[Disclaimer 1:] I already posted this in the Social Science forum, and application forum. I am in no way trying to litter the site, I am just unfamiliar with the layout of the forum and decided this is probably a more appropriate section for my post.
[Disclaimer 2:] I apologize if I missed a required introduction format. I searched around the forum to see if there was a template for intros but did not find one. Second, I did a search to see if there were already discussions related to this post. Again, did not see much. However, I am on an iPhone. If someone knows of something in relation to this post, I will direct myself there.
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I am a U.S. Army Ranger looking to transition away from the Military and into grad school within the next few years (2017-18?). I initially wanted to apply to an IR Program after undergrad, but probably would have settled for a program as I didn't have work experience. Instead, I decided to commission as an Army Officer and pursue special operations.
I went to Michigan State for undergrad where I got a 3.6 in economics. I have no yet taken the GRE, pretty much due to optempo, but plan on it within the year.
I want to pursue a Master's in IR. Having said this, what should I be thinking about as a potential applicant? What should I do to prepare? I know the "am I competitive?" question is often overused here, but how does my work experience set me apart, if at all?
Goal sheet would be JHU, Georgetown, Princeton, Columbia, etc... Looking to focus on counter insurgency/global security.
Thank you for the insight. I've been lurking around in the shadows on this forum enough. I look forward to helping however possible.
RLTW