WorldB0

Hi All! I'll be applying for admissions this fall to enter school Fall 2014. I have government experience working in regional affairs and would like to extend my education in that particular region. I'm currently leaning toward SAIS because of its dual-degree flexibility, and also because I'd be interested in leaving Washington to study at the Bologna Center for the first year. In short, I have an unusual academic transcript. I'll hopefully be able to counter that with strong GMAT/GRE scores and my SOP/LORS. Looking forward to any advice!!! Program Applied To : MA - IR; also looking to "specialize" in Security Studies or Latin America Studies Schools Considering Applying To: SAIS; Georgetown Walsh; Columbia SIPA; HKS- MPA-ID; Chicago Harris; Stanford. ALSO: I intend to apply for a dual degree (w/ MBA) once I've matriculated to a IR program. The flexibility of SAIS with regard to dual-degree programs is enticing. Undergraduate institution: TTT Public University Undergraduate GPA: 3.3 (3.8+ in last 60 hours, Phi Beta Kappa, honors)-- had health problems midway through undergrad, grades suffered as a result Undergraduate Major: International Affairs (with an additional emphasis on Mathematics/Chemistry) GREs: Going to take GMAT...currently practicing at 730-760, 6 AWA Years Out of Undergrad (if applicable): 2 (at time of matriculation) Years of Work Experience: 16 months (as of this month) Describe Relevant Work Experience: I interned in politics while in undergrad and had the opportunity to work in political campaigning as a deputy field director for a governor's race (that our candidate won) as well as a finance intern for a political fundraising organization working with 5+ US Senators and candidates. After graduating, I worked in international affairs/foreign policy for the US government and have had major hands-on experience with international government entities that will shape my application. Languages: Intermediate Spanish (spoken and written), looking to pick up either French/German Quant: Calc 1/2, Multivariable Calc, Linear Algebra, Differential Equations (All A's); MacroEcon (A), Stats (C+) Strength of SOP: Should be well-written, concise, methodical. Will incorporate my current career path, need for additional education, etc etc. Strength of LOR: Should be pretty strong. Will have 2 gov't recommenders who have major credibility in IR. Only weak LOR will be from undergrad professor. Negatives: GPA! But like I've mentioned, there's a reason why I did so poorly. If that segment of my academic career were taken out, I'd have 3.8 GPA overall. Goal: I'm still wavering between reentering the public sector and consulting unfortunately. I will have GI Bill benefits to use while in graduate school. Regardless of where I'm admitted, I want to have the flexibility of a entering a dual-degree program (for which SIPA/MSFS are not nearly as accommodative). I honestly don't know how competitive I'll be at the programs I've mentioned, but I would love any feedback or advice!!