Would I ever be competitive in a top IR school?

[StoneWhite]

I graduated in 2017 with a 2.6 undergrad GPA in poli sci and history. Started the MPA program at the local university last semester, but looking to go somewhere else. To be frank, I don't feel that this is the right school for me. I don't feel challenged, that I'm gaining new skills, or that it will advance my career in any way- it seems like a lot of my classmates are trying to get into the professional position I'm already in. 

As an undergrad, I was fascinated in IR and wanted to go to one of the DC or NYC schools for international relations that the IR forum is filled with: GW, NYU, Columbia, American, Georgetown, etc. But I quickly gave up that dream when I realized it wasn't realistic. I settled in state and local government and have made a relatively successful career out of it. 

Now I've only taken two classes but received an A in both and expect to continue that trend with the two classes I'm taking this semester. And with most of my tuition taken care of through work, I can afford to take as many classes as needed. I will be taking a semester off soon, as I recently joined the Army reserve, but will be picking it back up after basic and OCS.

How many classes/semesters would I need to take to be taken seriously at the schools I've mentioned above? This is all with the caveat that I don't have much international experience. Constantly looking for jobs in the field...

[Dreams]

Some questions I would think about.  How long have you spent working between your BA and MA?  What types of jobs are you looking at post MA and how will a particular program prepare you for that?  And, how are you planning to explain to other MA programs why you plan to abandon your current program for a new program? 

Edited December 22, 2022 by Dreams

[StoneWhite]

Its been about five years since undergrad. I've done a lot of maturing since then, which is why I think I've done so well this time around. Ultimate goal would be an intelligence analyst or state department- don't see how the MPA helps with that. 

I think I would explain just that. The MPA doesn't align with my career goals but an IR degree would. 

[Dreams]

I have a lot of thoughts around that.  But to spare a long post, I say go for it.  You don't have anything to lose by trying.  

Although I will say the soft and transferrable skills gained matter more than a specific degree title.  Especially as it related to the types of people those agencies hire.  You already know not everyone who works there has an IR degree.  There are plenty of people with culinary, theater, and science degrees also working as foreign policy specialists.  

[StoneWhite]

I don't mind a long post

Understood on the skills portion, which is why I joined the USAR. Just trying to get my foot in the door

[river1216]

I went to an undergrad at American SIS with a 3.1 GPA, and ended up at Georgetown SSP six years later. Building relationships with the admissions office is key, and sending them a copy of your transcript and resume will give the admissions officers an idea so they can share tips on how to make your application competitive before your first 1v1 meeting. Being a strong communicator in the admission statements will help as well, so seek tutoring from those that have a strong command with writing. 

It took me two attempts, but I followed their advice and asked questions, and these steps got me on Georgetown's radar. I got accepted ten months after setting my goal. If these steps got me through the most competitive applicant pool in school history, I believe you can get into a top-notch IR program. SSP has a lot of military students, so start looking there!

Edited January 11, 2023 by river1216