Bonafide

Ok my I probably am treading on fine line with Sciences Po. My professor wrote to me saying the deadline was April 3 for him so he hasn't submitted his reference yet. Now while this exchange of information came along, the Sciences Po admissions team wrote to me saying my application was complete - they attached the scan of a generic/ not personalised recommendation letter by both the academic and professional referee that I supplied as a stand-by. Now I heard that Sciences Po referee have to answer 6 questions and not just attach their letter in pdf format. Does this sound like a big problem?

Yikes. Has everyone submitted two academic references? Any lone soul out there who has been different? Well here's the thing - I left uni almost 4 years ago, so getting academic references has been quite a challenge. Besides, my professional references would attest my abilities better and their assessments are definitely more current. I spoke to a Sciences Po representative, M. Gilles Vernier, before making that move and he gave me the go ahead. Ofcourse there is always a huge chance that not having two but one academic reference and a low GPA will result in a devastating 'inadmissible' email. I haven't received anything on that front yet - just a 'your application is incomplete' email. I have already written to the admissions about the whole situation. Anyway I'm going to try and hassle the living daylights out of this professor! AH TIME OF THE SHITBALLS! fml

Gah!!! Huge problem! Need some advice - So I submitted 4 references to Sciences Po (1 Academic and 3 Professional). My academic and one of my professional referees have still not submitted their recommendations for whatever reason. My professor is not replying to my emails - I wrote to the admissions office explaining my situation and attaching hard copies of both their letters. I can't really barge into their offices - because they are both in different countries. Have any of you faced a situation as such? Any advice? Thanks in advance! PS: Big up to everyone who have received offer letters so far!

Aww! Thanks for such a warm welcome you two! Well here's the thing, I did not quite explain why I got a low GPA it was a bit hard to smack the 800 word limit with it. Instead I chose to talk about what I have done professionally, my current undertaking and what motivates me to take this course. Oh boy! I guess there are never any right answers but I've made it personal and I hope it works. Anyway thanks for your feedback, I have only applied to one university so far so time to ship - shape the rest of them. Luckily Sciences Po is a 1000 words. And I don't know if SOAS has a limit but I was told a page and a half is a good measure. Alchyna, I am applying for a Masters in International Development at Sciences Po and an MSc in Development Studies at SOAS. Have the two if you considered University of Amsterdam? Hey Angel, since you've got into Sciences Po, did you know Indian citizens who hold a Masters/ Phd from France now get a five year business/tourist visa as of 14 July 2013. http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/bangalore/now-fiveyear-visas-available-for-students/article4918369.ece Its probably not as important as getting in but quite reassuring that you're not left out in the cold after a one year Masters in terms of internships/work experience. One of the reasons why I am gunning for IHEID is because one year as prescribed by most other universities is quite intense and insufficient in terms of time to settle in and learn about a whole new area, write a thesis and do an internship at the same time.

Hello everyone! I've just spent a whole hour or so reading 15 pages of excellent information, feedback (and hyperventilation - totally understand this phase of the excruciating wait!!) To all those who've got accepted in SOAS, Sciences Po etc. - Congratulations!! but may your IHEID dreams come true too. I am applying for the MDev course and have picked IHEID, SOAS, Sciences Po, IDS/Sussex, University of Amsterdam, Institute of Social Sciences as my top few choices. Not an early bird unlike most on this thread, I recently put in my application for IHEID on 10 January and am working on the rest of the applications. I am particularly interested in agrarian development, food security issues, water management, displacement and migration issues. Below, is just a bit of background so if you're interested in similar issues, I would love to hear about which universities according to your research might have the best resources for the mentioned areas. I have a BA degree in Communication from Australia with a less than average GPA that I completed in 2010. I have been working ever since with travel magazines, the Associated Press, an investigative documentary film on Papua New Guinea and the Department of Immigration in Australia. I left Australia for good six months ago and returned to my home country, India after seven good years. In the last six months, I did a course on agro-ecology and organic farming practices at a biodiversity conservation farm started by the renowned physicist and environmental activist Dr Vandana Shiva, in the foothills of the Himalayas. This was an excellent orientation into the area especially because we were taught by a collective of seed scientists, micro biologists, nutritionists, environmental activists, writers and researchers - each with a different perspective on food security and sustainable farming. I also did some volunteer work with an American couple who ran farmer trainings in rural villages. Currently, I am doing a Grad Dip by correspondence from the University of London/LSE in International Relations - to make up for a poor performance and a four year break from the world of academia. I'm not sure if my experience will make up for my academic background but how I would love, love, love to get accepted at IHEID. Did anyone have to explain/justify an irrelevant Bachelor degree or a low GPA in their SOP? I circumvented that bit and just highlighted what I have done and what motivates me to complete a post graduate degree in Development studies/ International Development. Look forward to hearing from someone and anyone. Hope you've all had a fantastic start to the new year.