Breaking into IR grad programs with totally unrelated undergrad?

[LocoCoco]

I've read through the 'Am I competitive?' thread, but thought I would start a new thread because I'd like some input on what steps I should take to improve my qualifications for an IR/IA grad program. I would be taking the GRE in summer 2013 and compiling my apps in fall 2013.

 

Undergrad institution: Boston University

Undergrad majors: dual degrees - BA Spanish Language & Literature, BS Film & Television

Undergrad GPA: 3.22 cum (3.4 in each major)

GRE scores: N/A

Years out of undergrad: Will be 2.5 years by 2013 application period.

Years of work experience: 2

Describe relevant work experience: English teaching assistant at a bilingual school in Spain. Also private English tutor in my spare time. Only other WE are part-time jobs during school.

 

Languages: Fluent in Spanish (DELE C1, like a TOEFL), low conversational Italian, will start an Arabic (via Spanish) course this month.

Quant: Zero math/econ courses in college. Took two easy computer science courses.

 

Strength of SOP: If I were to write it today, I would emphasize living abroad and the cross-cultural skills I've acquired from working in a bilingual environment (in which all of our faculty meetings are in Spanish, etc). Having followed the presidential campaigns and elections from Spain, I've witnessed firsthand how US politics and foreign policy affect other countries and their citizens' opinions of the US. I have many non-American friends who've opened my eyes to how the US and Americans are viewed abroad. Additionally, I would mention my eagerness to learn Arabic and study US-Middle East relations.

 

Strength of LOR: The bilingual program coordinator at my school could attest to my work experience and adaptability. As for academic recs, I'm not really sure which way to go. I've kept in contact with my Film Lighting professor, but obviously the course is totally unrelated to IR. My Spanish advisor (got an A- in his literature course) wrote me a rec for an internship program which I didn't get into, but I haven't kept in contact with him.

 

So... I'm interested in international relations and intelligence studies. Ideally I'd like to work for a three letter agency, NGO, or something related to intelligence. My teaching contract ends June 30 and I have the option to continue teaching in Spain for a third year. I think I'd be better served looking for an internationally-focused internship/volunteer position in the US (not sure how I would handle my visa situation in Spain given all the cutbacks due to the crisis) or perhaps Latin America. To improve my complete lack of quant, I'd take and econ class in the summer. What GRE score range should I be aiming for? Which programs/schools should I be focusing on? Any and all advice would be greatly appreciated!

 

 

[gzdzcca]

undergraduate major doesn't matter at all, especially you have been working for a few years already. i knew people studied English and got in SAIS.

Edited January 10, 2013 by gzdzcca

[ridofme]

The Spanish major, fluency, and time spent abroad are all great assets. Taking the econ courses sounds like a good idea. Maybe throw in a stats or calc class as well?

 

Your target GRE score would depend on what tier of programs you are aiming for. If you are going for tier 1, I would think 75th+ percentile for quant would be required to offset your relatively low GPA, and your lack of quant background. (No judgment, I was/am in the same position re: GPA and lack of quant).

 

Intelligence studies seems like a bit of a stretch based on your background. What draws you to that field? What in particular are you interested in doing?