Likelihood of acceptance?

[scfitz5]

I'm having trouble creating a 'reach' 'safety' and 'fallback' list of schools to apply for at this point. Looking at my list, and assuming I do well on the GRE, do the following like schools I could get accepted to currently?

 

I am currently looking at Loyola-Chicago, Michigan, Michigan State, Vanderbilt, USC and UConn. 

 

Mostly I'm a little worried about my gpa (2.986) but I have been out of school (graduated from Michigan in '12) for two years with very applicable work experience the past two years working as a fraternity consultant. 

 

[hesadork]

A lot depends on your GRE performance.  That said, all of the schools you listed (save Loyola-Chicago) are highly competitive and in hot demand by virtue of the reputation of their doctoral programs (ranked by USNWR).  I think your UGPA is going to be an obstacle to admission to these programs.

 

Work experience is helpful but two years isn't the same as 5 or 8.

 

Is there a region of the country where you want to end up?  Or a particular type of institution where you want to work?

[scfitz5]

I think I would like to remain in the midwest, and ideally a larger state school. I've worked briefly at a few smaller schools and I don't think I would enjoy the experience as much.

[hesadork]

Think about the flagships in Iowa, Minnesota, Indiana...

 

This is a great tool to help focus the search:  http://www.petersons.com/graduate-schools.aspx  (Click 'advanced search' so you can filter it to Higher Ed master's programs by state.)

 

Good luck!