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Hey went_away, thanks for the response! I am currently trying to get everything wrapped up before going on vacation tomorrow so I can send out emails for my letters of rec requests. I've already applied to UT, but I am leaning more toward TAMU due to the availability of the energy institute, the staff, and the amount of $$$ available. I can also take my last year of athletic eligibility here which would allow me to finish up my five years of eligibility and get some money. Also, a small town with not alot to do plus athletics will provide as a good distraction from getting in trouble as Austin has proved true time and time again; I can actually focus purely on school. Plus, the appeal of the aggienetwork doesn't hurt either. I think that the proximity of location to Houston is also beneficial if I want to work in energy. I have actually been advised to go work for a few years by one of my professors; however, I know if I take time off that I will more than likely not end up going back. I think it is honestly best for me to go straight into grad school, but different strokes for different folks. I have thought about a MBA program, as strongly suggested by my dad initially, but the idea of the program does not appeal to me. I also am dissuaded from applying to the schools listed above because I know that I will not be able to afford them. One of the big reasons I decided against law school was the 150k in debt price tag which would be likely if I went to one of the more prestigious schools. I understand that prestige is important, but in the field I am considering going into (private sector most likely down here) I am not sure that it entirely matters. Long term - maybe? But is the price worth it? Also, just barely getting in by the skin of my teeth and struggling for two years while I could go at a slightly less prestigious school and do phenomenally well is another facet to consider I suppose. Nonetheless, if I apply and get in to one of those schools, they would prove to be great bargaining chips. I appreciate your help so much though! Solid advice!

Currently a Senior Government Major at the University of Texas at Austin. Will be graduating in Spring of 2016. Planning to study energy policy. Attached is my resume to better outline things (if anyone actually wants to take the time to read it ha). Program: MIA/MPP School Applying to: Bush (TAMU), LBJ (UT) / Sanford (Duke), Gerald Ford (Michigan) - haven't applied. considering. Undergrad Institution: The University of Texas at Austin, May 2016 Undergrad GPA: 3.798, with honors Major/Minor: Government/Philosophy GRE: 157 V, 151 Q, 5 Writing Age: 21 Years of Work Experience: still in undergrad Published Work: None Languages: Spanish Other: 3 years of volunteering, tutored during undergrad, lettered NCAA athlete Work Experience: No post graduate work experience, but spent interim interning for a Texas State Representative at the Texas State Capitol in 2014, worked as a natural resources legislative assistant to a Texas State Rep during session in 2015 along with interning at another Texas State Representative, worked for a presidential campaign in summer of 2015, worked at a law firm in summer of 2015. In addition, I am a 4 year NCAA Collegiate athlete, competing at Texas Tech University one year and my last three years at UT (javelin/pole vault). Furthermore, I have a year of eligibility left to where I could compete my last year while in grad school as many track athletes do. This could possibly offer me additional scholarship money. Quant Experience: Took a semester of econ, taking political stats next semester. Strength of LoR 1: From a professor whom I have done research for/ was accepted into a liberal arts honors study abroad maymester program with for May 2016 Strength of LoR 2: From a professor with whom advised me on grad school choices. Did exceptionally well in class. Strength of LoR 3: One of a handful of other professors, strong letter of rec. Concerns: GRE scores, lack of work experience, LORs, $$$ (will not be graduating undergrad with student debt due to merit scholarship and parents' assistance, but do not wish to accumulate a ton of debt from a master's program) I'm also concerned about going to a school that accepts students straight out of undergrad. I am aware schools such as Cal, John Hopkins, etc. do not accept applicants without post-graduate work experience. Also, I have been advised by professors at UT and from the Bush School staff to apply to additional schools or "reach" schools, but I am not sure where to direct my attention toward. I have spent my entire life living in Texas so I am not sure how I would adjust to a different culture/environment, but considering I have experienced both extremes (a small town of 2500 people to Lubbock to Austin), I think I would fair alright for two years. Additionally, I want to study energy policy so I am not sure which schools boast strong programs for this specialization. Ideally, I would like to end up back in Houston working in the energy capital of the world; however, I am not partial to where I land a gig. I am certain thought that I want to focus on clean. renewable, and sustainable energy. If anyone could offer me any advice, I would GREATLY appreciate it. Resume.docx