Chances for GW Elliott & American SIS

[almostel]

Hey all I'm a newbie to the board (and the whole grad school app process), and I was hoping some of you could help me out. I'm applying to GW Elliott and American SIS for the Fall 2010 semester--for an M.A. in International Affairs with a concentration in U.S. Foreign Policy. I'm kind of the classic case of a significant disparity between academics and work experience, and I was wondering how you guys thought these factors would play out come decision time.

Stats:

B.A. in International Relations & B.A. in Spanish from Wheaton College (IL)

Cum GPA: 3.9

GRE: 710V, 700Q, 4.5a

-study abroad in Salamanca, Spain

-high level of proficiency in Spanish

work experience:

-writing consultant at college writing center, local gov't work, etc. but the big one is the State Dept internship I'm currently completing. I'm interning in the U.S. Embassy in Costa Rica this semester and should have good recs.

-2 month volunteer experience in Maracaibo, Venezuela

statement of purpose: I enjoy working with State and would like to pursue a career in the civil service after graduation, so in my Statement of Purpose I'll highlight the necessity and value of the degree for becoming a Foreign Affairs Officer in the civil service. My interests within U.S. Foreign Policy are not entirely clear cut yet, but my work here has given me a greater interest in drug trafficking and human trafficking (I've also helped build a campus chapter of the International Justice Mission--international human rights org--so I'll talk about that a bit.

So that's about it. I realize applying to grad school as a relatively inexperienced 21 year old is going to put me behind everyone with more work experience, but I am hoping my academics/State dept recs will help pull me through. Thoughts?

Thanks, Ashley

[cmnt29]

Ashley,

Great academic stats, and I'm sure you are anxious and excited about grad school and becoming a DOS employee. You are correct that age will work against you. And, I would consider these factors

-the average incoming age of a FSO is about 32 I think. I'm not sure what it is for the civil service, but the Main State positions are very competitive. Ask around the office. What are the chances you will not be hired immediately after grad school because of lack of experience? If this is a possibility, might it not be better to wait about 3 few years and then:

-you'll likely get into the school of your choice AND receive some scholarship money AND be competitive for a civil service posting.

Also, if you consider the foreign service, they have a program, and the name escapes me, where they pay for your grad degree.

[And all that jazz]

The Pickering Graduate Fellowship