regtech5

Thanks for the input ZebraFinch. I'll strongly consider applying next year then for schools and the FSO fellowships!

Thanks ajak568! Yes, I meant Peace Corps for PC. I will finish AmeriCorps sometime between May-June 2016 and I will apply to grad schools for Fall 2016 admission unless I can't raise my GRE scores high enough that I think I can be competitive for Rangel, Pickering, and admission. If I can't raise the scores high enough, I will serve in the Peace Corps for 1 term of service and apply to grad schools for Fall 2018 admission. Congrats on Rangel, and good luck at WWS. I will let you know if I have any more questions on Rangel, Pickering, or grad apps.

Hi Everyone, 1st time poster here. Schools Applying To: Columbia SIPA (MPA), Penn Fels, Cornell [CIPA], Michigan Ford, Texas LBJ (MPAff), Pitt GSPIA (MPA) Considering Also Applying To: Chicago Harris, CMU Heinz, NYU Wagner UG Institution: University of Southern California Years Out of UG: 3 or 5 UG GPA: 3.5 Undergraduate Focuses: International Business (major), East Asian Area Studies (minor) Quantitative coursework: Calc 1: A- Calc 2: A- Intro Stat 1: B Intro Stat 2: A Stat and Prob (Math dept): A Intermed Stat for Business: A Intro Macroecon (Honors): A Intro Microecon (Honors): A Intermed Macroecon: A- Intermed Microecon: A Study Abroad: semester in Singapore, semester in South Korea, semester in Hong Kong Relevant Student Activities: A. Host for exchange students (2 semesters) B. Host for international students in USC business case competition (1 semester) C. Event staff at Asia/Pacific Business Outlook Conference (1 semester) D. Member of 2 Asian cultural organizations (1 semester) GRE (scores will expire and I will retake): Q: 149 V: 151 AW: 4.0 Post-Grad Work Experience: A. Post-grad marketing internship for fruit distribution company in Jakarta (2 months) B. Clerical/customer service position in small healthcare services company (13 months) C. AmeriCorps VISTA position in higher ed - youth development or community economic development (12 months - currently applying) D. [Possible] Peace Corps (1 term: 27 months - will not have if I can get a Rangel or Pickering Fellowship if applying after 1 year in AmeriCorps) Foreign language skills: Korean - elementary proficiency SoP: About my desire to become a FSO-Public Diplomacy (Cultural or Public Affairs Officer) and how I would also consider working for UNESCO afterward for its culture or information programs. I am applying for Rangel and Pickering fellowships (I am a 1st generation college grad from a low-income background) LoR: Will be from a combination of professors from USC/study abroad programs and professionals from AmeriCorps/Peace Corps work (getting enough letters will not be an issue when applying but I cannot assess strength for all recommenders) If I decide to apply after 1 year of AmeriCorps, what programs do you think I could be competitive for? I do not know what my new GRE scores will be, but I always score terribly on standardized tests, regardless of preparation or tutoring. I plan to retaking the GRE after 6 months preparation and again after 6 months - 1 year more preparation if I don't have the scores to apply to a good program before I would plan to start PC. I want to start a Foreign Service career ASAP, so I would rather start grad school in the fall in 1 year than in 3 after PC, and my goal is to get into as good of a brand name school with as little debt as possible, in case I have the chance to work for UNESCO in the future and decide to leave the FS for IGO work. I will not be going to grad school without a Rangel or Pickering Fellowship to guarantee me a FSO job after graduation because I can't justify a master's degree and the cost otherwise, for me personally. Also, if I end up applying after PC, what programs do you think I could be competitive for with the 2 years added relevant work experience? Any input on possible funding possibilities from individual schools would useful as well. I would appreciate any input. Thanks!