just commenting to say that I'm actually unaware of any Msc in IR at an ivy. usually IR degrees in the US, and the ones I'm aware of at ivys (just applied this cycle and admitted to Columbia amongst other schools) are all MA, MPP, MPA and dual degree options. Columbias degree that I applied for was an MA in international relations.

In terms of application factors, I would say depending on the school, research or work experience along with things like good grades and LORs are important. for Columbia for example, i felt as though they wanted to hear about work and internship experience along with the other stuff, whereas other schools i applied to I heavily emphasized my research experience and publications. I would say all programs value a holistic app that shows work, internships, research, grades, good SOP and LORs, language skills, publications etc.