s with straight As. Tulane transferred my classes but did not factor my grades into determining my honors status or my GPA.</p>
<p>Curious if I have a good shot at any of those schools...</p>
<p>I’d say you have a pretty decent chance of getting in. However, I’d also note that Middlesex is a massive drop from KCL, Glasgow and RHUL! </p>
<p>Might I suggest (if you haven’t had a look already) that you consider Essex, Aberystwyth and Hull? They’re all universities that perhaps aren’t amazing overall compared to KCL / RHUL / Glasgow, but have excellent Pol & IR departments.</p>
<p>I did look at Aberystwyth and liked it however its so out in the middle of no where.</p>
<p>Trouble with political related programs is its handy to live in an area where you can network with people who might be able to hire you at the completion of your degree.</p>
<p>Plus, my “first” career field before going back to finish my undergrad was IT. I know international students can work 20 hours a week. If I can find IT jobs (I would think easier in a more populated place) it would beat waiting tables (not that there is anything wrong with that!)</p>
<p>I am concerned with funding. I will rely on loans if I have to but I was pleased by statements from Royal Holloway and Middlesex both that state they will go out of their ways to help international students who need funding (depending on undergraduate grades).</p>
<p>I forgot to state I am going to apply to Kent (for the political comm program in Brussels). And I am including Glasgow because its supposed to be a fantastic school, and one of my former professors who now teaches at Latrobe Univ of Melbourne, AU said he knows several staff at Glasgow and could put in a good word.</p>
<p>However, from what I can tell I’m in love with Royal Holloway. :)</p>
<p>True, that is an issue with Aber! I see your point about wanting to work PT in IT, and also (having done it myself) your desire to avoid waiting tables. </p>
<p>However, I will just note that RHUL is out in the arse end of London’s commuter belt (Egham), 28 miles away from London ‘proper’. It’s a very different experiece to KCL or Glasgow. Middlesex is also on the edge of London, though only 12 miles away from central London. </p>
<p>Hull has (for undergrads) a parliamentary internship programme, which will get you more contacts than merely living in London. I don’t know if they have something comparable for postgrads. </p>
<p>Don’t forget that there are devolved govs in Edinburgh, Cardiff and Belfast. Scotland could potentially become an independent country in 2014, following a referendum. You could make some very useful contacts in any of those cities (though Belfast politics is very sectarian and probably not what you’re looking for).</p>
<p>I know RHUL is out there. That’s not a bad thing if you want to live in a cheaper area.</p>
<p>I’ll look at Hull more closely.</p>
<p>I feel better about admittance since it sounds like its not as competitive for international students (and I think I would be competitive either way). I am concerned over funding…</p>
<p>I’m trying to save money like mad. :)</p>