Applying to top MA programs for foreign relations (Fletcher, SAIS, SIS, Elliot, Walsh, Columbia, etc)

[KeyofC]

Hey Everyone,

I'm in the process of applying to several MA programs focusing on foreign relations. Some of my top choices are Tufts, Georgetown, GWU, John Hopkins, and American. I'm looking for others who are in my situation and want to bounce ideas of each other. I'm particularly interested in how we can improve our chances of getting in. Some questions I'd like to address are:

These program's emphasis on the new GRE scores (didn't do too hot)

Lack of professional work experience but several internships including full time work in DC (coming straight from undergrad)

Percentages of students getting acceptance

How long the wait is

Evaluative interviews

Thanks!

[Imhotep]

Look at the schools' websites?

[KeyofC]

Yea, my original intention for this was to get some ideas/tips about the application process that isn't given on the website. The websites gives pretty generic pieces of advice at times.

[mmukher1]

Hey there,

I am applying to GWU, Georgetown, IHEID and possibly American.

My greatest concern is funding because there is no way I will be paying for this myself. I already have a Masters degree in journalism (from the US) and I am already working my dream job in India. But I want to super specialise in IR and eventually move into policy-making, so thats why I am looking at another Masters.

I have been told that IHEID has decent funding, so I am definitely applying there. But I have no idea about the funding scene at the any of the US schools. Any tips, ideas in this respect would be much appreciated.

Looking forward to your response,

~M

Delhi

[KeyofC]

Hey Mmukher,

From what I have read (other posts, website, etc), Financial Aid at these types of schools vary based on need base and merit. If you're an American citizen you can apply for the FAFSA which is a great way to get grant money from the government. Are you a citizen of the US just living in India?

I've also heard that the larger DC based schools, especially SAIS, has more scholarships to offer. On the downside, DC is an extremely expensive city to live in so it may offset. What are your options for funding now?

[KeyofC]

Has anyone done Fletcher's Evaluative Interview? I'm planning on doing an interview in mid November and would really appreciate if someone could shed some more light on it besides the information from the website.

[fnlux]

Has anyone done Fletcher's Evaluative Interview? I'm planning on doing an interview in mid November and would really appreciate if someone could shed some more light on it besides the information from the website.

I had my Evaluative Interview at Fletcher a few weeks ago. People in the Admissions Office were really friendly and the interview went on swiftly. It took around 45 minutes and my interviewer was a first year MALD student.

Truth is, what they say on their website was really straightforward. All of the questions my interviewer asked me were expected: “what do you do? what is your background? What are your goals? Why Fletcher? What do you think you can add to the program and to your peers?” So I would strongly suggest that you are prepared to answer these questions. For me it was a good time to explain certain things about my background that I felt I wouldn’t be clear in my application. I think it went well. Overall I think it was a positive experience.

Edited October 30, 2012 by fnlux

[KeyofC]

I had my Evaluative Interview at Fletcher a few weeks ago. People in the Admissions Office were really friendly and the interview went on swiftly. It took around 45 minutes and my interviewer was a first year MALD student.

Truth is, what they say on their website was really straightforward. All of the questions my interviewer asked me were expected: “what do you do? what is your background? What are your goals? Why Fletcher? What do you think you can add to the program and to your peers?” So I would strongly suggest that you are prepared to answer these questions. For me it was a good time to explain certain things about my background that I felt I wouldn’t be clear in my application. I think it went well. Overall I think it was a positive experience.

Thanks for the input! Was the interviewer taking notes to incorporate into your application for admission counselors to see?

[waltlaa9]

I did the interview at Fletcher with a 1st year MALD student last year, and yes, he took notes. I checked with admissions to see if it will be included in my application this year and they said yes.

[fnlux]

Thanks for the input! Was the interviewer taking notes to incorporate into your application for admission counselors to see?

Yes, she took notes. I believe interviewers are supposed to hand in their notes so they can become a part of the application.

[mib2013]

Yes - all the interviewers for Fletcher write up a report that is included in your application materials.