Previous Schools (Name, type, or tier): Regional University Previous Degrees and GPAs: English 3.29 GRE Scores (Verbal/Quantitative/Analytical Writing): V:162 Q: 157 A: 3.5 Previous Work Experience (Years, Type): 5 years retail leadership. 2 years Peace Corps Math/Econ Background: Nada Foreign Language Background (if applicable to your program): Bahasa Indonesia Intended Field of Study in Grad School: Non-Profit & Local Government Long Term Professional Goals: Start out in the public sector to gain experience & stability, but ultimately get to non-profit work. I'd also love to work for Peace Corps at some point. Schools Applied to & Results: UW Evans (Accepted - Half $), USC Price (Accepted - Half $), U Arizona (Accepted), UPenn (Still waiting) Ultimate Decision & Why: UW Evans...unless UPenn comes up with an offer I can't refuse this weekend. Their specialties are right in my wheelhouse, and I'm from the Seattle area so after 2 years in the peace Corps it'll be nice to settle back near my family and friends. While I'll still be looking at debt for living costs, and some tuition, their funding offer and home-town advantage made the decision easy. Advice for Future Applicants: I believe the only reason why I got accepted was because of my statement of purpose and Peace Corps experience. My academics were lacking, and I had no academic letters of recommendation - which most programs said they "required". Obviously for experience like Peace Corps, you either have it or need to get it, but my advice on the SOP is to not do yourself any favors. Like any serious piece of writing, let the most particular, anal-retentive, contentious people you know (My English Major friends) tear it apart again and again until they give you at least a "looks alright". Then don't forget to buy them a beer or something for the trouble.