Hello,
I haven't checked this site or ones like it for a long time but I wanted to share my experience with those who are applying to top IR programs. Despite my GPA (2.6) I have been accepted at the SAIS M.A program to start in September. I have also received significant funding to complete my studies. If you are like me and have a less than spectacular (make that horrendous) grade point average DO NOT GO TO BOARDS LIKE THESE FOR ADVICE. I cannot stress this enough. There are plenty of paths to the top and you have to remember that not all of them include having a spectacular GPA. If you look at applicant advice websites such as this one, you will become convinced that the Adcomms will laughingly shred your application and use it for toilet paper.
I stopped looking at these sites a while ago as it was too disheartening to listen to the preening windbags and their fatuous obsessions with the smaller things in life. Instead, I decided to hunker down and follow my own path, not the received wisdom that is so often espoused on the internet.
So stay focused, keep the faith and steer clear of the herd. You might just end up getting into the program you desire.
A little bit more about me:
Languages: Some french and spanish (nothing spectacular, certainly not fluent)
Work experience: (3 years, some international development in Latin America)
GRE: 710V 720Q
GPA: 2.7
Volunteer: don't believe in it, so none
Balls: made of steel
Extra courses in basic economics and stats
Now sign off this site and go and live your life. You will thank me later
