Program Applied To (MPA, MPP, IR, etc.): MA/MPA International Development
Schools Applied To: Georgetown GHD, GWU Elliott, American SIS, Fordham IPED, Columbia SIPA
Schools Admitted To: American SIS
Schools Rejected From: N/A
Still Waiting: Georgetown GHD, GWU Elliott, Fordham IPED, Columbia SIPA
Undergraduate Institution: Top 100 mid-sized liberal arts school in the midwest
Undergraduate GPA: 3.83
Undergraduate Major: Global and International Studies & Political Science
GRE Quantitative/Verbal/AW Scores: 160/159/4.0
Years Out of Undergrad (if applicable): 3
Years of Work Experience: 3
Describe Relevant Work Experience: Two years internationally post-grad with an organization similar to Peace Corps, internship with a prominent DC think tank, currently working for a major humanitarian aid organization.
Strength of SOP (be honest, describe the process, etc): Not the most ground-breaking probably, but I drew upon and connected my different international experiences and how those shaped my interests and what I want to do in the future. Made it personal. Gave specific examples of what I want to do post-grad.
Strength of LOR's (be honest, describe the process, etc): Pretty generic one from a professor, two from supervisors while I was working abroad that I think are pretty strong.
Other: Lots of contact with GHD, SIS, and SIPA (info sessions, chatted with current students/alumni, went to online classes/open houses). Did the bare minimum in terms of connecting with Elliott and IPED honestly (just went to online info sessions about the schools).