<p>I’m wondering if somebody can kind of tell me what my chances are of getting into one of the programs I’m interested in, given my grades and related experience.</p>
<p>To start off, I’m a sophomore semester at CCNY (CUNY), and am expecting to graduate in 2013 with a dual degree in Political Science and Romance Languages (with an emphasis on Spanish and French). I’m looking to get my Ph.D in Political Science/International Relations at either Columbia, Yale, or Harvard. </p>
<p>My GPA is good right now, and if I can maintain it for the next two years, I should end up with a GPA somewhere between 3.6 and 3.8.</p>
<p>As far as work experience goes, I’ve maintained employment (mostly receptionist and music teaching jobs) since I was 16, and spent a semester interning with the CT General Assembly. I plan on interning with the NY state legislature during my senior year. I’m hoping to study abroad (either in Spain or France) next spring semester. Other than that, I haven’t done too much traveling. I’ve been to a few European countries, and am planning on spending June this coming year exploring India. I’m really hoping to join the Peace Corps right after I get my undergraduate degree - this is something that has always interested me, but I’m not sure what the best timing for it would be. Would it make sense to go between undergrad and grad school? Should I wait until I finish grad school? I feel like if I went right after undergrad, it would be a very interesting part of my resume when I do apply for graduate programs. </p>
<p>Once I get my Ph.D, I would love to serve as a US Ambassador abroad for a while. My ultimate career goal, though, is to work with the United Nations, promoting peace throughout the world.</p>
<p>Also, a sort of random question, but nobody seems to be giving me any answers on it - I’ve just recently acquired dual citizenship to Portugal (my mother was born in Portugal, and I applied for and received Portuguese citizenship and a Portuguese passport). Will this hurt me in the future - ie, will I not be able to get certain clearances because I’m a dual citizen? I know the United States doesn’t technically even recognize dual citizens, so… I don’t know, the whole situation is very confusing.</p>
<p>Anyways, back to the question! What do you think my chances are of getting accepted into the Ph.D programs at Columbia, Yale, and Harvard? What sort of things (other than trying to push my GPA up) should I do to increase my chances? How can working with the Peace Corps best fit into my proposed schedule?</p>
<p>Thanks so much in advance, everyone! You guys are all a great resource!</p>