Hi – I’m applying to mid-career programs in International Relations/Development but am concerned about a lackluster GPA (2.85) in undergrad (I played a varsity sport and foolishly didn’t focus on school so I don’t feel as if my GPA accurately reflects my academic capacity).
I have 13 years of great work experience, the last 5 of which I’ve been working directly in international development for the U.S. Agency for International Development – with the last two years as the head of a USAID office overseas. I’m taking the GRE in November and the practice tests would indicate I’ll do well in verbal and survive the math. I have strong recommendations from high level recommenders and am a pretty good writer so I assume my essays and statements won’t be a liability.
Dream schools are Harvard, Johns Hopkins SAIS, and American. Anyone think I have a chance at these schools with such a low GPA or should I focus more on more realistic schools. I’ll only apply to 6 or 7 so will need to be selective.
Thanks!
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