Schools I'm interested in so far: UT Austin-LBJ (MPA), University of Washington - Evans (MPA), Baruch-CUNY (MPA), University of San Francisco (MPA), University of North Texas (MPA), American University (MPA), still looking at more schools, but these are the ones that interest me the most right now. Undergraduate institution: UT Austin Undergraduate GPA: 3.15 Undergraduate Majors: Government/History GRE Quantitative Score: N/A - Studying for it now. GRE Verbal Score: N/A - Studying for it now. GRE AW Score: N/A - Studying for it now. Years Out of Undergrad (if applicable): 2.5 Years of Work Experience: 2.5 Describe Relevant Work Experience: Interned for a U.S. Senator. Worked as an Account Executive for a political media firm specializing in PR work for political campaigns and public interest groups. Just accepted an internship position as a "Public Policy Intern" at a non-profit group for children's advocacy and education reform.
Languages: English, Spanish (rusty). Activities: Work/Travel program in Australia and New Zealand. Worked for an energy company, as well as volunteered at a earthquake relief in Christchurch, NZ. Member of Non-Profit for Cancer where I individually raised $6,700 which went to MD Anderson Cancer Center and rode a bike from Austin, Texas to Anchorage, Alaska to educate people on getting screened for different types of cancer and spread awareness. Member of a philanthropy organization while in undergrad that helps the city of Austin in many different areas such as helping the homeless, to improving the environment. Strength of LOR (be honest, describe the process, etc): Two non-profit directors and a U.S. Senator.
Other: Still trying to decide between MPA or a J.D.. More interested in going the MPA route, as I feel I can make more of a difference, and the market for attorneys is too saturated.
I am obviously not as far in the application process as the majority of people who posted in this thread. However, this is where I am at now. I am going to try and take the GRE in a month or so, I doubt I will do well as standardized tests are not my forte. I am going to shoot for the fall 2014 enrollment. Baruch allows spring enrollment, so I may apply for that one earlier.