I am also looking into Fall 2017 but I am unsure of how competitive my application will be. UCLA would be the dream!
I have a 3.3 GPA and received my Bachelors in PSYCH from CSU Fullerton. I am also hoping to take statistics in the fall at a local community college since I received a C when I took it as an undergrad. According to their admissions page, you need a B or above in stats. I will possibly take another course while I'm at it.
As for experience, I have worked for 3 non-profits. Which includes, 2 years as a Program Leader in an after school program aimed at helping at-risk communities end the cycle of poverty through education.
I worked 2 years at a Family Resource Center as a Case Manager. My role there was to create a case plan with clients and used strengths-based support and advocacy to assist families meet their goals. This provided me the opportunity to work with diverse populations and collaborate with various agencies.
I currently work for a Domestic Violence agency as a Case Manager in their residential program. My role is to help families that live in our transitional program that been affected by intimate partner violence heal and gain self-sufficiency. I am responsible for providing ongoing support to my clients with an emphasis on permanent housing, employment, and childcare. That is my experience in a nutshell.;)
I really hope I am a competitive candidate. I was on the fence about applying to UCLA but I have nothing to lose. My biggest challenge will be finding a professor for one of my letters of rec since I never got close to any of them while in school.
Well, I wish to all of us the best of luck during application season lol!