Program Applied To MPA, MPP, IR, MEM (Focus on environmental economics with an interest in development)
Schools Applied To: Fletcher, SAIS, Yale FES, SIPA, HKS, WWS, Science-Po, Goteborg Univ
Schools Admitted To:
Schools Rejected From:
Still Waiting:
Undergraduate institution: Well regarded European research university
Undergraduate GPA: ~ 3.5-6ish (in US-terms)
Undergraduate Major: Environmental Science
GRE Quantitative Score: 800
GRE Verbal Score: 430 (TOEFL is quite good and I hope the GRE verbal won't diminish all my chances)
GRE AW Score: 4.0
Years Out of Undergrad (if applicable): 2
Years of Work Experience: close to 2
Describe Relevant Work Experience: worked before college as a civil servant and after graduation worked for an environmental NGO and a development IFI
Strength of SOP (be honest, describe the process, etc): Got much better with time, but was probably not the most inspirational read to start with. Nevertheless I am quite happy with it as I could express my interests in the programs and link them to my career goals quite well.
Strength of LOR (be honest, describe the process, etc): Two professor which both know my work well and at least one of them (showed me the letter) is very enthusiastic and supportive. Other one from my current boss who is very supportive, but let's say keeps it in an analytical and moderate tone.
Other: I have a lot of international experience which might help for the IR schools. Studied/ did research in 3 countries and worked in 3 different ones.