[Anyway Else Not Want to Know The Final Verdict?]

I was the opposite. After I submitted my apps on the 15th, I was ready to wash my hands of it all until I got notified of whatever. But now, I'm increasingly irritable because I feel like I can't start concrete planning for the next phase of my life (job-hunting, or prepping for a move) until I hear back from these damn programs.

agreed! I feel like I am in limbo.

does anyone know when is the very latest you should hear back?

[SOP formatting and CV questions]

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?

[Low GRE, high GPA?]

Hello,

More of the same I'm afraid

I just took the GRE for the second time V: 560 Q: 560 AWA: 5.

I have an undergraduate GPA of 3.95, and a 4.0 in a masters program that I am finishing now.

I have significant research experience (including research coordinator to one of my department's labs), above and beyond that of other grad students in my current program. Hence, I have four very, very strong LORs.

One publication as first author, and one as second, currently in submission. One other publication in prep. Several conference poster presentations. Teaching experience as a TA, including several guest lectures.

Basically, I am applying to competitive schools, as that is all there really is in my geographic area and it is difficult for me to relocate too far.

I have one pre-application in-person interview at a top tier school, although I am afraid my GRE scores will ruin my chances.

Any comments or suggestions? Does anyone know of any exception-to-the-rule examples that might boost my confidence a little?

Thanks!

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.

[Personal Statement and Resume Editing]

I am looking for people to proofread my personal statement and resume (the more people, the better). Please let me know if you are interested in swapping statements and resumes, or if you are just an incredibly kind person willing to help out!

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.

[MPA SOP review and feedback]

Are any of you applying to international development-related programs? I'm looking at the MPP at HKS (with a focus on ID) and the development master's degrees at LSE. If anybody's doing similar stuff and would be up for looking over my SOP, I would greatly appreciate it. I'd be happy to do the same!

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

[What exactly happens on test day?]

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.

[3rd Letter OF Recommendation Guidance]

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).

[3rd Letter OF Recommendation Guidance]

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!

[Last-minutish GRE testing & score reporting]

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!

[expressing 'fit' with program]

Are you applying for a Master's? Will you be writing a thesis? Or will it be 100% coursework based? If you are writing a thesis, you should explain how your interests fit with professors' research, as you will be undertaking a substantial research project with one/some of them. If the program is 100% coursework, I would suggest still focusing on particular professors, but rather than their research, focus on what courses they offer. Syllabi are often available on professors website, and presumably you want to attend the specific school because you will be excited to take classes with the professors there--express that. Why would reading particular material be augmented by being in the room with a particular professor? If you pick out some particular professors, those people are more likely to pull for you in the admissions process and the extra work of looking into classes will convey to the adcomm more generally that you know what you are getting into by pursuing a degree at the particular school.

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.

[expressing 'fit' with program]

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?