lmdutra

I am! MPA program.

Previous Schools Grossmont Community College UCSD, top 10 public in US, 36 in the world, higher for poli sci department Previous Degrees and GPAs: 3.87, grossmont & 3.55 UC (likely higher by the time I am done, possibly cum lade if I manage a 3.8 in my final quarters) BA Political Science, American Politics with an Urban Studies and Planning minor, will be completed August of 2013 GRE Scores (Verbal/Quantitative/Analytical Writing):162/137/3.5... I know, it seems as though I barely know long division, but I had to pee dammit. Previous Work Experience 20+, mostly child development and helped run our small business. I was a stay at home mom for many years. I did a legislative internship for a state senator Math/Econ Background: Small business owner Foreign Language Background Marginal Spanish and some Portuguese cuss words. Intended Field of Study in Grad School: Public Admin. Long Term Professional Goals:government admin. Schools Applied to & Results: SDSU, accepted, no word on funding yet. Ultimate Decision & Why:I am going. I am married, we have a business that is regionally based so SDSU was my only option. The networking a local MPA program provides also played into my choice to only attend a program close to home, where I ultimately wish to spend my career. Advice for Future Applicants Do this crap while you are young, don't put it off. I'm so damn tired.

Schools I'm interested in so far: MPA San Diego State Undergraduate institution: Grossmont College for general ed. then to University of California San Diego Undergraduate GPA: 3.87 Grossmont College, 3.55 UCSD, By the time I finish I should have a 3.65 or above, eligible for cum laude Undergraduate Majors: B.A. Political Science, American Politics GRE Quantitative Score: Shameful GRE Verbal Score: 162 11% GRE AW Score: 3.5, 30% also shameful, but less unmentionable I will study and retake it if I am not accepted to SDSU, but I do not think my quant will ever be above average. My quant courses have all been B or better, I just do not test well for math in the standardized format. These scores are with relatively little studying. My plans for study were sidelined by a family illness/emergency. Years Out of Undergrad (if applicable): I plan to go straight to SDSU if admitted for 2013, if not I will apply to more schools next year and spend the gap on studying for the GRE and interships Years of Work Experience: 25, mostly part-time. I married young and I was a stay-at-home mom. Describe Relevant Work Experience: Legislative Intern for a state senator Small Business owner for about 15 years Preschool teacher for 12 years at state school, experience with a very diverse student community, experience with state regulatory agencies and complicated code compliance Languages: Marginal Spanish, some Portuguese Activities: I am 20 years older than the other students, activities were awkward, all I could manage was the College Republicans, (they were the least like children to me, I guess) Strength of LOR (be honest, describe the process, etc): Good, I have 1 from a State Senator,, 1 from a J.D. prof. who is well-known locally for redevelopment and community planning, 1 from a Phd prof. specialized in business politics/economics. Other: I am hoping to squeak by and get into SDSU, but I am afraid I ruined my chances with my GRE and a weak SOP. I know my relevant experiences outside my coursework also might hinder my acceptance, but I work (preschool teacher~ very hard job!) to provide health insurance to my family and I also continue to help with our business, combined with a full course load, and the fact that I am not as young as most students, makes doing much more impossible. I would like to hear suggestions on where I should try for next year if things do not work out. It would have to be schools in the west as I am married and my son attends school in CA, I would like to remain married and see my kid once in a while... What do you think? Will I get in to SDSU, if not where should I try for next year?