How do I get admitted to an Ivy League grad school, if I don't have an undergrad Ivy degree?

Question

Do I need many years of experience in the workplace? Connections with somebody in the school?

It's not so much for the prestige that I'm interested, as for high quality education and access to interesting jobs afterward.

FYI, I have a dual political science and economics B.A. from a top 50 university, and have worked for 1 1/2 years since graduation. I'm hoping for international relations grad school.

Answer 1

Unless you are going for a professional degree (e.g., MBA), you are probably better off applying right away.

For academic degrees, the quality of your undergraduate school is a factor -- but it doesn't have to be an Ivy League school. A top 50 program is good enough.

You will need positive recommendations, a high GPA (especially in your major) and high GRE scores.

Answer 2

You need to be impressive. Most of the time, that involves a good GPA, test scores, and recommendations, along with work and/or leadership experience and/or a publications record that shows you have the potential to make a mark in your field. Nothing guarantees admission, though, so if you're not just in it for the name brand, do your homework and identify some other top programs in the field.