Program Applied To (MPA, MPP, IR, etc.): IR
Schools Applied To: American University, Tufts University (joint program), Columbia University, University of Pittsburgh.
Schools Admitted To: American, Pitt
Schools Rejected From: N/A
Still Waiting: Columbia, Tufts (I think both come in next week, I had interviews for both but haven't heard back since)
Undergraduate Institution: One of the universities I'm applying to, top-ranked private university
Undergraduate GPA: 3.51
Undergraduate Major: IR
GRE Quantitative/Verbal/AW Scores: N/A (all schools went test optional this year, or have been previously)
Years Out of Undergrad (if applicable): N/A
Years of Work Experience: 2.5
Describe Relevant Work Experience: 1 year divided across two internships: one with my Senator and the other with an organization advocating for the interests of Asian-American immigrants.
Strength of SOP (be honest, describe the process, etc): Mine were alright. Two of my programs are Europe focused and the other two are more general IR programs. I focused on my interests in IR (the EU, cultural communication, and public diplomacy), my desire to enter the field of education, and importance of diversity in IR. A note on the last point: for a while, I was unsure if I "belonged" in European studies since I had no cultural connection to the region and the field is almost entirely white. I was able to study abroad in Europe before COVID cut it short, and have only gotten more interested in Central/Eastern Europe since then. Being pretty open about my identity as AAPI and gay, I felt OK bringing this into my SOPs and interviews. Since I'm not as committed to my research interests, I had to go the more personal route after I talked about academics for a bit.
Strength of LOR's (be honest, describe the process, etc): I was very particular with mine since I know these are what got me into undergrad, and picked five different professors across my applications. For all of them, I sent an info sheet for each program with my research interests, why I want to apply, and other info with links, deadlines, etc.
Two professors (one was current, another former) wrote for the Europe-centered programs, and I reached out to another two professors (same setup) for the general IR programs. The fifth Columbia LOR is a complete unknown, since he really made me work for it. He was the only one weary about me reaching out since I hadn't had him in a while, but I made my case and he agreed after a follow-up email. I didn't do bad in his class, he's just a little more particular with things overall.
I'd like to think I have a good chance at the remaining two programs. I talked about diversity more with them, and my regional interests are aligned. My current research interests are kinda all over the place but I'm open to some changes, so hopefully they see that potential since what I said doesn't really match professors so far. Been lurking long enough and totally forgot to post mine, so thankful for y'all!
