[Critical Language Scholarship 2021 Applicants]

Congrats all. Arabic semifinalist. I'm a grad student as well.

[Critical Language Scholarship 2021 Applicants]

On 12/15/2020 at 6:14 PM, jujubea said:

Hello? Um... Did I get into Middlebury? The email contains a header graphic that says "Welcome to the Language School" but no where does it say "congratulations" or "you've been admitted" or anything like that ...? But the rest of the email is instructions on how to prepare for the school... 

@jujubea That's strange. Did you email Middlebury to confirm?

[2020 Results]

Program Applied To (MPA, MPP, IR, etc.): MIA
 Schools Applied To: Texas A&M Bush School 
Schools Admitted To: A&M ($$$$)
Schools Rejected From: n/a
Still Waiting:  n/a
Undergraduate Institution:  non-flagship state university in Texas
Undergraduate GPA:  3.8
Undergraduate Major:  IR
GRE Quantitative/Verbal/AW Scores:  not required for gpa above 3.2
Years Out of Undergrad (if applicable): not quite a year
Years of Work Experience: 1.5
Describe Relevant Work Experience: research on comparative politics, assistant to journal editor, IR-focused internship
Strength of SOP (be honest, describe the process, etc): I think the SOP and the international experience essay (required for the MIA) were good. In hindsight, I should have asked my mentor to review them beforehand, but what's done is done.
Strength of LOR's (be honest, describe the process, etc):  I believe they were strong. One came from my mentor who I've done significant research with. The other two were from former professors who I took multiple courses with.
Other: I'm beyond blessed and grateful to get into my first and only choice with a significant funding offer. To those who worry that you won't get into grad school because your profile isn't stellar, don't be afraid to try. Even if you don't get the results you hope for, you can use the process as a learning experience, and try again next year. 

[International Relations Masters]

MALD at Fletcher is a good choice because you can apply to their PhD program in your second year. Another good choice might be the MPA or PhD program at Princeton WWS (fully funded). Not sure if they have a strong MENA focus, but it's worth a shot. Also, check out the Georgetown SFS MA in Arab Studies or joint MAAS/PhD in Government program. 

[External funding options and work/internships for DC MA IR students]

Check here:

CIA's Graduate Studies program, and if you are low income, the Graduate Scholarship program ( https://www.cia.gov/careers/student-opportunities/graduate-students.html )

Pickering Fellowship: http://www.twc.edu/thomas-r-pickering-foreign-affairs-fellowship-program

Rangel Fellowship: http://www.rangelprogram.org/index.cfm?session.areaid=2&contentid=672&typeid=CBRIAP92223 

AFIO - https://www.afio.com/13_scholarships.htm

WID Horizons (if you are female) - http://wid.ndia.org/horizon/Pages/default.aspx

Lint Center - http://www.lintcenter.org/scholarships/

For internships:

State - https://careers.state.gov/intern/student-programs
CIA- https://www.cia.gov/careers/student-opportunities/graduate-students.html
DIA- http://www.dia.mil/Careers/Students.aspx 
NSA- https://www.intelligencecareers.gov/icstudents.html?Agency=NSA 
FBI- https://www.fbijobs.gov/students/honors-internship-program 
USAjobs - https://www.usajobs.gov/
Energy - http://orise.orau.gov/doescholars/
Homeland Security - https://www.dhs.gov/homeland-security-careers/students
US Marines Intelligence - http://www.hqmc.marines.mil/intelligence/StudentEmployment/Opportunities.aspx
National Reconnaisance Office - http://www.nro.gov/careers/summer.html
NGA - https://www.nga.mil/Careers/StudentOpp/Pages/default.aspx
Treasury - https://www.treasury.gov/careers/hq-careers/Pages/student-employment.aspx

Not to mention internships with defense contractors like Booz Allen.
Most/all of these jobs would make you eligible for for PSLF as well.

It is my humble opinion that you should go for SSP. In addition to what I mentioned above, Career Services and faculty/staff/felow students in the SSP will undoubtedly be able to tell you about other opportunities. Once you get to DC, the opportunities are endless. 
I hope this info is a blessing to you and please pass it on.