Chance me: U.S. Student Interested in Oxbridge

Hi all, I am a prospective applicant for the upcoming cycle from the U.S. I am interested in studying international relations in the UK, and would love some feedback on whether it is worth it to proceed with applying to the Oxford MPhil International Relations and Cambridge MPhil Politics and International Studies. My major point of concern is that my GPA is on the lower end for these schools (Oxford states that it seeks a 3.8 and Cambridge a 3.85 for U.S. students). I graduated with a GPA on the lower end of the 3.70's (I will say, many of my grades were pass/fail due to COVID and my poli sci major GPA was nearly a 4.0). I also have worked at a highly regarded think tank in Washington DC for the past two years and am counting on my work experience compensating for my lower GPA. I should also note I was admitted to LSE's MSc of International Relations but had to decline the offer due to personal circumstances.

Is it worth applying to these competitive programs? Can someone speak to how stringent the required GPA's are for admissions, and whether work experience could compensate in my case?

Thank you for your consideration :smile: