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International Relations, Oxford University, and the ambitious student
I want to do international relations when I'm older. I'm 16 and its summer vacation, so I want to do a job or community service thats relevant to where I want to be. Would it look better if I did community service or got a job, too? And what kinds of things could I do that would be relevant. Trying to create world peace? lol. When I was younger I did a People to People Ambassador program but they are expensive so I can't do them every year. Should I try and form a Student Chapter in my area, or what?
Also, would it be impossible to make it into Oxford University if I am applying from America? I was thinking about doing the PPE course there. I have British citizenship as I was born there, if that helps. But I'm confused on what I'd need to know in order to go to a school abroad. I'm sure there's different procedures. What should I know ahead of time? Do I need to take different tests?
And my freshman + sophomore years haven't been that great. How much would that influence getting into a great college if I can turn it around and get straight A's in the highest ranked classes at my school for my Junior and Senior Year?
In the past, I've been in regular classes and generally got A's and B's. I nearly failed a few classes, too. It wasn't cause I wasn't smart enough.. the its cause I had problems with procrastination that I've delt with for several years. I was able to get away with pulling allnighters when I was younger but with more work in high school and everything, it got to a point where I couldn't do it anymore and I had to make a lifestyle change. I'm still in the process of getting where I want to be. Next year I'm taking the highest ranked courses I can take - all Dual Credit and Honors. (it's a new school in Texas with no AP. Is AP the same as Dual Credit?) So I have to really be serious about getting work done.
So would I still have a chance for Oxford if I could really change things around? And what do I need to know about applying abroad for college? What kind of community service/paying jobs could I do around Dallas, TX? Its not exactly Washington, DC hah. What are websites that have programs perhaps, in this area, aside from People to People?
And are jobs in International Relations hard to come by? And do you think its worth it? How much money do they make anyways? How often do they get to see their relatives if they're always traveling around? I mean I'm very interested in doing the job but I'll want to see my family for vacations and stuff, even if I have to travel by airplane.
What language should I learn next? I know English (obviously) and am currently learning Spanish. I want to add a third to the list.. I was thinking French, but idk.
Sorry this question is pretty long. Thanks for the help!
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Im in the exact same position as you...the only difference is, that i live in england. To answer your question about Oxbridge- its EXTREMELY competative to get into either of them. I know a girl who had straight A's, and she still didnt get in. She was the perfect candidate - studious, extra curricular activities were present, but still nothing. This is partly due to pressure from the government to allow fewer students, and a couple years ago, universities over enrolled, and this meant the government had to fork out more money, and because of the budget deficit the UK government has, even more pressure is being put on universities to prevent excessive enrollment. And i dont think its a hard choice for OxBridge uiniversities, as 14% of students now achieved the highest possible grade, and so they have a big pool of students to choose from.
I really am interested in the voluntree/community service aspect of your question, and so ive saved this question as a favourite, and hope you get some good answers. Maybe we can trade ideas at some point :)
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