Duck_Masters

Hey piglett33, thanks for the reply. Actually I took several classes with the distinguished professor, and I was somewhat active in office hours, discussions, etc. so I might be underselling myself here. Also, I have a unique name, so I think that might help with his memory? haha. I hope so too - from my grades, type of classes, etc., I think I might be able to do the programs that I am interested to. rwillh11, I think it is more of a bad fit from a personal perspective? Very top and prestigious school seem to turn me off (one reason I didn't apply for ivies for undergrad) for some reason. Thanks for the reply!

Hello all! I have been lurking around the forums for a bit now, and while I find that most comments and posts here are very helpful, I feel like my situation is kinda "unique"? Basically, I just need to hear it from you all about my profile, just to get a clearer picture. Context: I am looking to apply to a masters program in the UK this fall. My main plan is to go back to my country (in Southeast Asia) and join a public policy think tank. I don't plan to do a PhD straight after college, and I prefer not to continue grad school in the US. US has been great, but I just need a change in scenery. I am looking at Top 10 UK schools minus Oxbridge (just because). PROFILE: Type of Undergrad Institution: A university in the Midwest that rhymes with shenanigan Major(s): Political Science, Economics Undergrad GPA: 3.8 total, 3.93 major gpa in political science. Type of Grad: N/A Grad GPA: N/A GRE: Taking in Sept. Does GRE really help elevate my application in UK universities, considering most of them don't require GRE scores? Any Special Courses: Political Economy of Developing Nations (A), Govt Institutions (A), Econometrics (A-), Qualitative political methods (A), Statistics (A-), several political economy and SEA-related classes (A to A-). Letters of Recommendation: OK, this is one of my biggest concerns. I never really maintained a connection with my professors after the semester finishes, so I feel a bit awkward asking for a LoR. However, I've decided to just email my profs and see how it goes... (worst case, I'll get a "who are you" reply?). I'm looking at my political economy & qualitative political methods (distinguished prof), and public economics professors. I took their classes within the past year, got As and actively participated in their classes (kinda?), so that would help, no? Research Experience: Another slight concern. only had one summer research position with the Political science department. Teaching Experience: N/A Subfield/Research Interests: Democratization, regional SEA political economy, public policy, developmental policies Other: University Honors for 4/6 semesters, very active in student orgs (one is related to urban planning and public policy), internship with a representative from back home. Thanks!!