disintegrate

Your overall package looks very good. Here are just a few points you should devote some time to in your application process.

- The GRE is only valid for 5 years from the date of testing. So your test 8 years ago has ZERO usability for the current admissions process. I know you took the GMAT, you might be able to use that in lieu of the GRE at some schools, but be sure to check with each school to see if they will accept GMAT instead of GRE. If not, you will need to retake the GRE by roughly late Oct/early November to meet application deadlines.

- you already have a masters, so you probably will want to be very proactive about spelling out to adcoms why another MA is vital to your career plans. Basically, you can't just say "because its a better more prestigious degree", you need to be specific about what these programs will do for you that your previous MA did not.

Good luck!

during a recent fletcher online chat session, the admissions folks from the school recommended one from a past professor, one from a professional source and third from what you think will be the strongest recommendation.

Dear all,

Currently I'm beginning the process of applying to IR programs. I've been thinking about it for a long time and collected a lot of program names, but now that I'm actually applying, I'm questioning some of my choices.

My top two so far are Fletchers, Boston University
I'm also looking at: Goldman, SIPA, AU, and GW

I graduated in 2010 from a small, public liberal arts college. My backgrounds is quant. deficient and I'm not as interested in the quantitative aspect of International Relations. After graduating I spent a year in Taiwan studying Mandarin.

I'm interested in: Asia, Religions and Politics, Human Rights, Conflict Resolution

In the future I hope to be involved in some capacity with East-West relations but I haven't been able to narrow it down further.

Does anyone know of or have ideas of how I can focus my vision? Any ideas about career options with an Asia focus?

I think that if I can really get an idea of what kind of career options I have, I can decide which programs would serve me the best. Any programs suggestions that I haven't listed?

Any input would be much appreciated!

Bumping this thread to help out applicants for this application cycle. Any advice from anyone still circulating the grad forums?!

Yes, that's my concern. Not getting a job. Who wouldn't love some international experience.