ApparentlyLost

Program: MA (see below) School Applying to: Johns Hopkins SAIS (American Foreign Policy/International Development), American SIS (International Economic Relations), University of Denver Korbel School (International Development) Undergrad Institution: University of South Carolina (Yeah, we have higher ed down here.) Undergrad GPA: 3.015 Major/Minor: Journalism/Political Science GRE: 168V (98% below), 157Q (68%), 5.5 AW (98%) Age: 31 Years of Work Experience: Nine. Published Work: One, on media development in Southeast Asia (plus a gajillion non-academic pieces, here, there and everywhere) Languages: English, French, Khmer, Mongolian Other: Certified teacher of English as a foreign language (Cambridge CELTA), named a "fellow" of a small international literacy NGO, member of the Overseas Press Club of Cambodia. Awards: President's Volunteer Service Award (2013), state press association awards (2008, all irrelevant to international development), Society of Professional Journalists award (2007, irrelevant to international development), three-time dean's list Work Experience: Summary: Five years working/volunteering in developing countries as a teacher/national newspaper editor (most recently through Peace Corps), four years working/volunteering domestically as a local newspaper editor/web designer. SOP: I'm a strong writer, and I tell a great story, but academia makes me twitchy. I describe the link between international journalism, teaching and volunteering as an interest in international service and development. I explain that my low undergrad GPA was largely the result of late nights in various newsrooms. Strength of LoR 1: Strong. From the country director during my Peace Corps service -- we had a very good relationship. She did her own Peace Corps service in the country where I worked as an editor for both English-language newspapers, so she can speak to both my terms abroad (on the frozen steppe and in the tropics). Strength of LoR 2: Strongish? From a former managing editor at one of those foreign newspapers, a close friend who is brilliant but currently unemployed, exemplifying the reason that I wanted to get out of journalism. Strength of LoR 3: No idea. From a former English professor with whom I've kept in touch over the years but who is now the director of career development at a small public university -- I figured I needed someone who had actually taught me. Concerns: The University of South Carolina isn't exactly a prestigious school. My 3.015 GPA is less than stellar -- I made the dean's list for my first two semesters and my last one (sandwiching my late-night employment). I also flunked a couple of high-level political science courses for excessive absences, and I only took one of the two recommended undergrad econ courses. I don't have strong academic references, because that was a decade ago! And I'm worried that schools will question my commitment and stick-to-it-iveness after I quit journalism to teach and volunteer. Money is also an issue: Journalism, volunteerism and education aren't exactly lucrative fields (I made $2,400 last year!), so I could really use some aid beyond the Peace Corps Coverdell Fellowship. Is it even conceivable that a school would offer additional aid?