So... do I have a chance (Canadian IR Masters)?

[HowDoIGradSchool]

Hello everyone! I was wondering if some of you guys would be willing to assess my chances of getting into a Canadian IR masters program (specifically NPSIA, Munk, and GSPIA), and give some advice for how I could strengthen my app in the next few months. I just graduated from my undergrad with a 3.6 GPA overall, though my major (polisci) GPA and last 2 years are both 3.7+. Additionally, my overall GPA would be higher were it not for some poor grades I recieved in my second year, during which I experienced 2 very serious personal tragedies. Outside of that year, I never recieved any grade below a B+.

I fear the weakest part of my application is my work/volunteer experience... in that I dont have anything. While I do have some political campaign experience, I dont think its of any relevance here. My interests really only turned to IR in my final year. I also dont have any research experince, as I was quite shy through my undergrad and didnt really start forming relationships with profs until my final year (and when I did start a project with a prof our funding was cut before we got off the ground). I'm taking a year off right now and would really like to use this time to strengthen this part of my app, but so far I havent had much luck in finding something. Any advice in this area would be especially appreciated.

I think I have good LOR's, though (obviously) its only from profs that I have taken couses with, as opposed to doing research for. However, I dont know if this will actually be a problem, as the programs I am looking at are more professionally oriented/course work based.

I know some French, and am thinking of trying to get my proficiency up to a semi-fluent level in the next few months. Would this be a wise time investment?

Thanks in advance to anyone who is willing to read this and give some advice. I know questions about admissions chances are asked ad nauseam on this forum.

[cooperstreet]

you have a chance. research experience will help. It seems though that you don't want to study political science, but want one of those professional degree thingies like SIPA, SAIS, and SFS. There's forum for that and this isn't it.

[HowDoIGradSchool]

you have a chance. research experience will help. It seems though that you don't want to study political science, but want one of those professional degree thingies like SIPA, SAIS, and SFS. There's forum for that and this isn't it.

Thanks. And sorry if this is the wrong subforum. If it is, could the mods please move it? I'd just delete this and repost it elsewhere, but that doesnt seem possible.

[jeetlebuice]

I am in a very similar situation as you. I also plan on applying to GPSIA, NPSIA, and Munk. I have a 3.6 cGPA (79.4%) with 3.7+ in my final two years (hopefully, I am currently in fourth year). Like you, my second year was my worst academically.

 

I still think you have a decent chance of being admitted. A B+ is required to be admitted into the programs and you have it, so I don't think your GPA will end up hurting you. My best advice would be to spend this year volunteering or working in a relevant field. It would also be a good idea to establish a concrete idea of what you're interested in and what you would like to pursue for your letter of intent. Also, I think your experience with campaigning is relevant! Did you write a thesis?

 

Have you considering going on a work exchange? I'm planning on going this summer (2015) to Egypt (my country of interest). I am going with AIESEC, they are the biggest student-run exchange organization in the world. They have a lot of programs that enable you to work for NGOs and local businesses in the political field. It would definitely spruce up your resume! Almost all universities in Ontario have local chapters. Since you graduated less than two years ago, you can go see them and organize an exchange. I know it's a bit of an extreme suggestion, but I'm sure you would have a great time. 

 

I think that investing your time in learning French is a fantastic idea. Knowing more than one language is an asset if you plan on working in the international community. I'm sure you could learn French in a few months. 

 

 

You're the only other person I have met who is applying for IR in Ontario this year. Do you have Twitter? I think it would be great to have someone who is going through the exact same thing. We can discuss our applications and help each other out!

 

I don't have Facebook but I have Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn (and an email, of course). Let me know if you're interested in talking!! I can DM you my handle/information.

[Pol]

Of course you all have a chance, this is Canada.