<p>I am looking to apply to International Relations/Affairs programs for 2009. The problem (there is always a problem!) is that I have no idea if I am a competitive candidate or if I am delusional in my choice of schools. I fear that I am either applying to too many selective schools or, perhaps, too few.</p>
<p>In May I graduated with a BA in Slavic Languages and Literature with an overall GPA of 3.15 (but 3.85 in junior/senior hours), I am fluent in Russian and intermediate in French (right now I am teaching English in France, so my French is quickly improving). I took the GRE once before and received 720Q/570V/3.5A - I am going to retake it, of course, because of the analytical score (on top of not having prepared at all, I was having an off morning) in early November.</p>
<p>I want to go to a school that, most importantly, offers funding to people with my profile. And, secondly, offers good internship placement and field experience. I want to specialize in international development, peace/conflict studies, or humanitarian affairs (and, if the school offers area specialization, I would like to focus on post-Slavic countries and central Asia).</p>
<p>Schools that I am considering are:</p>
<li>UW-Madison (MIPA)</li>
<li>American University (International Development OR Peace/Conflict Resolution)</li>
<li>Syracuse (Public Diplomacy (IR + PR))</li>
<li>York University (MPIA)</li>
<li>Notre Dame (Peace Studies)</li>
<li>University of Washington (International Studies)</li>
<li>North Carolina State University (MIS)</li>
<li>University of Michigan (MPP)</li>
</ol>
<p>Should I be shooting lower? Higher? Any glaring gaps? (I would like to apply to John Hopkins and Columbia BUT lack of funding is a dealbreaker for me) </p>
<p>The good news is that your profile won’t keep you out of most of those programs (although SAIS and Columbia are pretty much out of the question) but the bad news is that you probably won’t get funding at any of them. IR programs are stingy with their money anyways when it comes to funding so only really exceptional applicants usually get funding. Your application seems good but not exceptional so I would be surprised if any of those schools funded you.
However, there is always a way to get outside funding, be it through scholarships, local government bursaries, ect, ect. You just have to look very hard and not give up the minute the institution you are applying to denies you funding.</p>
<p>My DD is at American doing what it looks like you want. No funding, and her stats were more impressive (sorry, no offense taken, I hope). On the other hand, she was able to get an internship that pays her. It’s not great money but it’s OK, and the second semester of her internship can count for credit. </p>
<p>In her situation it seems everyone has lots of experience. She earned her BA three years ago and has spent the time in between living abroad studying language, interning for a senator, and working. She also spent a year in law school but that is not relevant except to let you know that lots of the people applying for these programs and some age and experience doing lots of interesting things.</p>
<p>Scratch NCSU and Notre Dame and replace them with Denver and maybe UCSD - they usually offer some funding, and I’m not sure what kind of internship opportunities would be available to you out of, say, Raleigh. At AU, apply for IPCR as the development program wants more field experience.</p>
<p>You also need to get more specific about what it is you want to study. You have programs in your list that focus on general IR, peace studies, publican administration, public policy, ect. WAY too broad. IR degrees are professional degrees which means you should have your choices narrowed down very specifically.</p>