<p>I just finished up my last quarter for my bachelors in political science @ CSU Los Angeles. Not celebrating. Nope just sad/depressed because I just got my 2nd rejection to graduate school from CSU long beach. 1st one was expected from UCSB. I have a 3.4 GPA for my upperdivision major courses and an overall 3.0 due to my lack of focus in jr college. I worked so so hard on these applications and long beach I thought would be my safety school. Now my last hope is San Diego state, and I’m feeling like I have no shot. I have 3 LORs from professors in poli sci that I got A’s from, including the dept chair. Just looking for words of advice/comfort :(</p>
<p>Why, exactly, do you think it is necessary for you to go directly to grad school now?</p>
<p>Think that through very carefully. This may be a blessing in disguise. After a year or two in the workforce, you will have a lot more to bring to a grad program, which will make you a more attractive candidate. And, a year or two in the workforce will give you time to determine for certain whether or not you need grad school at all, and if so in which field of study.</p>
<p>Perhaps try applying to another college also, outside of CSU. You mentioned having applied UCSB. My first grad rejection was applying for grad at the same tier 2 state university where I was taking my undergrad. Best of luck! Not sure you should give up entirely on grad school. I remember it sucked when I got double rejected for honors and regular bschool for accounting locally; but time and determination has given me perspective. Also if you want to do the same major; I decided to change schools and study areas; I always had an interest in stats and actuarial science. Initial rejection for grad school hurts but it is also an opportunity to restrategize.</p>
<p>I agree with happymomof1. Maybe working first could be a good idea too.</p>
<p>I went straight to my MS and though it did work out, I should have worked first. I ended up not really liking the major. I went to work for 4 years after and now going back to get a different MS because working showed what I actually wanted to do.</p>
<p>Good luck!</p>
<p>I did an internship before applying to grad school; it is useful to try to see if you like the profession or concentration before Masters. Interviewing is always a great way to test the waters; sometimes companies won’t hire you if you are still in school too much. Applying for industry jobs and researching programs is a way to stay productive. Try not to get too down on yourself.</p>
<p>Thank you guys for all of your support. Law school is actually my original goal but I wanted to study IR to research human sex trafficking overseas in graduate school in order to have more experience and opportunities to work with the ICC after practicing criminal law here. I want to be a prosecutor and hopefully focus on getting justice for victims of sex crimes like rape, child abuse, etc. I just only recently figured out what I wanted to do with my life, & now I just feel like I was all wrong. I did do an internship with the LASC criminal courthouse in downtown LA, but I have to move back home to Northern California. : /</p>
<p>I’d say take a break - not too long of one, but hey, you just graduated, so give yourself a little time to regroup before leaping into more school. I had to apply to grad school while I was still in undergrad (got rejected from that school) and then immediately after I graduated (got accepted, unfortunately) and it sucks just going from one time and life-draining hell hole to another one.</p>
<p>If you can find work, that’s always a plus and you can probably put it on a grad school application if it’s related to your field. Personally I was never able to find or keep a job while in grad school because employers where I live don’t like working with student schedules, so if you do work, I would say to at least be prepared to get your hours cut or be let go once you spring the news on your employer that you’re furthering your education.</p>
<p>Or if you can’t find work, volunteer. Colleges eat it up when you have volunteering on your application.</p>