slothrop99

Well, that's unfortunate. It's tricky, because they say that 1 semester each of macro- and microeconomics is required prior to admission. So you'd think you'd be ok if you took these classes now, in spring of '09. The key is whether or not they'll take your enrollment in these classes seriously, right? And why would they admit someone who is as-yet-unproven in econ when I'm sure they have plenty of other applicants who have taken these courses already and received A's? Damn, I'm scaring myself. Here's hoping we all convey other shining qualities in our apps that make up for lack of econ...

So, I'm applying to several international affairs/public policy programs, and I've never taken an Econ course. I'm currently enrolled in microecon, macroecon, and stats (for good measure) at the local college to shore up these deficiences. What I do have going for me is that I just got back from serving two years in the Peace Corps, and I have a good GPA from a top school and high GREs (770 v, 740 q). But I'm terrified that, because these programs are econ-intensive, my lack of undergrad coursework will drag the rest of my app down. Is anyone else worried that, despite what most of these schools claim on their websites (that you need not have an econ background - only that you must complete these classes prior to matriculation), you won't get in because of this deficiency? I'd hate to see a pile of rejections due to lack of foresight when I was an undergrad over 10 years ago... Thoughts?

Care to elaborate, freshprince? I'm seriously considering Austin in the Fall, and very excited about it. I keep hearing about how great it is, but people are usually short on specifics. What do you all (or, y'all) like about it?

Thank you all so much for your replies. The more I think about it (and the more I read replies like yours), I think that bringing her up here and making things work isn't at all impossible. People do it all the time, I'm sure. And I completely agree with you Lissa - I think personal relationships ought to come before just about anything else. Certainly before grad school. Anyway, thanks for taking the time to help me out. Tyrone

Hi, I've recently returned from the Peace Corps and I'm thinking of marrying my Central American girlfriend and bringing her to the States to be with me. She doesn't speak English, and would probably be pretty reliant on me at first as far as getting accustomed to life in the States, making friends, and learning English. I have no doubt that she can do it (her strength and adaptability are two of the myriad reasons why I love her). However, I'm starting to doubt whether or not this is a good idea, because I've heard that grad school requires complete devotion of any and all of one's time. My question to all of you current grad students is: does grad school (particularly foreign service/public policy programs) make relationships impossible? Would the time commitment make my relationship with my future wife impossible? Should I try to wait 2 years until I'm done with school? I've explained to her that I might be spending 10-12 hours away from her every day, studying, and she gave me a great reply: "I'd rather have you home every night than not see you for two years." What say ye grad students? Any and all replies appreciated! Tyrone Slothrop