UK Universities?

Graduate School
1

<p>Hi there! </p>

<p>I also posted this in the "What are my Chances" section, but maybe it's a little out of place there? Anyway -- let's try this instead. </p>

<p>A little bit of background before I ask my question: </p>

<p>I am currently looking into Graduate Programs and the search alone has lead to one panic attack after another. I am currently an undergrad double major in International Studies and Geography, and I am looking to attend a Geography grad program in the UK (there aren't many in the way of International Studies.) I am most interested in globalization, development, and human geography, so no heavy physical geography programs apply. My GPA is currently at 3.362 (I have yet to start my Senior year) and it has been steadily on the rise for the past year (I had a mediocre first year, but all of my recent grades have been A level). I am hoping to get it up to a 3.5 or 3.6 before graduation, but as it stands, it's a 3.362. </p>

<p>I would love to attend a Master's program or higher at (the long list): University College London, LSE, the University of Edinburgh, King's College, Trinity College Dublin, University of Bristol, Newcastle, or an equally sound program. </p>

<p>I participate in a lot of campus organizations, and can probably secure some strong letters of recommendation. </p>

<p>However, am I CRAZY to think that I could get into any of these schools? I know that my GPA isn't that great, but I am hoping to get it higher before applying. Is there anything I can do to increase my chances of attending UCL, LSE, King's, or Trinity? </p>

<p>I am literally having nightmares about not getting in, and when I'm not having nightmares, I'm dreaming about filling out applications and searching for programs.</p>

<p>I studied abroad in France last year and my grades weren't great, so I'm also paranoid about that, but my issue was due to attendance and not performance (I missed a flight and ended up having to stay in Ireland an extra week before I could get back, oops!)</p>

<p>So, long story short: Should I spend the time and money applying to the more top tier universities in the UK? Or am I being ridiculous? </p>

<p>Thank you in advance for any and all advice!</p>

<p>Mary</p>

2

<p>British schools will take you as long as you can afford it period. If you want good academics stay in the US. This coming from someone that went to the LSE and was accepted to an mphil from oxford.</p>

3

<p>Thank you for your reply!</p>

<p>I can’t imagine that it’s so easy to get into the higher rated Universities just because you can pay for them… Many of these schools, like UCL, are rated even higher than University of Chicago (clearly a great school for next to anything) and other US schools like Stanford and Princeton. </p>

<p>Also, I’m hoping to get some scholarships or a fellowship in the UK. I know a few people who have done research assistantships at UK universities much like US institutions offer, and they have had their tuition paid for. Are you currently at LSE or Oxford? </p>

<p>I would love to think that it’s so easy to get into these schools, but judging from their requirements, and the fact that not every student in the US is flying across the pond to attend them, that they are competitive even for international students. Did you have an amazing GPA or tons of experience? I feel like the fact that you got accepted at Oxford is almost unheard of in the US…</p>