Admissions Help!

[fall09hopeful]

Hey! This my first post and I was wondering what people thought my chances were of getting into some grad programs. I am a senior at a top 100 school, GPA: 3.45, major poli sci, 2 DC Internships (lobbying & US Congress), 1 internship in state gov't, spent summer studying conflict in Northern Ireland, spending fall 2008 studying at LSE in London and working at Parliament. Member Golden Key Honors, Pi Sigma Alpha, Sigma Lambda Phi.

I am thinking of applying to SIPA (MIA), U Texas Austin (Global Policy), U South Carolina (MA International Studies), NYU (MA European Studies), King's College London (International Relations), McGill, University of Edinburgh.

Are there any programs that I am missing and should apply to? Does anyone know if I have a chance at these programs?

[unknownscholar]

I think your work experience is excellent and that if any of these schools value work experience, as most professional master programs do, you'll be among the competitive group of applicants. I'm not too knowledgeable about the MA programs, but your work abroad should speak volumes to the adcoms at those schools. My numbers nor my work experience is as excellent and varied as yours, and the only MA program I applied to rejected me; my guess is that governmental affairs MAs may be a little more competitive, at least in international relations. Others will probably add more substantial insight into this. Your GPA isn't the highest, which is a major determinant of funding possibilities, but if you do excellently on the GRE, you should have a pretty good shot at any of these schools with at least a little funding. Great job!

Good Luck!

[console]

Admissions to definately a game so you'll be able to do something with what you've got so far. That said, the rest of your app better be amazing if you want a real shot at the top schools. We're talking 1400+ GREs with high quant, insiring SOP, and the standard glowing recs. Do that and you'll be golden.

I find that you don't have a whole lot of experience. Internships, especially overseas, are great, but everybody knows congressional internships are mostly BS. Most IR applicants have at least two years working overseas, even if it's Peace Corps. I advise most people to work for a few years before applying to IR master's programs because it'll really make your education enriching, for other students as well. But I'd ask you what exactly do you want to do after the degree? I'm assuming IR-related jobs, but choosing an MA program has a lot to do with exactly what within that field. If you don't know, go get a job for a few years.

I'm not too sure about your list of schools. The top programs are (in no particular order) SAIS, SIPA, MSFS, Fletcher, Woodrow Wilson and HKS. Based on reputation, if you have a degree from any of those schools, you should be in a good position. There are other good programs, but these are generally recognized throughout the policy community. I don't know why you'd consider USC, UT and NYU. Don't know much about overseas programs, but King's College is really a strategic studies course. Are you interested in that field? Generally, the US programs offer a nice balance between theory and applicable skills.

What you have in your profile so far won't disqualify you from any schools right off the bat, but if you want to be competitive add more to your case.

[rising_star]

I don't know why you'd consider USC, UT and NYU.

Perhaps to work with specific faculty? The South Carolina program isn't a professional MA, neither is NYU. I think the list of schools depends a lot on what your career goals are.