chirashi

Received acceptance today.

MA in International security.

I got an acceptance via email a couple of days ago.

I'm pursuing an international relations MA degree, so econ is somewhat important, but no more important than second language proficiency. Plus, I don't plan on focusing much on econ during my studies. However, I worry that an admission committee might see this one VERY recent blemish on my app and toss me out. However, you're right, SOP and recs are more important factors than grades. My major was English (3.8 GPA) by the way. Econ is hard simply because it's a much different "field" and the grade is determined only by 2 multiple choice tests. I'm used to writing essays in order to prove my knowledge.

Hello everyone, I'm hoping to get some feedback on my SOP because I've rewritten this thing so many times that I don't know if its anything close to resembling "good" anymore. I also think that it's a bit too wordy/clunky in certain areas. But at the very least, it answers the topic... I think. Anyway, I'd like a serious critique, grammar corrections and some tips on how to make it more memorable. (Whenever I read sample SOPs, I feel like I've done nothing with my life to make me a competitive candidate.) SOP TOPIC: "Applicants should discuss the professional, academic and personal experiences that have most contributed to their desire to study international relations, their specific interest in the intended area of focus at [super Awesome University X], and professional goals/objectives upon graduation. This essay should be no more than 600 words." SOP: In 2009 I volunteered with the non-profit organization, ASDF, in their QWERTY Campaign to help a Dalit (formally known as “Untouchables”) community. I worked side-by-side with villagers, mixing cement to transform houses made of thatch and mud into brick homes. I was also a teacher in the village’s one-room school, teaching English and playing hand-clapping games with the children. By volunteering, I hoped to contribute to the long-term stability of this Dalit village. However, when I learned that Dalit women and children are targets of human trafficking, I immediately felt that the cruelty and violence of this crime diminished the impact of our humanitarian aid: The houses we built could provide shelter from heat and rain, but not this crime. Initially, this realization made me feel that my volunteer work was useless: Human trafficking is a crime that perpetuates poverty and undermines the stability of communities and nations. Moreover, I felt naïve playing games with children in danger of becoming modern slaves. However, this initial feeling of powerlessness has motivated me to become a more qualified professional because I know that I can contribute more than a game of paddy-cake to these people. I aim to pursue a career wherein I can combat those criminals who operate outside national (and moral) boundaries. Understanding the causes and complexities of transnational crimes lies at the crossroads of international security, international law and human rights. Only at the Super Awesome University X can I deepen my knowledge in these functional areas simultaneously. Furthermore, Super Awesome University X has several professors with expertise in these fields, including Professor X and Dr. Henry Philip "Hank" McCoy. While my primary interest are transnational crimes, like human trafficking, which offend both human rights and the security of communities, I also have a growing concern with the destabilizing effect that weapon proliferation and terrorism have on nations. Ultimately, I hope to use the education I receive at Super Awesome University X in conjunction with my commitment to human rights to strengthen the arm of international law, and encourage international cooperation in the investigation and prosecution of international criminals. Unfortunately, many impoverished countries are hesitant to take legal action because of the economic benefits that crimes, like sex tourism, can generate. For that reason, I also wish to learn more about the use of negotiation and coercion to gain the cooperation of foreign countries. Additionally, because Super Awesome University Xs offers internships with government organizations, my participation in these internships would translate into hands-on experience in my future career. Whether my career includes the investigation of human trafficking with U.S Immigration and Customs Enforcement or providing analytical support for the counter-terrorism unit at the Federal Bureau of Investigations, I believe a Super Awesome University X’s education offers me the most suitable education to reach my goals. I realize that my goals are ambitious for someone who graduated with an B.A. in English rather than international relations or politics. However, my undergraduate degree has provided me with acute analytical and writing skills that will aid me at Super Awesome University X. Furthermore, I have three years of international work experience in Japan with the JET (Japanese Exchange Teaching) Program. My participation in this program nurtured my interpersonal and negotiation skills, thanks to practical experience working with a variety of professionals from different backgrounds. Furthermore, living in Japan gave me a direct opportunity for me to enhance my Japanese language abilities. The chance to speak directly with Japanese people allowed me to learn about differing values and belief systems, as well as expand my own world view. Ultimately, my experiences in Japan and India have led me to see America and its neighbors as members of a global community with shared concerns about future prosperity and stability.

What do graduate admission committees think about a "W" on transcripts? I'm applying for graduate school (fall 2010) for international relations. I graduated college back in 2006, but my degree was in English. Some grad schools for international relations require that all prospective students take micro- and macro- economics before entering. So, I'm taking those economics courses at a junior college now. However, with the application process, GREs, job, etc., I don't have enough study time for both. I'm doing well in the macroecon class--thanks mostly to an excellent teacher, but not so well in the micro class (I've got a C now). I need at least a B in both courses. I'm thinking about dropping the micro course, but I'll have to take the drop with a "W" (Withdraw), which would be better than a D or F grade. Will graduate admissions committees care about this "W?" I can always take the micro class again in Jan when the application process is pretty much over (and I'll have completed the macro course as well).