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I was told that LBJ does have rolling admissions. I submitted my app back in October, and my last letter of recommendation was sent at the end of November. My status currently says the same, that my application is in review. I don't think they would use any part of your application from last year, but it never hurts to ask for clarification. It could be like how WWS had an application deadline of Dec. 1 but accepts letters of recommendation 2 weeks after that deadline.

It looks like we'll be applying to some of the same programs! Which ones are your top choices at this point? In terms of your GPA, I think you'll be fine. I met with one of UT LBJ's admissions staff, and she said they really only care if your GPA from the last two years of undergrad is at least a 3.4. Mine definitely isn't, but I'm debating whether or not I should include something about my health as supplemental material. Your experience is also really great, so I don't think GPA should be a concern of yours. I'm also getting an old professor from 4+ years ago to write me a rec letter. If you're geographically close enough to suggest a lunch or coffee date with yours, that could be a good avenue to catch up and explain your passion and interest in policy in person.

Schools: UT LBJ (MPAff), UW Evans (MPA), USC Price (MPA), UChicago Harris (MPP), UC Berkeley (MPP), Princeton WWS (MPA) Note: UC Berkeley and Princeton are definitely my reach schools - I just want to see if I could get in! Career goals: Nonprofit and arts and cultural policy. I'm interested in nonprofit consulting, arts management, and also working for institutions such as the NEA and UNESCO. Institution: Top ranking private liberal arts university in Texas and the West. Major: Art History GPA: 3.2-3.3 cumulative (My grades do reflect the missed classes and general ill-feeling from an undiagnosed and untreated autoimmune disease throughout college. Since then I've found successful treatments and have been in remission for years). Despite this, I was able to maintain my scholarship and serve as an officer in several on-campus organizations promoting social justice and equality. I was also a research assistant to the Chair of the Art and Art History Department for 3 years. Years out of undergrad: 4 years. GRE score: I've taken it twice so far. My first scores were 156Q, 157V, 5W. This last time I got 150Q, 162V, and awaiting my writing score. Of course when my verbal score improved, I got my lowest quant score ever. I guess that's just how it goes sometimes. Do any schools accept multiple score reports? Work experience: 3 years at a well-known Latino arts nonprofit, 2 of which as Assistant Director. I handled pretty much every aspect of the organization resulting in considerable improvements both in programming and budget. I'm currently a Board Member. 3 years in local government at a Latino cultural center, 2 of which as an administrative assistant. I handle all of the center's administration including payroll, Advisory Board duties, manage/supervise temp staff, etc. This nexus of local government and art/culture is also an avenue I'd like to explore in and out of grad school. Volunteer experience: I help out where I can. I've volunteered a great amount of time to my nonprofit, and I volunteer at my church as much as possible. I've signed up to volunteer at a local women's center and a latino healthcare nonprofit, but in the last year or so they haven't needed much help. I also curate art exhibitions outside of work, but I'm not sure that necessarily counts as volunteering despite not getting paid. Coursework: Outside of my major, I took microeconomics my first semester of college (received a C... not something I'd like to highlight), business statistics, a basic accounting course, a US diplomacy course, and a good amount of hours in random courses like Middle Eastern history, anthropology, and chemistry. I wish I had taken more relevant courses, but so it goes. Language skills: Spanish - proficient in conversational speaking, very good in writing (I've written a published article in Spanish for work). Overseas experience (work, study and teaching): N/A besides recreational travel throughout Spain, Italy, London, Paris, and soon Mexico City. Statement of Purpose: WIP. I'm having several alums review it. Letters of Recommendation: One from former advisor who I was a research assistant for, one from the Executive Director of the nonprofit, and one from my supervisor at the cultural center. Concerns: My GPA is definitely worrisome, and I'm pretty much over the GRE. I don't want to take it again, but I may have to. Any feedback is very much welcome at this point! Looking through this forum I feel as though I don't have the most competitive application, but I feel like my experience and interests are fairly unique.