Fletcher January Admission - what's the deal/do I have a shot?

[seanzo]

Hey All, Recently discovered this forum and it seems like a great resource. I'd love to hear the opinions of some of you on a problem that's really eating away at me at the moment regarding admission. I've been abroad in China for the past 5 years working as a writer (starting with interning at a microfinance NGO, most recently including a term as an associate editor for the expat magazines here for about 2 years, followed that up with an 8 month internship frequently publishing at a major international newspaper), but I'm feeling the limitations of my background and I'd like to continue my career in journalism/policy with an IR degree. I've done tons of research so far, including informal interviews with alums and current students, and I'm aiming to try for the January/spring admission at Fletcher.

 

My profile: UGPA: 3.42, philosophy and Mandarin, from a selective top 30 private university. higher in major GPA Languages: proficient in Mandarin GRE: 164V, 152Q, 6A References: At least two strong letters from my employers, but not sure about from professors since it's been some time post-graduation Work experience: see above, but I've also started my own business and volunteer

 

My question is pretty simple: do I have a good enough chance of getting in to drop the application fee? I'm mostly concerned about my low quant score and references/work experience, and since the admitted students to the spring program is noticeably smaller, is it worth it to apply?

 

Also, if there are any admitted Fletcherites in the audience that could give me an insight on life for January admits, that would be wonderful.

Edited June 28, 2015 by seanzo

[Guest]

Take this from a person who got rejected from Fletcher's (Security Studies program):

 

You will need to bump up the Quantitative score. You're good in the international experience arena though. Fletcher seems to prefer nearly  5 years of it, and it seemed to be the only school on my list that putted excessive emphasis on international work (1 year won't even do you any good for such a program). You're language skills are a plus.

 

Just boost up the quantitative score. And forgive my ignorance, but I had no idea that Fletcher or anyone else dropped application fees....unless you're in Peace Corps or the military perhaps?

Edited June 28, 2015 by Guest

[seanzo]

Take this from a person who got rejected from Fletcher's (Security Studies program):

 

You will need to bump up the Quantitative score. You're good in the international experience arena though. Fletcher seems to prefer nearly  5 years of it, and it seemed to be the only school on my list that putted excessive emphasis on international work (1 year won't even do you any good for such a program). You're language skills are a plus.

 

Just boost up the quantitative score. And forgive my ignorance, but I had no idea that Fletcher or anyone else dropped application fees....unless you're in Peace Corps or the military perhaps?

Ah - by "drop the fee," I meant to pay it. Writer's salaries can leave much to be desired.

Edited June 29, 2015 by seanzo

[went_away]

I would suggest you work closely with your recommenders to ensure they feel comfortable, able, and empowered to give you the level of specificity you need in your (presumably very positive!) recommendations. Don't be afraid or awkward to reach out - especially with former professors - you just have to do it! That was one of my main lesson from applying. You should also be able to craft a strong statement of purpose that clearly links your past experience with future professional goals and shows how Fletcher will help get you there. 

 

I am not familiar with the current scoring format of the GRE, so cannot comment on that aspect of your application, but if your China writing experience is legit (ie it would be helpful if you were actually getting paid to write, not just doing a blog and living on savings or the like), that's a great background for a Fletcher education. Regardless, I would really encourage you to submit an application - an extended period of time living and working in an interesting place is always a good background.  I would also think your Mandarin capabilities will help. Fletcher is really a great school (albeit expensive!) that takes people where they're at and tends to send them on to much bigger and better things, so I say go for it. 

Edited June 29, 2015 by went_away