IHEID Masters, 2015

[crdubocq]

Hi all, this is my first post!

 

I just wanted to create a space for this upcoming application cycle to IHEID masters programs since the other forums I've lurked on seem a little outdated. Hopefully past applicants and current IHEID attendees join in and share their experience with us.

 

I applied early admissions for the International Law program, all im missing are the letter of recommendation but hopefully/surely they'll be submitted today....anyone else aiming for this program?? 

 

 

also, does anyone knows for sure how many students they accept int disciplinary masters?

[Figgamonda]

Glad that you've created this space!

 

I'm applying for the MDev. Planning to send in my application at the end of the week. Anyone else applying for this?

 

I read somewhere that the acceptance rate at IHEID is 30%, but I think it varies from program to program. MIA, I've heard, is very competitive.

 

Good luck with your application!

[Grad888]

Hey guys, I applied for the MIA! My application still says 'complete', rather than 'under consideration' - do yours too?

[Grad888]

Sounds great IndianLawyer! Will you be able to let you know? What are people's backgrounds on here?

[Grad888]

Hey IndianLawyer (and all you other IHEID-hopefuls), how was the info session? Your background sounds impressive! Hope you get in..! I have done a BA in Peace and Conflict Studies and am now writing my Honours thesis (which is like a Master's thesis but is meant to prepare you more for a PhD) on peacekeeping in Africa. I've done some international internships and am hoping to get into the field of mass atrocity crime prevention.

 

I've applied to IHEID before but then couldn't go because of a lack of money, so hopefully I can get in again now that I've saved up!

[Figgamonda]

Sent in my application today! Even though its past the mid-Nov deadline, I hope I hear back from them by February. Don't know if I can wait until mid-March lol. I'll be finishing my bachelors in June and then hopefully starting my masters somerwhere, possibly at the IHEID if I'm accepted!! We'll see.

[Grad888]

Hey Figgamonda, what are you studying at the moment? And where else are you applying?

[Figgamonda]

I'm studying International Relations and Psychology in the UK. I'm applying to Sciences Po and Leiden University but other than that I don't really know...considering LSE and SOAS, but I'm not a big fan of London, nor the enormous tuition fees lol. Since I'm going direct from undergrad, I can't apply to American universities, as they normally require two years of work experience. Grad888, where else are you applying? When you applied the first time, was it to MIA as well?

[Grad888]

Yes, I applied to the MIA a couple of years ago and trying it again now. I will apply to LSE and Oxford I think if I don't get accepted into IHEID next month. I know a girl who did her masters at SOAS, loved it and now works in Tunisia in a UN de-mining and de-armament programme on Libya.

[Figgamonda]

I hope you get accepted-- you were successful in the past, and having more experience now makes you an even stronger candidate. Will you apply for MIA at LSE and Oxford as well? From my understanding, Oxford places enormous weight on academics i.e. grades. That sounds amazing-- will definitely apply to SOAS as well! Do you think IHEID cares a lot about where one went to University, as the difficulty of attaining a certain grade will vary according to the University?

[Grad888]

Thanks, I hope you get in too!! What is your first choice? I will apply for the Msc Conflict Studies at LSE and Msc African Studies at Oxford I think. Hm, no idea about IHEID - I imagine if you went to a top school and achieved decent grades you will be just as competitive as someone from a mediocre school with amazing grades. It's so hard to tell though! I think with the SOP you just need to explain quite well where you'd like to end up and how the master will help you; that's how I did it anyway.. Do you have any international experience or work experience?

Edited November 28, 2014 by Grad888

[Figgamonda]

Thanks! My top choice is IHEID, closely followed by Sciences Po. I'd prefer not to stay in the UK-- but we'll see of course. I know, having just submitted I keep on evaluating my chances, but its impossible to know. That's also how I approached my SOP, but limiting it to 800 words was such a challenge. I used my CV as a platform to highlight things that I didn't have enough space for in the SOP. I lived abroad as a child and I'm currently studying abroad as well. I've had internship experiences in Africa and Central Asia, plus I did some volunteering in Eastern Europe. That's about it. I'm assuming you've had quite a bit? You'll have to post here when you find out from IHEID! And everyone else of course!

[Grad888]

Where are you from originally? I'm quite similar and I think having an international background really helps with IHEID - or so I tell myself. Of course, no doubt we'll all be nervous together for at least another month.. :S What programme are you applying to at Sciences Po? I had a look at their courses but nothing really looked that interesting to me - I think their focus is a bit different to what I'd like to do. Plus I feel the same way about Paris as you about London. But it's a great school and I hope you get accepted into several schools so that you can make an informed decision!

[Figgamonda]

I'm Scandinavian, but lived a bit all over the place. Where are you from? I'm applying to Int. Dev. at Sciences Po, which also appeals to me greatly. I think the main thing is that I'm drawn to a Francophone country/region, as I really want to become fluent in French. Its always important to consider the place of the school when applying/ making a decision. Geneva would be such a great place to live! Having several schools to chose from would be incredible-- but I'm not counting on it! Hoping for IHEID!!

[Grad888]

Where in Africa did you do your work experience? I did some in Tanzania and then travelled through Rwanda and Uganda as well - so in love with the place! I'm from Switzerland originally, so I'd love to move back for a bit to be closer to my family again for at least a while. Did you say you applied for the later cut-off date or the earlier one? I really hope to know by the end of the year, I don't want to have to wait until March!!

[Grad888]

I just checked and mine has changed too! How exciting..!

[Figgamonda]

Congrats guys!! I sent in my application last week, so I probably won't here back until next year at some point. I had to finish it so that my referees could write the references, I have exams coming up and then its the holidays. Feels good to have it done anyways! You guys will probably here from them in December. Exciting! I did an internship last summer in Ghana. It was my first time in Africa and I really liked it. I'd love to travel more in Africa- Rwanda, Ethiopia, Madagascar, Angola etc. -- so many places! Ahh that makes sense that you want to go back then. Where in Switzerland are you from? I did a language course in Lausanne a couple years ago and loved it. I visited Geneva for a day, so I know its a place where I would love to live. I'm trying to not get my hopes up in case I don't get in though.

Edited November 30, 2014 by Figgamonda

[Grad888]

Thanks IndianLawyer, you too!

 

Ghana sounds great! Where did you do your internship? I'm from a little town between Fribourg and Bern. Lausanne is so lovely! And yes, I think Geneva will be great, although I think if I can go there I'll have to live somewhere quite far from the centre due to money reasons.. :S

[zinger]

Hopefully we should hear back soon

Edited December 1, 2014 by zinger

[Grad888]

Hey Zinger, what did you apply for? And where are you from and where else are you applying to? Good luck!!

[zinger]

I applied for development studies  and I am from Nigeria and the UK .

I'm not applying anywhere else until I hear back from the Graduate  Institute .

If I don't get in to the Institute then I will apply to LSE and Cambridge .

 

But I hope it does not get it to that though. 

[Kofi88]

Hi everyone!

 

Really want to apply to IHEID MDev & Yale Jackson. I'm having a hard time figuring out if I would be competitive.

 

Here's my profile:

 

     Undergrad Program:  Mathematics (with courses in Economics & Literature)

Undergrad GPA (CWA):  57%

                 GRE Scores: 151Q\ 154V\ 3AW

          Work Experience: 1+ year in SME Finance & Operations Management Consulting

                 Career Goal:  Development Finance in Africa.

 

Please tell me what you think my chances will be if I apply.

 

Thanks!

[Grad888]

IndianLawyer, I asked on their facebook page and they replied saying we should all get our results around the 18th of December..

 

Welcome Kofi88! I'm sorry, I have no idea what the GRE scores are - will probably need to wait for another U.S. applicant or someone to the Economics department. The biggest thing IHEID seems to care about is academic abilities, so if you don't have great undergrad grades you might have to explain that in your SOP and just make a good case for yourself, i.e. "this programme is perfect to help me get from here into my career because..". I say just apply, you never know until you try!

[Kofi88]

Thanks very much Grad888! Will review my SOP with your tip in mind.

 

My GRE Scores really don't say much. They're just average. I took it in a rush in August when I got a 2 week vacation from work.

I was then aiming for some MPA programs with specializations in development economics. Didn't bother applying when I saw my scores. Lol.

 

Stronger GRE scores plus the A's I got in Economics would've tidied up my application, wouldn't they?

[Grad888]

Seeing as IHEID places the greatest value on academic achievement, it probably would. It seems to me that U.S. schools see work experience as more important, so maybe it would be worth applying to more of the schools there?