How much does your internship experience factor into your acceptance?

[politicalprincess]

Hi there, 

I'm starting the process of applying to grad schools for the Fall 2019 semester. Looking at all DC metro area based schools for IR/ Foreign Policy/ Security related programs. Ideally would be going to American or GW. 

Wondering how much a few things factor into your application when applying. I'm applying directly out of undergrad decent enough grades (3.3), I haven't taken the GRE yet, I have stunning recommendations, and Teaching assistant (in a related course) experience. The one thing I'm hoping will really set my application apart from other direct from undergrad applicants is my internship experience- I've held 5 political internships during my under-grad career (Will be 7 by the time I graduate). 3 of my internships are direct foreign policy/ IR experience (think tanks & DOD), 3 are in Congress, and one is directly political. 

Question for those further along in the admissions process- how much good does my experience actually do for my application? 

Thanks in advance. 

[ExponentialDecay]

Wrong forum. You're looking for Government Affairs in the Professional Programs section. But, since I'm here...

Your internship experience doesn't really set you apart from other direct from undergrad applicants because they all have internship experience, and most have exactly the same experience as you. The typical direct from undergrad applicant is a political science major who has studied abroad, taken intro micro and has a bunch of summer stints on the Hill/congress/some think tank or other. Your GPA is low for direct-from-undergrad, but probably good enough for second tier programs. Your chances of getting serious money are low because of the combination low GPA + no work experience.

 

[Nozistin]

Are you looking for an MPP/MPA or a PhD? If its the former, your internships DO matter a lot but you will also need to get about 2 years if work experience for most top schools. If its a PhD it matters less but it does help. It depends on the institutions but if you can play it up. Just make sure you do well on the GRE to make up for the lower GPA.

 

Source: applied to both type of programs and did well in both