<p>I am currently a senior at a top 30 private school majoring in International Studies and minoring in Asian Studies and Economics. I am actually looking to get a job in the US right after college to build some work experience for at least 2-3 years and apply to graduate school for MA program in International Affairs. I haven't taken the GRE yet, but believe that I have pretty good international/internship experiences as well as superior foreign language skills. </p>
<p>I know that it's still too early to judge since I haven't taken the GRE yet. However, assuming that I gain 2-3 years of job experiences at a private sector and get a high enough score for GRE, how do my chances look for SAIS/SFS/SIPA and IR fellowships such as Pickering/Rangel/etc?
Also, what more could I do from now on to improve my chances from now on other than writing a solid SOP, getting strong recs and achieving high GRE scores? I would truly appreciate your responses.</p>
<p>Cumulative GPA: 3.63/4.00
GRE: N/A yet
American-born but lived in South Korea for 12 years; i.e. dual citizenship holder
One-Year Study Abroad Program at Waseda University in Tokyo, Japan during 2011-2012
Summer Internships: Consulate-General of Korea in Seattle, Korea Importers Association, U.S. Embassy Seoul, East Asia Institute (the latter 3 are all from Korea)
Scholarships: David L. Boren Scholarships, Benjamin A. Gilman, Freeman-ASIA, Bridging Scholarships---all to study abroad in Japan last year; also received an academic scholarship at Waseda.
Foreign Languages: Native fluency in Korean, Full professional proficiency in Japanese, High Intermediate in Chinese (took Advanced Japanese & Advanced Chinese), passed the highest level in Japanese Language Proficiency Test with almost a perfect score, multiple Japanese language contest awards.
Some Extra-curricular activities: Orchestra, Asian-American magazine, Japan Club, Study Abroad Advisory Board, Conversation Partners Program... but these are not too special.
Recommendation Letters: one from a PoliSci professor whom I've known for 3+ years and taken 4 classes with (he suggested me that he would supervise me for a senior thesis but I declined it because I felt... lazy.... do you think I should've written one?), another from an Asian Studies professor, and hopefully will secure another one from a major course this semester..</p>
<p>My biggest concern is my GPA; I have two C+s, one from an Intro to IR class and Microeconomic Theory. Would having a C+ in a major class hurt very bad? I am also thinking of withdrawing from a non-major course this semester.... and hope this doesn't hurt too bad.</p>