Program Applied To (MPA, MPP, IR, etc.): MA SPS (Elliott), MA USFP (SIS)
Schools Applied To: GW (Elliott), American (SIS)
Schools Admitted To:
Schools Rejected From:
Still Waiting: all
Undergraduate institution: Ivy League
Undergraduate GPA: 3.39
Last 60 hours of Undergraduate GPA (if applicable):
Undergraduate Major: Economics, East Asian Languages and Civilizations - Chinese
Study Abroad: 3 months each in Tokyo and Shanghai, 3 months (so far) in Taipei
GRE:
Q: 163
V: 158
AW: 4.5
Years Out of Undergrad (if applicable): 2
Years of Work Experience: 2
Describe Relevant Work Experience: 1.5 years as a research analyst for a consulting firm in DC, 6 months as a volunteer for a Nigeria-focused micro-financing non-profit.
Quant: econometrics, development economics, public finance, corporate finance
Strength of SOP (be honest, describe the process, etc): explained how I want to draw on my quant background and language skills for a career in Intelligence.
Strength of LOR (be honest, describe the process, etc): along with the SOP, i'm most worried about these. my professors know my career goals, and I performed well in their classes; but, I have no idea what they'll write. got recommendations from each of my majors. also one from my previously employer.
Languages: English (native); Chinese (limited-working proficiency); Japanese (basic); French (basic)
International Experience: study abroad for 3 months each in Shanghai and Tokyo, currently living in Taipei
Questions/Comments: SAIS has been my dream school for so long, but given the salary potential for gov't jobs and the loans I still have from undergrad, I didn't want to be stuck in a position where (if accepted) I had to turn down SAIS due to funds. Between GWU and AU, Elliott is my top choice. I also took the FSOT in October and passed. Waiting on the results due out next week to see if I make it to the FSOA stage.