Should I reapply to SIPA at Columbia University?

[Souktrotter]

Hi all,

I applied to international relations programs at George Washington University, American University and Columbia (SIPA). Was accepted at GWU and AU but rejected by SIPA. My rejection letter from SIPA stated that I am among a select few that they encourage to reapply next year, after taking more, higher level quantitative courses. They are concerned my quant abilities won't be strong enough to hack it there.

Sooooo, should I take more quant courses (I already have micro and macro Econ courses under my belt, received A's in both) retake the GRE (did NOT do well on the quant section first time around) and reapply again next year or should I just go to GWU? I'm 36 years old and so ready to do grad school.

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

FYI, my undergrad GPA was 3.67.

[Kadisha]

It would help if you tell us what your career goals are.

[Souktrotter]

My goal is to work for an international organization in communications, specifically regarding women in the developing world. Columbia has a strong gender policy program as well as a specialization in International Media, Advocacy and Communications. Ideally, I'd love to work for UN Women, which is HQ'ed right in NYC. GWU also has a good Global Gender Program. However, I get the impression that GWU is more for people who want to work in gov't and that's not what i'm really interested in doing. Joining the Foreign Service isn't abhorrent to me, however. But, at end of the day, I'm more Turtle Bay than Foggy Bottom. On a completely intuitive, intangible level, I connect more with NYC than DC. I visited Columbia, GWU and American this past fall and I just liked NYC more than DC.

[newdisplayname]

My goal is to work for an international organization in communications, specifically regarding women in the developing world. Columbia has a strong gender policy program as well as a specialization in International Media, Advocacy and Communications. Ideally, I'd love to work for UN Women, which is HQ'ed right in NYC. GWU also has a good Global Gender Program. However, I get the impression that GWU is more for people who want to work in gov't and that's not what i'm really interested in doing. Joining the Foreign Service isn't abhorrent to me, however. But, at end of the day, I'm more Turtle Bay than Foggy Bottom. On a completely intuitive, intangible level, I connect more with NYC than DC. I visited Columbia, GWU and American this past fall and I just liked NYC more than DC.

 

Which program did you apply to? I am MDP and barely had any quant during my undergraduate. Your profile is somewhat similar to mine. I think you have great options and I would suggest that you only do that if you have time/money/patience/energy in your hands to do it all over again. Or accept, defer and then try again next year... If you don´t get in, then go to your safe option.

[Souktrotter]

Thanks, newdisplayname. I think I have the time to do it, but the thought of retaking the GRE pretty much makes me want to scream. Ha ha ha. So, I guess what I'm saying is that I don't have the patience! Also, not sure i want to spend more $ on the GRE, more quant courses...we'll see. Thanks, again! And congrats to you on all the programs you got into!