pikapikachu

I've decided to apply for a MPA for Fall 2014. I realize now is a ridiculously early time to consider applying, but I haven't really had anything else to do (unemployed.) To give a little background: Undergraduate degree in business at a decent state school, 3.8 GPA, multiple great internships and study abroad. I went into Teach For America right out of undergrad, but for various reasons had to quit 6 months in (Jan 2012.) I worked odd jobs here and there, but most significantly at a community center administering a summer work program for high school students (Apr - Sep 2012). Since then I've had no luck finding a job. I plan on moving to NYC in 2014 with my SO, and I want to get into a good MPA program to coincide with that move. I've looked into Columbia SIPA, NYU Wagner, and CUNY Baruch, but out of the three only the last one seems like a guaranteed-in. Ideally I think Wagner would be a great fit, but I'm worried about my chances of getting in. I plan on taking the GRE before the end of the year, and am fairly certain I can get a decent score based on my previous record, but what else should I do in the meantime to improve my chances? I've been out of the job market for so long and have been so discouraged that I'm not sure sitting around for nearly a year sending out resumes is the best bet. Should I take classes at my local CC, volunteer, travel, what? Is Wagner/SIPA even a possibility for someone with a spotty work record but stellar academics like me? Is CUNY even worth the investment? Any advice would be appreciated.