milkshake22

agreed! I feel like I am in limbo. does anyone know when is the very latest you should hear back?

One question regarding the format for a graduate school resume. If your undergraduate major is basically the same degree you are applying for, is it really necessary to have one whole section of your resume devoted to relevant coursework? My undergraduate major was IR and I am applying to IR programs, so obviously 80% of my courses are going to be related. I guess if you had specific research interests: e.g. environmental policy, and you want to list related courses to that e.g. sustainable development 101, but even then, It seems really redundant to me and a waste of space. Can anyone shed light on this? Is it bad if I totally omit this section?

Honestly, I would not worry at all. Your scores are not THAT low and the rest of your academic record looks solid. The only thing that low scores might impact would be merit-based scholarships.

I would also like to help out! Just PM me I am applying to IR programs, but if you are willing to review my SOP that would be great as well.

I'm applying to one MPA program and four IR programs with a concentration on environmental policy and sustainable development - I would be happy to look over your SOP. Just send it to me

Wow... you had your pockets checked?! I had SUCH a different aka BAD experience with the paper-based test in China... not even going to post it because I am sure some ETS intern is scanning these forums looking for GRE discussions. I think it really depends on where you are taking it.

Well, in that case, I think either is okay (a previous employer or previous professor). For my recommendations, I had the director of International Studies at my undergrad university, a letter from the director of the organization I work for now in China, and then one from a previous employer whom I worked under for about 4 years (totally unrelated to IR, but a recommender who would write an awesome letter for me).

Hi, I am also applying to IR programs, and I think your 3rd letter of recommendation should come from a professor/teacher. Actually, most of the schools I am applying to explicitly require this. I am also applying to MALD at Fletcher; here is the recommendation requirement(s) right off of Fletcher's application instructions: "We suggest that at least one letter come from a faculty member, academic dean, or an advisor familiar with your academic performance. A second letter should come from a professional supervisor, mentor or colleague." Good luck!

I wouldn't freak out. I am also taking the test overseas on Nov. 20th (although I already took it on Oct. 26, but something went wrong, so they cancelled all the scores and everyone in the country has to retake it again). I would email the schools whose applications are due at the end of December just to make sure though. I emailed two of my schools yesterday and informed them about my testing date... still waiting to hear back from them, but honestly, I would not freak out! Don't worry and good luck!

Thanks! That was really helpful. It will definitely improve my SOP. I am applying for a masters in IR and most of the programs do not require a master's thesis, but only require a major research paper (from any one of the courses taken while attending the program) to be submitted in order to graduate. Most of the university's programs of study have a similar requirement. So that's why I was unsure about whether or not to include current professors' interests, but I think it will definitely help and certainly won't hurt my application.

Is it important to discuss how professors' interests match yours even if you are NOT applying for PhD? I know some graduate science programs might require this mesh of student/professor interests, but I am applying for an IR degree... what are your thoughts? Should I mention how professors' research or specialized interests correlate to my own in my SOP?