Previous Schools (Name, type, or tier): Top 60 LAC
Previous Degrees and GPAs: Economics and Philosophy, minor in Poli Sci (3.9)
GRE Scores (Verbal/Quantitative/Analytical Writing): 99% V, 93% Q, 5.0
Previous Work Experience (Years, Type): 2 summer internships (applied as a senior in college)
Math/Econ Background: Calc I, and a ton of Econ classes including Quant Methods and Econometrics
Foreign Language Background (if applicable to your program): English + my native language (international student)
Intended Field of Study in Grad School: IR/ID
Long Term Professional Goals: work in ID/teach
Schools Applied to & Results: SAIS (accepted, $8k), AU SIS (accepted, full tuition + $15k stipend), Pitt GSPIA (accepted, no aid), UChicago CIR (accepted, full tuition), GW (accepted, $20k)
Ultimate Decision & Why: CIR - one year program so I save a year (which I needed to for personal reasons); great faculty; great reputation; leaves the option of a PhD wide open; lots of flexibility
Advice for Future Applicants: I thought applying straight out of undergrad would mean either no acceptances or definitely no aid (and this is what most people on this forum said - everyone keeps stressing how work experience is such a decisive factor). I got accepted everywhere and had the option of deciding between two great schools (AU and Chicago) which was a tough decision. Even the stingy programs gave me aid, and I was expecting them to reject me because I was applying straight out of college! If you know what you want to do and have relevant experience (not necessarily full time!)/coursework/passion to back it up, APPLY. Just make sure you are making up for less experience through your GPA/GRE/and LORs.