Urban Planning (particularly Bloustein program at Rutgers)

[DDomin]

Hello all,

After a year and half out of college I've finally made up my mind about what I want to do, and that is go into a Urban planning program. The only program in NJ is the Bloustein program and in an effort to stay in state and save some money I'd like to go there. But we'll see what my credentials permit. I want to jump in mid-year (Spring '12 semeste), I imagine that will only make it more difficult.

My undergrad GPA was a little over a 3.0. For starter this is basically the minimum GPA most places accept so in that regard I'm starting at the bottom. Although my transcript will show that my last 4 semesters I had a 3.1, 3.3, 3.4 and 4.0 a long with a 4.0 winter session and 4.0 summer session. Hopefully, that big push at the end will help me out.

GRE scores- I got a 1230. 580V and 650Q and a 4 on the analytical. That last bit bummed me out as I thought I nailed the analytical part with a 5-5.5, but I was mistaken. There minimum is a 500V and 600Q which is an 1100 combined, and hopefully my GRE helps me out.

I have (what I think is) a good resume and have experience working with non-profits that deal with improving energy efficiency in various impoverished areas in NJ (Specifically I worked in Newark and Atlantic City).

I have 3 excellent recommendations.

I don't know what I may be missing, but I'd like see what my chances of admission there or really any planning program are from the information at hand.

My mentor who is one of my recommendations, said I should include a letter explaining why I did so poorly my first few semesters in college and basically to explain that my transcript doesn't reflect all of what I bring to the table. Good idea? or will it be overlooked by an admissions committee?

Thank you all in advance!