odalbc

Hi everyone, I've been browsing the forum for a while, but this is my first post. I'm currently in the process of applying to MPA/MPP programs for fall of 2012, and I could use some input. At this point, I've got three programs in mind: University of Washington Evans School MPA - the reasonable school Columbia University SIPA MPA - the dream school Simon Fraser University MPP - the safety school It's difficult for me to gauge how strong my application is comparatively, so you'll notice there's a good range of programs I'm applying to. I'm still considering the exact track in an MPA/MPP program I'd like to follow, but I'm considering either policy analysis or social policy. Alright, so here's the nitty gritty. I did my undergrad at UW-Milwaukee in English, emphasis in critical theory, 3.0 GPA overall, 3.5 in major. Additionally, I did an interdisciplinary certificate in Peace Studies with strong coursework in labor relations and economic development. In summer of this year, I took a course at Cornell's School of Industrial and Labor Relations, earned a B+ and a good recommendation from the professor, who recommended I study under a colleague at SIPA. I'm confident I'll have good LOR's overall. My GRE scores are the following: Verbal 610, Quant 560, AW 5.0. I know I could have done much better on the quantitative, but I studied for maybe a day beforehand, didn't take it that seriously at the time (2 years ago). Since graduating, I've done a variety of things, including working as an AmeriCorps volunteer for a large environmental organization in Seattle, working with a service learning program at a local high school, volunteering in my neighborhood, and working at a political advocacy organization over the summer. I feel that all of this could be fodder for SOP's. Overall I feel I'm a strong writer, so I don't expect any problems with SOP's. My question is twofold: What are my chances of getting into the programs I've already earmarked, and given my background/GPA/GRE are there any other programs I should consider? I had looked at USC, UC-Berkeley, and University of Wisconsin- Madison as well, but ultimately decided not to apply to those. Thanks in advance!