CharKel27

Thanks for the input. I thought about retaking the GRE because of that verbal score; I'm just not sure five years out I would do any better, my brain is going to need some training to get back into school mode, hah. I seem to be in a lot of the schools' averages in terms of GRE and GPA but if I want to get funding I'm not sure that'll do it. My GPA held steady right around 3.45 all the way through undergrad. I'm not positive where I want to work after I graduate but the idealistic PCV in me would like to continue in development with a nonprofit/NGO. I am still pretty open about that part.

Thanks for taking the time to evaluate me. I am really interested where people believe I could get admitted, especially with significant funding. Program Applied To (MPA, MPP, IR, etc.): MPA (nonprofit management specialization) Schools Applying To: I'm applying for fall 2013 I'm not positive at this point but I'm considering UW Evans, USC, MIIS, Syracuse, American, Indiana, NYU, UPenn, UConn (I'm a resident), U of Arizona, U of Missouri... Undergraduate institution: Top 15 Liberal Arts College Undergraduate GPA: 3.45 Undergraduate Majors: Sociology/Antrhopology and American History (3.45 GPA in both) Study Abroad: none (I was a swimmer, experience abroad came later) GRE Quantitative Score: 720 GRE Verbal Score: 570 GRE AW Score: 5.5 Years Out of Undergrad (if applicable): 5 Years of Work Experience: 3 winters at a ski job, 3 summers traveling/volunteering/working abroad, about to finish up 2 years in the Peace Corps Describe Relevant Work Experience: volunteering abroad teaching English or working with animals for 3.5+ months over two summers, two years in the Peace Corps teaching English as well as plenty of grant writing focused on youth development Languages: Intermediate Ukrainian and Spanish Quant: Calc and statistics Strength of SOP: not quite there yet but I believe it'll be strong Strength of LOR (be honest, describe the process, etc): will be strong from my PC manager, maybe not as strong from a professor since I've been out for a while

OK question relating to the GRE. I took mine in early November of 2007 right after I graduated. I am planning on applying to schools next fall. I understand my GRE expires November of 2012; if I get my GRE in before that date will grad schools accept the score? And if they do, will they look down on it for being that old? A little background, I'm a Peace Corps volunteer serving in Ukraine and taking the GRE here would not be super easy. Thanks for the help!

Привет! Я живу в маленькой деревне недалеко от границы с Румынией. Thanks for your comments, they were extremely helpful. Instead of focusing on the name of the degree/school I have been looking more into the programs/courses and that has really clarified a lot for me. While I think in general the MPA fits my interests most, I am still definitely looking into other degree programs as well. I have been focusing a lot so far on the schools that take part in the Peace Corps Coverdell Fellows Program because I'm definitely worried about financing this degree. There are some great schools that take part in the program that give some scholarship money but the best deals are offered by schools which aren't as highly ranked. From the posts on this site, I assume most people would go to the best school they were accepted to rather than settling for a school that offered them more money. Do you all agree with this? I will definitely return here with any other questions, what a great resource!

Hello all, I am new here so thanks for the patience. I am currently a Peace Corps Volunteer in Ukraine and upon my return I am considering going back to school to get my masters. I am a TEFL volunteer but have loved the grants/youth development projects side of my work here. I do not have a career path nailed down exactly except that I am very interested in nonprofit work, which is partially why I'd like to go back to school in a program focused on nonprofits to learn more about my options. I have done a bunch of internet research on the different applicable degrees but have come up with conflicting viewpoints, which has brought me here. Can someone decipher the differences between these degrees for me (MPA/MPP/MBA with nonprofit specialization/Nonprofit Management, etc)? Which would make the most sense for what I am looking for? Background on myself, I went to a top 15 liberal arts school, graduated cum laude in '07 with a BA in American History and Soc/Anthro with a 3.4 GPA. GREs are 570V/720Q/5.5. I know that this only gives a tiny idea of who I am / what I have to offer, but what programs could potentially be right for me? I may not be an absolute all-star like many people posting on here but do I have a shot at getting some dollaz thrown my way from anywhere? Thanks for the help!