Hi all I'm new to these types of forums and realize I may be skirting the "AM I COMPETITIVE" thread, but thought I'd get a feel for how things work around here. Sorry if this is the case!
I'm currently beginning my MPP/MPA application process, now just browsing through programs and such. The responses by all of you to many a thread have been hugely helpful in wrapping my brain around which schools I may apply to, and which program suit me best. In short I have a few questions I would love to get some insight on (I hope this helps others out as well)...
I was the classic victim of fun during undergrad, resulting in a lower than ideal GPA (2.95 or so). This has me quite worried when seeking out various programs of interest to me. Because of my GPA I feel I will overlooked more often than not...even though it is not illustrative of my as an individual post college.
Following Undergrad (at a top 30 liberal arts school) I went to work on the Hill for a congressional office doing legislative work (working first as an SA as many do). Following about 2 years of work on the Hill I went into the Peace Corps, with whom I currently serving as an English Teacher in a State Department Critical Language country. I anticipate I will be work-proficient in my service country's language upon COS - I must note I did not join PC for grad. school, it was a decision I have long wanted and find to be the most rewarding experience of my life thus far.
I am currently in the midst of taking both a macro and micro online course for credit through UT in order to get credit and prove my quantitative skills. I anticipate an A or A- in each of these.
I will most likely be receiving letters of recommendations from a Member of Congress, as well as my Country Director for the Peace Corps.
I have not taken the GRE's yet but have devoted much time to studying and feel confident going into them...hope to be in the ball park of most schools median scores.
In short, I wonder if anyone has any advice or thoughts on the presence of my undergrad GPA in relation to the credible post-grad experience I have acquired in relation to MPP/MPA admittance?
I seek to find out peoples honest opinions regarding my chances with top-tier programs (I do have specific thoughts on programs but would rather a more broad perspective).
Any thought on schools like HKS, SIPA, McCourt, Harris, Price, Fels, Ford, Sanford, Heinz, WWS (I know that's probably gone, but no worries!), etc....I will not be applying to all of course, just painting with a wide brush the threads sake? I realize there are no yes or no answers regarding my inquiry, and it is very dependent on circumstance, but I would love to hear peoples thoughts with the little information I have provided!
Thank you so much for anything you can provide, you all have been so much help already.