Learn619

I believe that this thread explicitly stated it was intedned to address those individuals applying to "MPA/MPP/IR program".. Under those circumstances, it is quite an aplicable thread to make a sticky. Those applying to programs at Georgetown, Harvard, George Washington, Hopkins, UT-LBJ, DU-Korbel, Princeton, Tufts, etc........ If you review those programs, they do in fact share many of the common characteristics posted by this thread starter. As far as I know, if you want to figure out how to be a competitve Economics aplicant, you can head over to the Social-Sciences section and post in the "economics" thread. This was intended for the Governmental-Affairs individuals. However, input from other majors would be appreciatated as well, i'm sure. (p.s., none of this post was intended to come across as condescending or rude. Just stating that I think you may be a bit off in your analysis here.)

There should be no reason to take the exam for a 3rd time, unless it is a personal ambition of yours to try to improve your general score. From what I understand, many schools will combine the best of both exams. And even if they did not, by nature of them already having seen the first scores when you took it, those 730/600 stats will already be available for the admissions department to review, along with the second set. Basically, I believe that you have absolutely nothing to worry about. However, If you are truly worried, you could contact each admissions department individually, and ask them this specific question.

I think the answer to that question is largely reliant on which field of Political Science you wish to study. An undergrad course history that shows a fundamental knowledge of quantitative capabalities will put you in good standing for many Poly-Sci programs.

Choices 1 & 3 seem to be the best fit, given the description of your interests. If you'd like to work for a think-tank, a PhD in political Science & IR would be a great way to get a foot in the door. Masters level work in think-tanks are also there to receive (from what I've been told), but going into the application process there with a PhD already (or in the process) will make you a more distinguished candidate for analysis on issues, I'd think. A master’s degree from a school with a high reputation for IR/Security related work is certainly an attractive option as well, and just as worthy. I suppose it will eventually come down to, among other things, your own personal preference as to what type of educational curriculum you'd prefer. A masters (policy) driven style of education, or the PhD (research) level, in broad general speaking terms. Of course financial costs should never be completely discounted from the equation, however that is something that may be more of a "let's just wait and see" type of thing that you wouldn’t really know until after the application process has already become well underway.

I took the time to do a bit of research on the NYU webpage for the Masters degree you've described. Also, I am quite familiar with the AU webpage from a substantial amount of research I have done on their degree offerings. Basically, after reading through what your inteded career goals are, I would personally chose the degree from AU. The experience from their faculty appears to be top notch for any career in the International Affairs field that you wish to get into. Also, NYU masters programs, to my knoqwedge, will be quite stingy in terms of financial assistance (being a TA, RA, fellowships, scholarships, etc). And while I can not garuntee funding for you from AU, I'm thinknig they could offer you a more attractive package to attend. Given your goals, AU seems like the more practical option given the type of curriculum you are looking for, its prime location, and its APSIA membership (if that matters to you). Also, American's SIS has a great reputation, so there is no need for worries as far as that goes.

First of all, congrats on your acceptances! Now, as far as the program selection goes, I think a big question that you may want to answer is "what is my intended career goal" with this degree. What specifically do you have in mind to accomplish, career-wise, by pursuing this degree? Would you consider PhD studies after, or plan on going directly into the work force? Do you want a more 'academic' or 'policy' driven curriculum, etc.? Each school will have different things to offer, depending on what you plan on using this degree to accomplish.