Complicated MPP/MPA Situation

[StarkResilient89]

Hey everyone, I'm hoping to get into an MPP/MPA program for next year (Fall 2014), preferably along the lines of SIPA or Wagner (the latter of which I'm going for an orientation session on Monday). In regards to statistics, here are my credentials:

 

-Undergraduate: Top 40 university, Class of 2011

-Major/Minor: History/International Studies

-GPA: 3.4 (freshman-sophomore grades weren't too good, improved for the 2nd half)

-Econ/Quantitative background: Took Macro I and Calculus I, got Bs in both but will also take Micro and Stats soon via coursera for credit

-Work Experience: 2 summer internships in college, both for city govt (1st one was as communications liaison for education department, 2nd was as research intern for social services agency). 10 months as a paralegal for a federal agency, now working as a paralegal for a top 200 law firm.

-Haven't taken the GRE yet, although now I'm taking powerscore prep and will hopefully nail the test sometime this year

-Not sure how relevant this is, but I studied abroad in the UK in Spring 2010.

 

Here's where the "complicated" part comes into play. Based on my research and experience around public policy, I feel like I'm severely outclassed in regards to work experience. Even though I've had public sector experience, the two internships I mentioned are far enough in the past that I probably can't get application references from them at this point since none of my old bosses are there anymore or remember me well enough. As for the Federal experience, it didn't work out the way I intended and I also feel like I can't get solid references there either. As for my current work, I'm doing well, but my firm doesn't quite fall under the "public policy/nonprofit" category, even though we do engage in pro bono work. This might be somewhat mitigated because I'm looking into volunteer work in civil/social justice and political campaigns for this year, and I anticipate starting soon in these activities.

 

Based on all this, should I wait at least another year before applying or hope for the best go through with this plan regardless? And if the latter option, what are the most practical options other than high GRE scores to increase my chances? I know this seems like a lot to take in, but I need to do quite a lot within a year. Any feedback/suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

P.S. Re: MPP/MPA concentrations, I haven't picked a specific field yet, although I know from experience that the public sector is something that I'd love to build a career around, preferably in the analytical and administration duties. And yes, I'm essentially making a career-changing decision (law to public policy), which explains this rush and urgency.

Edited February 9, 2013 by StarkResilient89

[intlrlns]

From my interaction with people like you who have similar experiences, it's not a 'stretch' for you to apply to MPP/MPA programs. You could take another year and try to do some sort of public sector work...or increase your understanding of it through meeting more people and assessing your career choices adequately. 
Regardless of which year you apply in, your personal statement and recommendations will probably be the most imp factor in telling the admissions committee why your interest in their program is well thought-out. Meet some current students and plan accordingly. Good luck!

[scholl43]

It shouldn't really matter if your old bosses are still in their old positions.  You can still get a reference from them, but if you haven't talked to them recently, that will be difficult.  Taking another year to get good experience and a fresh/solid reference would be good.  Piece that together with an old one (start reaching out now) and an old professor and you should be in good shape. 

[awphenomenally]

I agree. I actually have zero policy experience. Up until this summer, I was applying to medical school so I have been working in medicine August 2011. I have been accepted to 3 programs thus far.

 

Some facts about me:

Cornell grad '11 in biological and nutritional sciences; GPA 3.3 + honors thesis