At a crossroads...Please help!

[CaramelCookie]

Hello All!

I'm a senior at MSU, graduating in May but completing my B.A. in Advertising requirements this August. Because I was unsure if I was going to be able to graduate this year, I didn't schedule my GRE until May 2011. I'm planning to enroll in graduate school in Fall 2012, since many programs don't admit for Spring.

Which leaves me with a year to do get some research experience before grad school. I have plenty of work experience, one management internship, and a 3.2 GPA overall/major. I hope to increase my GPA about 1 point by the time I complete all my degree requirements. I have study abroad experience as well, I studied international business/marketing in Europe.

I've narrowed my list of potential schools down, and I'd love some advice on my prospects. I'd also appreciate any advice from those who waited a year between undergrad and graduate school. Here's my list:

UC Santa Barbara

Uni. of Denver

Uni. of Miami (Florida)

Utex Austin

Wayne State (Safety)

Howard Uni.

I'm planning on enrolling in a Mass Comm or Advertising Master's program, after I plan to go for a PhD in the same field. So, all of the schools I've listed have MA and PhD program in the same field.

Am I being reasonable with my prospects? Should I take an out-of-state job in the meantime, even if I know my potential graduate program a year from now may not be in the same state?

Again, I appreciate any advice! Thanks in advance :-) xx