<p>Graduated from a pretty prestigious LAC in May 2011 with a 3.4 overall GPA, I think similar major GPA (can’t remember exact number), in IR. Concentration was in Middle East Politics & Culture, including significant coursework in Modern Standard Arabic, world/MENA politics, and economics. Studied abroad junior year at a very prestigious Arabic program in Egypt, did very well grades-wise (I think around a 3.7 GPA). I was very active in various clubs on campus during undergrad, I have at least 2 good LoCs, and have been working as a political community organizer for the last year in domestic political issues. The plan is to continue this work into next year, and plan to start my next degree/experience in the 2013-2014 school year. No real internship experience, but my extracurriculars were very IR-focused.</p>
<p>So here’s my dilemma: do I stand a chance at getting into a MA IR program as is? My options are to apply for either CASA (post-bacc in Arabic in Cairo) to improve/refresh my Arabic or to apply for a MA program. My thought was to mostly try for American and a few others that are in the good-but-not-total-best category. Would I need more relevant work experience and totally killer GREs to get into American’s program as I am right now, or do I have a shot?</p>