Paella

Hello grads and grads-to-be! This is such an amazing place, and I feel so lucky to be around so many academics! I am a public university undergrad (second year) who is absolutely excited at the prospect of (hopefullyhopefully) researching and working with a grad program in the future. My plan, which I am ridiculously excited about and set with at this point, is graduating in four years with a double in International Development Studies and Spanish, and then working with the Peace Corps (2 years). If I am accepted, I am planning on entering grad school when I come back. My ultimate goal is to work with instating progressive primary schools in developing nations, as well as working with policy to make these institutions more accessible. I was hoping to get any and all feedback on what I can do to improve my chances of getting into the program of my dreams. I am definitely looking towards International Affairs/Human Rights. All I have in mind right now is SIPA, as I just visited Columbia last week and fell in love with the area and its proximity to international institutions. I am also planning on applying to UCLA (PubAff). Ideally, I would like to apply to the top-ranked programs in the field, but I also have an affinity for big cities. I had been pretty confident with my academic work until this last quarter, in which I received 1 B, 2 B+'s, and a D+. I'm especially worried because the D+ was in macroeconomics (which is quite relevant to International Development). I am definitely planning on retaking the class, but the grade will remain there. There were no health reasons or family emergencies...just a student getting a hard-learned lesson in stepping-up her game. What can I do at this point to strengthen my application (classes, research, nonacademic work, etc)? Have I ruined my chances of getting in to a top grad program? Do you have any school recommendations? Cumulative GPA: 3.647 Relevant (?) experience (I'm aware that several ad comms probably won't look at this): -Volunteering for two months this summer with an AIDS education program in Tanzania -Volunteer Coordinator for a Scholarship Organization -Working with underprivileged kids at the University's official charity camp - I have a job - Will soon begin an artistic internship - Planning on entering an undergraduate thesis track Thanks for any and all help!