Kenneth Thuesen: Graduate faculties (in particular trade faculties) are watching for individuals with vast reviews, each educationally and experiencially, so this variety of "further" is extremely beneficial within the most sensible institution. Assuming you could have well greades and prime scan ratings, this variety of sweetener actions you in the direction of the highest of the recognition lists...well success!
Helen Zafar: First--No, it's not EXTREMELY important, even for the Ivys. Second--Absolutely- those things will offset not studying abroad.Now, some detailed honesty...To tell you the truth, GPA is probably the most important factor in your grad application; for a social science, you want at least a 3.8, and you are obviously doing very well--so keep that up. Immediately following this is experience/research within your field. Study abroad is not as common as some would think. If it is a concern to you: in your personal statement, a note saying that you reg! ret not being able to do study abroad, but it was just not an option (and explain you have a family and such, if you wish).Trust me when I tell you that GPA will be extremely important, as well as your research. GRE Verbal will be VERY important as well--so I hope you got at least a 700 on it (if you plan to go to a competitive grad school). If you are looking for an Ivy admissions--you want at least a 750 Verbal, or higher. Language skills will also beef up your application. Not having a study abroad experience will not hold you back in the least. You probably know most of the stuff I listed above, but this is the most important part of my answer (because it's not something that readily comes to mind for some people):Getting into grad school is different from getting into college. When you are trying to get into college, admissions wants to see you've done everything under the sun availible to you. They NEED to see this because EVERYONE applying to the good colleges have g! ood grades (presumably). "Everyone" has a 4.0, so activities s! et you apart. Grad school admissions is NOT like that; it's not even like that with competitive grad school admissions. Not everyone will have a 4.0 GPA (but most will have above 3.9). They are more interested in: Were you dedicated to THIS AREA (did you show this with publications, etc.)? ****Will you be a good fit for their program?**** Can you find an advisor who shares your interests? The way they figure it: if you have above a certain GPA, with certain GRE scores (which you will be if you keep it up)--you will be capable of suceeding at their school (i.e. you can handle the workload and excel). Activites are not the determining factor in grad school, and to me, study abroad is an activity. Sure sure, you learned things about the country and the literature there (or whatever you may have done there; I am not sure), but it's not the same as doing extensive research at home. It is WAY more important for them to find someone who shares specific interests with faculty. So, ! what I am saying is, the determining factors of acceptance for grad school and college (after GPA/GRE) can be equated: activites (for college apps)="fit" (for graduate apps)Study abroad will not help all that much, even in an area like comparative lit. That's not saying it wouldn't help your app; it definately would. But, it is not a life or death thing if you do or don't have it. Your research/publications are infinitely more important than taking a few classes in Europe. Your interest in and suitability for the program are right at the top of the list.I think being a non-traditional student will also help you. You have maintained a very high GPA and done well for yourself, even with having a family. This is very difficult; this is difficult even without a family. Most people in your situation would be doing mediocre at best, and so I think that will work to your advantage. My advice to you is to apply to the schools you truly want. If your research matches your other qual! ifications, I think you will be an extremely competitive applicant. I s! eriously doubt even Harvard would hold a lack of formal study abroad against you, given your situation. Good luck!...Show more
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