gutrot

That is what I had originally thought would make more sense - go to law school first, as it doesn't require work experience, and afterwards go to an IR program. However, I had a long discussion with a friend who had done this same sort of track and has had tremendous success. Perhaps I have been misguided. Since it is already spring semester it will be impossible for me to take an LSAT before this upcoming academic year. I suppose it would be best then to pursue an internship and study hard for the LSAT while working?

I think you're correct to assume that is normally the case. The issue for me was that I originally performed above expectations at BU (I wasn't a great high school student, but somehow got into BU), which allowed me to make what I perceived as a move to a university with a bit more of a prestigious reputation. While at Emory, I realized the general path I would most likely be taking, and understood that it would not be cheap. Going to UF is essentially free for me, which is a huge plus as I can now pay for graduate school with minimal loans if I do not receive funding. At this point I'm worried if putting one year of work in will be enough for these schools. I would just really like to complete my schooling sooner rather than later.

I'm making this post in hopes that I can find some advice regarding what I should be pursuing once I graduate this summer to give me the best shot at attending some of the top IR schools. Originally, I wanted to pursue a Ph.D., but I've made a change of plans. Rather, it seems as though I will be getting an M.A. before attending law school. So time is an issue - I will not be able to spend multiple years gaining real work experience, which from what I've read thus far may hinder my ability to get into some schools. I hope to spend a year doing work at a think tank or nonprofit so I can gain some more direction. However, I am not sure if that is the best route to take. So any advice rendered would be greatly appreciated. I'm just not sure what I should be trying to do exactly once I graduate, and it is a bit nerve-racking. I've also posted my stats to give an idea of whether I'll be competitive or not. Schools Applying To: HKS/WWS/SIPA/SFS/SAIS/CIR/LSE Undergraduate institution: I’ve been around: Boston University, Emory University, University of Florida Undergraduate GPA: 3.8+ (BU), 3.7+ (Emory), 4.0 (UF) – Spent a year at each of the first two, will be graduating this summer from UF. Undergraduate Majors: History and Political Science (Focus in IR). Will graduate Magna Cum Laude at minimum, writing a thesis. Study Abroad: Spent a decent portion of my last summer in Berlin completing an intensive language course. Also spent a week and a half this year in Munich with my thesis advisor. GRE Score: Have not taken it yet. Not worried about the verbal, a bit worried about getting the necessary quant. Suppose I will take a class. Years Out of Undergrad (if applicable): None. I’m hoping to be able to get an internship at a large think tank for a year before applying. Languages: German (Was conversational, not so much anymore, I can still read it okay.) Quant: Stats (A), Intro Micro + Macro Econ, Gen Ed math. Strength of SOP: Hoping to gain a more focused direction if I can get an internship somewhere. Strength of LOR (be honest, describe the process, etc): Should be strong, especially from my thesis advisor. Also, will my multiple transfers be an issue? I can see how it could raise a red flag.

My University has a rather short add/drop period for classes, and I am currently enrolled in a high-level history seminar that I am looking to withdraw from. The reason for doing so is that I learned my thesis advisor will be teaching one next semester that is pertinent to my thesis topic and will greatly aid the writing process. Additionally, I could take a different class to catch up on credits for my double major. My grade is fine in the course, but it will still appear as a W in a class required for one of my two majors. Will this have any bearing on admissions for top International Relations graduate programs? Should I stay put or withdraw? I feel as though my explanation for withdrawing is more than reasonable if given the chance to articulate it. Any advice is appreciated.

BrokenRecord and OregonGal, thank you very much for the thoughtful responses and making sense of my mess of questions. I actually just got back from consulting my thesis adviser on this, and he seems to be in agreement with both of you regarding my international experience. Besides some leisure travel and a program in highschool in which I traveled to Russia and had a home-stay, I have not been abroad. I was advised to either do the program in Germany or take up an internship with Oxfam (a nonprofit) if they accept me, however the cutoff date for Germany is getting close nor I am sure if one would be preferred over the other. I had just assumed that work-experience, even if not related to my field, would be more valued. Additionally, I'll be traveling with my advisor to Munich in the fall. I'm in agreement that since I will certainly be taking classes in Summer 2013, it would be best to wait a cycle to apply, especially if the average age of admitted students is so old. I'll be able to focus much more on my thesis topic now and the GRE later. Also, the idea of applying for MAs as a back-up plan never occurred to me, and is certainly a route I may pursue. Although I feel my chances at a top program may decline substantially. It sounds like I will be in school past my 30s if I end up doing law after, but I'm okay with that. And I will not overload again then, man that was hell. Once again, this help has been very valuable, and any other comments are appreciated. Thanks a ton.

I just finished up my junior year of college, and have found myself at odds with how I should be occupying myself this summer. It has been recently decided that before applying to law school (or a PhD program), I will be pursuing an MA, most likely in International Relations. It is my goal to make myself the most convincing candidate possible for top schools such as Columbia (SIPA), UChi, etc. I'm a double transfer (and am unsure if this will have any bearing on admissions), but currently have a 4.0 at my state university (while overloading on courses, which I will most likely being doing for my two remaining semesters), and previously went to BU and Emory (nominated for undergraduate research award) where I maintained a ~3.8. My majors are both History and International Studies, and I am pursuing a history thesis meaning I will graduate, at minimum, with magna cum laude honors. Currently I am taking courses to make up for lost credits, however I have a choice of either going to Germany to do an intensive language course and some research (the research is not necessary, however) for my thesis topic OR pursuing an internship at the end of my summer session. I have applied to several non-profits and almost definitely have a place working with a department of a larger energy company (although not really related to my studies). So my questions are, should I be going to Germany or taking the latter option which is also cheaper. I am personally of the mind that an internship would be most beneficial, especially considering I have no other work experience. Are there any other options or steps I should be taking in order to give myself a chance at top-tier schools? Unfortunately I am not a great standardized test taker when it comes to math, so taking an internship in the states would also allow me more time to prepare for the GRE. What should I be shooting for? Does overloading classes have any effect? I will also be taking classes after my senior year to complete my degrees. Should I wait an application cycle and do another internship? Any advice is really appreciated, thanks a lot.