TestMagic

barnes12 · 10-11-2008, 06:37 PM

Hello,

I have just begun looking into UK masters programs. I'm wondering what my chances are, as an american student who went to an unknown (though pretty strong) liberal arts college.

[My gpa was 3.88, double major in pol. sci. and international languages and cultures. I was testing in the 94th percentile on the lsat at age 19-- but have shifted interest to intl affairs-- so I'm looking at gres now. My quantitative score should be strong.]

So far, I've looked into lse, ucl, and uni of edinburgh. I would like to do a masters in international affairs/ relations or global economics.

Does it matter that they won't recognize the name of my college?

Do they prefer much previous work experience (as the US programs do)?

The US programs often rank like so, in order of importance:
-personal statement
-letters of rec
-grades
-personal resume
-test scores

I'm thinking UK schools weigh test scores and grades primarily?

Thank you!!

Baggy · 10-12-2008, 11:38 PM

Hi, I'll offer what help/advice I can. I'm a graduate of one of the universities you mention - and currently studying for a master's in the UK.

I wouldn't have thought coming from an American liberal arts college will harm you chances at all. The American system is (quite rightly) highly regarded in the UK, and most UK universities are keen to attract international students. I have met many, many American graduate students studying in this country. The three that you mention are definitely more than open to the idea of admitting Americans! I also wouldn't bank on the fact they haven't heard of your college; there will undoubtedly be American members of faculty sitting on the admissions committees of UCL, LSE and Edinburgh. We don't use GPA here but I think 3.88 is very strong, yeah? It should be enough to get you into any of those three schools.

Work experience would be a bonus but, in general, no - it's not that important. Depending on the master's (say, something like Development Studies or International Diplomacy), admissions committees might be looking for some serious work experience. Some programs are full of people who already work in the field and want a master's so that they can get a promotion! However, I don't think you would find this to be the case in IR/IPE programs - in other words, people with masses of work experience will not be your competitors.

Your personal statement, letters of recommendation and grades will be the most important things.

I can help answer specifics questions about those universities if you want to message me? I'm not sure how much I'm supposed to "reveal" about individual departments/members of faculty/myself(!) in a public post...

In short, DON'T be put off applying!

10-11-2008, 06:37 PM	#1 (permalink)
barnes12 Trying to make mom and pop proud Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 1	UK Insight for a clueless american? Hello, I have just begun looking into UK masters programs. I'm wondering what my chances are, as an american student who went to an unknown (though pretty strong) liberal arts college. [My gpa was 3.88, double major in pol. sci. and international languages and cultures. I was testing in the 94th percentile on the lsat at age 19-- but have shifted interest to intl affairs-- so I'm looking at gres now. My quantitative score should be strong.] So far, I've looked into lse, ucl, and uni of edinburgh. I would like to do a masters in international affairs/ relations or global economics. Does it matter that they won't recognize the name of my college? Do they prefer much previous work experience (as the US programs do)? The US programs often rank like so, in order of importance: -personal statement -letters of rec -grades -personal resume -test scores I'm thinking UK schools weigh test scores and grades primarily? Thank you!!

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

10-12-2008, 11:38 PM	#2 (permalink)
Baggy Has to be a loose fit Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: London, UK Posts: 3	Hi, I'll offer what help/advice I can. I'm a graduate of one of the universities you mention - and currently studying for a master's in the UK. I wouldn't have thought coming from an American liberal arts college will harm you chances at all. The American system is (quite rightly) highly regarded in the UK, and most UK universities are keen to attract international students. I have met many, many American graduate students studying in this country. The three that you mention are definitely more than open to the idea of admitting Americans! I also wouldn't bank on the fact they haven't heard of your college; there will undoubtedly be American members of faculty sitting on the admissions committees of UCL, LSE and Edinburgh. We don't use GPA here but I think 3.88 is very strong, yeah? It should be enough to get you into any of those three schools. Work experience would be a bonus but, in general, no - it's not that important. Depending on the master's (say, something like Development Studies or International Diplomacy), admissions committees might be looking for some serious work experience. Some programs are full of people who already work in the field and want a master's so that they can get a promotion! However, I don't think you would find this to be the case in IR/IPE programs - in other words, people with masses of work experience will not be your competitors. Your personal statement, letters of recommendation and grades will be the most important things. I can help answer specifics questions about those universities if you want to message me? I'm not sure how much I'm supposed to "reveal" about individual departments/members of faculty/myself(!) in a public post... In short, DON'T be put off applying!

TestMagic

Free GMAT, GRE, SAT Test, TOEFL practice tests