I am determined, but my route to a good IR school might be tortuous

[forcedtobefree]

Basic info about me:


1. 3.5 GDP from Berkeley, econ and poli sci double major. GRE at verbal 161, math 167 , essay 4.5. Can definitely do better as it was taken sick.

2. Now 23, started my first job as 'visitng research assistant' at the University of Leeds, basically being paid to read academic journals.

3. Born and raised in Hong Kong, not an American citizen. Moved to the UK without ever been there because I am 'technically British'

4. Incredibly committed to career in IR. Moved to the UK because I wanted a career in IR, because relevant career opportunity in HK is rare.

5. Extremely focused in Energy Issues. Landed a gig recently on a Hong Kong IR-focused online publication writing a weekly column on energy politics. Most of the other writers are full university professors/academics.

6. Open to an academic career but mostly want to eventually work in major international organizations/politics when thing changes in China.

7. Drawn to IR programs in the States like SIPA, SAIS, Tufts and georgetown.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

I just want to make general chit-chats and see if you guys have any general recommendations =) thanks!

[ridofme]

Why do you say your route to an IR school might be torturous? With a header like that, I was expecting a 2.8 in musical theater from No Name State, and 6 mos work experience at a local coffee shop.

 

You have a great international background, a great GRE (the writing section could be impoved upon, but the consensus seems to be that that section is the least important), a solid GPA in 100% relevant majors, and good work experience. I assume you have native fluency in Cantonese, and maybe speak a little Mandarin?

 

Stay in the working world a little longer, try to take advantage of some IR-related stuff while you're at Leeds, keep up that column, and you should be good to go.

[ZacharyObama]

Other than maybe some more work experience you would seem to be an extremely solid candidate, A lot of programs seem to ask for about 2 years of labor. Your academics are solid and that GRE score is hardly to be sneezed at. If this is a tortuous path, I don't want to know what an easy path would look like.