How do I enhance my application before reapplying?

[Sarah Bee]

Well, I applied to a Journalism programme in UK this year, got accepted but without funding.This was my very first attempt at applying to a grad school abroad and although it was a morale booster to get accepted (considering that two of my friends with relevant backgrounds got rejected), I cannot pursue my master's without funding.

 

I want to reapply next year and I am considering applying to North American schools, too. However, I want to apply to schools that accept you without GRE (I am way too poor in Math, tried preparing but repeatedly failed without improvement). 

I read on a blog that whether GRE is a prerequisite or not, schools prefer to award scholarships to students with a good GRE score. How true is that? 

 

Also, I am not sure if I am even eligible for a scholarship to a US school considering my academic background. Another student I know had a lower GPA than mine and only internship experience but she got a scholarship. Still, I am not confident about my GPA. 

I was wondering how to enhance my application for the next round?   

• GPA: 3.71/ 4.0 
• IELTS score: 8.0
• Work experience: 2 years of full-time journalism experience in a leading media organisation, plus 1 year of experience as a freelance journalist
• Graduated from a reputable, state-owned university
• Strong letters of recommendation (one from my department head, one from a visiting faculty who is serving as editor of a leading publication in the country, and one from my own editor)
• Dissertation titled: Exploitation of women in mass media (I received very bad marks in my dissertation)
• Volunteer experience related to women's and children's rights

Any suggestions to enhance my application?

Edited March 18, 2014 by Sarah Bee