Hi all,
I applied for several PhD programs, but, unfortunately, none of them have been accepted. Instead, I got some offers for MA programs: Master in International Affairs at GPS, UC San Diego; Master of Arts in International Relations at GSAS, New York University; and MSc in International Relations Theory at London School of Economics. I might be admitted to MA in PoliSci at Columbia University.
Which program do you think best for my late PhD applications?
My academic interest is in IR theory and security, and I want to pursue a PhD at a top school after finishing one of the programs above. I am an international student, and given that my undergraduate GPA was not good, I consider I should enroll in a MA program in US or UK rather than staying in my country and applying next year. As usual among MA students, I have not been awarded a fellowship from each department.
In addition, more specifically, When considering later PhD admissions, which Master program is better, 1-year or 2-year? I guess this is a general question among students majoring in social science.
NYU and LSE offered me 1-year programs. I am wondering if it is quite difficult to apply for PhD programs successfully only several months after matriculation; I will have only one semester to prove my competence to professors who may write recos and to the admission committees, given that the application deadline is December. Also, I have to retake IELTS and GRE before enrollment if I choose a 1-year program.
On the other hand, if I choose a 2-year program. I may be able to prove my competence, for example, by being awarded as a Dean's fellow. Professors may write stronger recos. I can retake standardized tests next year. However, tuition double, and it takes two years.
I hope comments made in this topic are also helpful to other international applicants who face the same situation.
I look forward to your comments.