laviola Posted August 21, 2012 Share Posted August 21, 2012 (edited) I've recently decided to shift my focus from international relations to an MPP/MPA program, as I believe the former is more practical and more grounded in learning the quantitative aspects of the field. I've heard it's a great degree, too. I applied for a few masters degrees last year and wasn't successful, but I was still in school and had no idea what to put in my applications essays etc, and wasn't very focused. This time, I think I have a better handle on things, but my GPA still worries me. Most of these programs require at least a B+ gpa, which is fine because my overall gpa for the 4 years IS a B+ (maybe even slightly higher) and my gpa for my specific major was an A- or A, but MPP programs look more at the overall GPA or last 2 years, which for me is probably a B+ or slightly below. Now, because I'm so close to/on the average gpa, I feel like I need something to make me stand out. I'm only 22 and just graduated, and I have a couple years of work experience for the government, but I get the feeling these schools usually hand out acceptance letters to people over 25. I don't want to wait 3 more years just to get a masters degree, I think that's really stupid. What are my chances of making it in? Should I shoot for certain schools? I'm Canadian and I'm open to studying abroad, but I really don't want to take the GRE/GMAT/extra tests the States make you take, especially as their schools are WAY too expensive for me anyway. Should I merely focus on writing a good personal statement and hope to get in somewhere? Are there any programs in Canada that require less than a B+? I appreciate any help. Edit: I should add - this is specifically asking if there are programs with lower requirements (here or abroad) or if a really great personal statement can make the difference, and if so, what are the ways of going about doing this. Edited August 21, 2012 by laviola Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jess C Posted October 14, 2012 Share Posted October 14, 2012 I don't know about Canada, but if you are open to studying in the States why not take the GRE? Sadly the GRE is required for most graduate programs. I wish I didn't have to take it either. If that is not a viable option I think focusing on your personal statement should help, especially since you said when you first applied you weren't focused. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Imhotep Posted October 14, 2012 Share Posted October 14, 2012 I would urge you to reconsider the idea of working for a year or two. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
texjew21 Posted October 16, 2012 Share Posted October 16, 2012 Work experience is very important. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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