thombo

I'm in the same situation. I wouldn't begin to worry yet if I were you. They probably got such a massive influx of apps, they need some time.

School after school after school (at least in the top tier, which is where the OP has applied) emphasizes over and over the importance of work experience. I don't think it's pretentious or anything for some of the responders to point out that anyone, regardless of GRE and GPA, will be at a significant disadvantage. Is that to say that the OP should not apply (and I'm assuming he/she has already applied, so this is a moot thread)? No. But realistically, he/she is competing against applicants with similar number AND work experience, so yes, it is true, the OP will be at a disadvantage. Again, this is not to say he/she should not apply or will not be accepted at the programs to which he applied. Now that being said, I absolutely agree that there is SIGNIFICANT value to work experience beyond just making your application more competitive. In the 3.5 years I've worked, I've gained a much much better understanding of what I want to focus on. I've worked with people in various fields and had the opportunity to figure out for sure what I do and don't like. Things I had no idea about upon graduation. These programs also value time living abroad (more than just a semester abroad), and there's a good reason for that. In any case, I wish the OP the best of luck, but I also agree with others that I think there's a good case to be made for getting WE even if he/she gets accepted to one of the programs.

I would absolutely still apply AND take the test again. From what I read in the application Jan 15 is the deadline for Fletcher if you want consideration for financial aid, but Feb 15th is the absolute deadline. Apply before Jan 15th, try to at least get that GRE score in by Feb 15th, and study quant like a maniac. Quant more than verbal can be improved via study. Work on the verbal too while you're at it (not that it's bad necessarily, but as you know, Fletcher is highly competitive, so this is an opp to bump up both scores).

I've actually been working over the last few days on the SAIS supplemental essay, and while I first interpreted it as a policy analysis/memo type question, upon rereading the prompt I was thrown off by the "its concern to you" clause. How have you all interpreted "its concern to you"? I mean, if I'm writing on a topic, it's clearly of interest... but do I need to include why its of personal interest to me? Are they looking for policy analysis as well as insight into who I am (as the SoP is supposed to do), or is it strictly a policy memo?

Ha. Completely agree. I'm curious though, where is everyone in the application process? I had it as my goal to have apps in by 12/15... yeah that didn't happen. I've basically got two supplemental essays to write before I'm done (other than completing some forms and confirming receipt of all the transcripts, letters, etc.). Good luck, all.

I had spoken with my recommendation writers about letters previously, but had not actually sent them the recommendation request forms, so I am now letting them know to expect emails from the 4 schools I am applying. And Batingnolles - I think we are in the exact same position. I have a job I'm content with, and in this economy, that's not a bad thing, but it's not directly in my field I want to be in and I'm looking to grad school to make that transition. Although, if I don't get into one of my target schools this time around, I won't by default apply next year, but rather will probably try to get another job elsewhere and if by this time next year something hasn't worked out, then it's grad school apps round two.

I've gone through a relatively similar experience. Now that I'm actually getting deep into the application process I'm realizing that certain schools that I thought sounded like I'd like to go to really just don't fit with what I'm looking to do. I've narrowed my list from 7 down to 4 in just the last couple days. All four I would be willing and happy to attend. What worries me is that none of them is a "safety school", but I'm okay with that for the reason you stated: if I don't get in to any of them, I can always apply a year later. After all, this isn't like applying to undergrad where, for the most part, you HAVE to go to a college after senior year, it's just a matter of which one. And frankly, these programs are just far too expensive for me to "settle" on one that is only marginally satisfying.

May as well join the fray. I'm applying to 4 schools: Gtown MSFS, SAIS, Fletcher, and GW Elliott School. Had a originally planned on WWS, SIPA, and LSE, but those got narrowed down for various reasons (in WWS' case, because I didn't realize that the deadline was 1.5 months before the other schools...) In any case, I'm looking into trade/commerce/investment policy; would love to know if anyone else is looking at that area as well. My profile: Undergrad - Top 30 Private Liberal Arts; Political Science Major, Spanish and Latin Amer Studies minors; 3.7GPA (3.89 major); Honors in Poly Sci Post Grad - 1 year living and working in Costa Rica; 2 yrs as International Government Relations manager at a global IT consulting company GRE - 650v 710q Working on SoPs but can't say they're earth shattering by any stretch... Good luck all!

Wow. Hadn't considered that to be a legitimate concern but if it is, any idea how to repeal a topic?

Not harsh. I appreciate the input.

I posted this earlier on the "Statement of Purpose" forum, but I'm hoping for some criticism from those with interests and experience in IR. Please tear this thing apart. It's my first draft and I know I have a ways to go. Don't hold back! Thanks in advance. ______ I wish I could say that applying to the [program] is something I've always dreamed of. It is not. Rather, my interest in [the field] graduate programs and pursuing a career in [x] has grown and evolved substantially over time. Three experiences in particular have shaped my immediate and long term aspirations. While each is listed in my resumé, to truly understand their influence it is imperative to understand how each has complemented the others, offering me varied perspectives and unique insights, all of which, in aggregate, will allow me to contribute to and benefit from the [program] The three experiences to which I refer are: conducting my honors-thesis research on [subject of paper]; working in [in a foreign country]; and working in my [current job]. Researching and writing my undergraduate honors thesis provided an introduction to the concepts and issues at play for a developing country looking to attract investment from multi-national corporations. I analyzed the determining factors in a company’s decision to invest in a foreign market, and most importantly, I examined the [other important areas relevant to my graduate studies]. My research left me with a desire to explore these issues further via first-hand experience working [abroad]. Working [abroad] served a dual purpose. On the one hand, I gained direct, practical experience [living and working abroad] and using my [skill set] in a professional setting. More importantly, however, my time [abroad] provided real life verification of the issues I explored in my thesis. I had written in largely conceptual terms [about my subject]. Now I was witnessing for myself the real positive consequences [of what I'd written about]. I was personally instructing students in advanced English communication skills and placing them in well paying high-tech jobs at major multi-national corporations. I heard directly from these students, who were pursuing extra-curricular education at their own cost, of how they hoped to build their communicative and technical skill-sets, work for companies such as [ACME, inc and Widgets-R-Us], and use the training, experience and credibility garnered from working at these companies to branch out on their own and start their own companies. It was this experience, seeing first-hand [what I had researched], that invigorated my interest in the topics I addressed in my research and convinced me to pursue a job working [at what I want to do post-grad shcool]. Over the past two years [in my current job] I have gained exposure to the variety of issues facing a global corporation; I have confronted the [x] and engaged [y]. I worked with the [public] officials to bring attention to a [a business problem]. I conducted outreach to [various orgs] to help [a business opportunity]. And for the past several months I have directed [a really cool initiative relevant to my grad school studies]. But for all the excellent opportunities this job has given me, it has also introduced me to the frustrations and limitations of [my current position]. The reality is that [there are certain things that have made me want to change chourse]. I have realized over the last two years that my true interests lie in [doing what I would hope I could do after getting my degree]. The global economic system is dynamic and complex, and the roles of public and private stakeholders in this system are becoming increasingly more interrelated. It is precisely at this nexus of government and industry that I intend to build my career. I have benefited from a diverse set of experiences that have introduced me to the concepts, complexities, and major actors inherent to this system. I realize, however, that to play a key role [doing what I want to do] will require at once a deeper and more comprehensive understanding of the variables and forces impacting this system. With courses that address both [A] topics such as [x y and z] as well as topics such as [P and Q], the [master's program] represents a recognition that a successful practitioner in [my field of interest] requires a breadth of understanding that spans the public and private sectors. It is evident that [the program] appeals to my career goals, and I am confident that the program is an exacting complement to my professional and academic experiences. I look forward to the opportunity to contribute to the program’s dialogue and discourse.

Below is copied the first draft of my SoP for various International Relations masters programs. As you can tell it's well over the length recommendations of 500-700 words, so among everything else, I need your help cutting this thing down to size. Please don't hold back. I'm not sensitive and recognize the value of candid criticism. Thanks in advance! ______ I wish I could say that applying to the [program] is something I've always dreamed of. It is not. Rather, my interest in [the field] graduate programs and pursuing a career in [x] has grown and evolved substantially over time. Three experiences in particular have shaped my immediate and long term aspirations. While each is listed in my resumé, to truly understand their influence it is imperative to understand how each has complemented the others, offering me varied perspectives and unique insights, all of which, in aggregate, will allow me to contribute to and benefit from the [program] The three experiences to which I refer are: conducting my honors-thesis research on [subject of paper]; working in [in a foreign country]; and working in my [current job]. Researching and writing my undergraduate honors thesis provided an introduction to the concepts and issues at play for a developing country looking to attract investment from multi-national corporations. I analyzed the determining factors in a company’s decision to invest in a foreign market, and most importantly, I examined the [other important areas relevant to my graduate studies]. My research left me with a desire to explore these issues further via first-hand experience working [abroad]. Working [abroad] served a dual purpose. On the one hand, I gained direct, practical experience [living and working abroad] and using my [skill set] in a professional setting. More importantly, however, my time [abroad] provided real life verification of the issues I explored in my thesis. I had written in largely conceptual terms [about my subject]. Now I was witnessing for myself the real positive consequences [of what I'd written about]. I was personally instructing students in advanced English communication skills and placing them in well paying high-tech jobs at major multi-national corporations. I heard directly from these students, who were pursuing extra-curricular education at their own cost, of how they hoped to build their communicative and technical skill-sets, work for companies such as [ACME, inc and Widgets-R-Us], and use the training, experience and credibility garnered from working at these companies to branch out on their own and start their own companies. It was this experience, seeing first-hand [what I had researched], that invigorated my interest in the topics I addressed in my research and convinced me to pursue a job working [at what I want to do post-grad shcool]. Over the past two years [in my current job] I have gained exposure to the variety of issues facing a global corporation; I have confronted the [x] and engaged [y]. I worked with the [public] officials to bring attention to a [a business problem]. I conducted outreach to [various orgs] to help [a business opportunity]. And for the past several months I have directed [a really cool initiative relevant to my grad school studies]. But for all the excellent opportunities this job has given me, it has also introduced me to the frustrations and limitations of [my current position]. The reality is that [there are certain things that have made me want to change chourse]. I have realized over the last two years that my true interests lie in [doing what I would hope I could do after getting my degree]. The global economic system is dynamic and complex, and the roles of public and private stakeholders in this system are becoming increasingly more interrelated. It is precisely at this nexus of government and industry that I intend to build my career. I have benefited from a diverse set of experiences that have introduced me to the concepts, complexities, and major actors inherent to this system. I realize, however, that to play a key role [doing what I want to do] will require at once a deeper and more comprehensive understanding of the variables and forces impacting this system. With courses that address both [A] topics such as [x y and z] as well as topics such as [P and Q], the [master's program] represents a recognition that a successful practitioner in [my field of interest] requires a breadth of understanding that spans the public and private sectors. It is evident that [the program] appeals to my career goals, and I am confident that the program is an exacting complement to my professional and academic experiences. I look forward to the opportunity to contribute to the program’s dialogue and discourse.

Also, if anyone has suggestions of schools that I should add to that list, I'd be happy to hear them (like I said, I'm early in my grad school research process).

I'm at the fairly early stages of grad school research and I'll be looking to start school Fall '10. What I'm most interested in hearing about, and welcome all insight, comments,etc, is the international trade/business/commerce concentrations within IR programs. I am presently concentrating on GTown, SAIS, SIPA, Fletcher and GW (domestically) and LSE and The Geneva Graduate Institute (internationally). I'm attracted to the Geneva school because of its proximity to the WTO, but aside from that I know little about the program or its reputation. Again, I'd like to hear from anyone with any insight into these schools with regards to international trade/commerce cocentrations. Anyone else looking for similar programs? Thanks.

Fist time posting, but I've read this thread top to bottom and appreciate all the information and debate. One thing I haven't read about specifically and would like to hear opinions on is the strength of different programs with regards to International Trade. I'm looking to get into the trade and int'l commerce arena and wonder based on experience or research if anyone has opinions about which schools are best positioned for that specific area. I'm currently considering SAIS, Fletcher, SIPA, GTown, GW and internationally, LSE and the Geneva Graduate School (any specific thoughts on these or additional names to add to the list are appreciated). Thanks.