JFman00

Any Navy folks out there familiar with the program? It's too early to be talking to my detailer and I'm not sure how off-track it is career-wise, so hesitant to voice my interest lest I get a reputation for wanting to get out of my community. Might not be the ideal place for this, but figured I'd give it a shot.

A buddy of mine is doing the PhD program on an Air Force scholarship there. Came in highly ranked out of the AF Academy (no work experience). Can put you in touch with him if you'd like. In my mind at least (political economy major undergrad, military), RAND puts out very quality stuff in a wide range of areas.

Would more help compensate for a piss-poor undergrad GPA? Or even just more stats stuff?

How far along the math track is ideal? I'm assuming a rigorous stats class, multivariable calc, diff eq and linear algebra?

Thanks for the advice all. So you'd recommend (re)taking some stat/math classes (I'm thinking a rigorous stats class or linear algebra)?

Mathematical Statistics (C in undergrad), econometrics, linear algebra?? Going so long without calc makes retaking calc 3 (C in undergrad) or doing diff eq look pretty daunting.

Academic background: 2.7 in political economy with a focus on IR from a top 50 USNWR university. I have not taken the GRE but previous standardized test scores have been very high (2150 SAT, 32 ACT, multiple 5s on APs including BC Calc, 99th percentile ASVAB). Professional background: Military officer in aviation about a year and a half in. Stationed in NE Florida. Career goal: Looking to get into foreign affairs in my branch, or separate and pursue something State Dept. related. I have a couple months of a very light workload, so was thinking I would do something to bolster my chances at admission to a reputable MPA/IR program later in my career (3 years from now at the earliest). Any suggestion on what I should use the time for? I'm thinking something along the lines of retaking some undergrad econ/math/stats or non-degree graduate coursework at a local school? Any ideas at all are welcome.