PROFILE REVIEW FOR SAIS, SIPA?

[EliZhang]

Hi guys. I'm getting started with my application. SAIS, SIPA, JACKSON, MSFS are among my list.

Undergraduate GPA 3.5

Tier One international studies university in China

Major in Intl journalism & communication

Interned at state media(Chinadaily), Rizzoli China(Italian media group) and a publishing company.

Overseas volunteer in Ukraine 2 months

Up to now 1.5 y W.E. at CCTV International (China Central Televison)

GRE v610 q800 aw4

TOEFL 108 (taking another one this week ...)

After reading some of the threads here, I've got a bit worried over my competency cuz it seems many of you guys have got several years of w.e. And i don't have Econ coursework at undergrads. Are my chosen programs beyond reach? Any comments, suggestions would be super welcome!

[Swedishcoffee]

Hi EliZhang,

 

It sounds like you have an good, interesting background. Admissions is a crapshoot, and from what I've seen in this forum, there are both candidates straight out of undergrad getting into top schools and candidates with seemingly great, extensive resumes getting rejection letters. It's hard to say either way, however I think you should pay attention to the requirements that schools explicitly state. For instance, Johns Hopkins states on their website, "All incoming M.A. students must complete introductory microeconomics and introductory macroeconomics courses (receiving a grade of B- or higher) prior to enrolling at SAIS."

 

Not having economics coursework may hurt you, so when you apply, I would suggest mentioning you plan to take economics coursework prior to enrollment to satisfy their requirement. Luckily your quant GRE score is high enough to demonstrate your abilities.

 

Hope this helps!

[NPRjunkie]

I knew plenty of people at SAIS who hadn't done micro and macro prior to enrolling but the vast majority had it on their belt already (although equally as many struggled with econ while at SAIS because their intro. econ classes were just "principles of micro/macro" with no real math/calc). It's a strong recommendation and something they seriously consider, but not a deal killer if you balance it out with something else (esp. given your quant score on the GRE). 

 

I think Columbia has a similar, strong recommendation re: econ (I believe they require a separate quantitative resume, even). I think you'd be fine for SAIS at the very least. Georgetown might be a stretch on the other end. 

Edited November 19, 2013 by NPRjunkie

[EliZhang]

Hi EliZhang,

 

It sounds like you have an good, interesting background. Admissions is a crapshoot, and from what I've seen in this forum, there are both candidates straight out of undergrad getting into top schools and candidates with seemingly great, extensive resumes getting rejection letters. It's hard to say either way, however I think you should pay attention to the requirements that schools explicitly state. For instance, Johns Hopkins states on their website, "All incoming M.A. students must complete introductory microeconomics and introductory macroeconomics courses (receiving a grade of B- or higher) prior to enrolling at SAIS."

 

Not having economics coursework may hurt you, so when you apply, I would suggest mentioning you plan to take economics coursework prior to enrollment to satisfy their requirement. Luckily your quant GRE score is high enough to demonstrate your abilities.

 

Hope this helps!

Many thx to you Swedishcoffee. I'll definitely mention my plan to complete the Econ courses before matriculation, if admitted!

[EliZhang]

I knew plenty of people at SAIS who hadn't done micro and macro prior to enrolling but the vast majority had it on their belt already (although equally as many struggled with econ while at SAIS because their intro. econ classes were just "principles of micro/macro" with no real math/calc). It's a strong recommendation and something they seriously consider, but not a deal killer if you balance it out with something else (esp. given your quant score on the GRE). 

 

I think Columbia has a similar, strong recommendation re: econ (I believe they require a separate quantitative resume, even). I think you'd be fine for SAIS at the very least. Georgetown might be a stretch on the other end.

Thanks for the point Npr:) could you elaborate a bit on why GT would be a stretch? Is it for the lack of Econ courses or work experience? I contacted their admission office the other day and it seemed that they are not as strict as SAIS on Econ requirements.

[NPRjunkie]

SAIS just has the reputation of being strict on econ when in reality it's not really that competitive a program overall compared to other top IR schools, especially compared to GTown which is much smaller. You certainly have enough work experience for SAIS. Chances of admission to GTown, Yale, and Columbia will be lower due to either smaller program sizes or larger pool of applicants no matter what the quality of each program is. Yale, for example, is more competitive and an excellent academic/theory focused program but arguably won't provide as well-rounded an education as SAIS for a career in international relations. Nevertheless, it'll be harder to get into due to the smaller cohort. 

GTown for similar reasons. It depends on the narrative you construct. I knew kids as interns who were fresh out of undergrad doing an MSFS as well. One sold boats for a living prior to GTown. You never know, but having had access to admissions numbers to these schools, SAIS is your best bet and I think you have a solid chance at the others. I was just saying GTown was your greatest stretch, but by no means unattainable.