What are my chances?

[Mengde]

I'm interested in going into a graduate program that specializes in geographic sciences, such as GIS, remote sensing, and so forth. My major is sociology, with a minor in communication, but I'm currently getting two undergraduate certificates, one in GI Science, and one in Spatial Analysis of Coastal Environments. The GI Science certificate is solely a geography certificate, while the other one is a joint geography and ocean, earth, and atmospheric sciences certificate. I also have taken a GIS class from the sociology department.

Right now, as part of my GI Science certificate, I'm doing an independent study, where I get to do my own research project, and I hope to do one for the SpACE certificate as well. When all is said and done, I'll probably have 18 hours of upper level geography credits and another six in ocean, earth, and atmospheric sciences.

My GPA is currently 2.65, but that's not really a fair assessment of my ability. I, to be blunt, was a complete slacker when I was first in college, and I didn't take things seriously at all. I had an atrocious GPA that I had to blast out of. Once I actually got serious about things, my grades were:

Summer 2008: 3.72

Fall 2008: 3.95

Spring 2009: 4.00

Summer 2008: 3.33

Also, my GRE scores are 790 Q, 610 V, 4.5 A.

Anyway, based on the descriptions on the site, my first impression is favorable toward the M.S. in Geographic and Cartographic Sciences at George Mason. I would like to apply to that program and programs similar to it. I guess my big question, in short, is do I have a snowball's chance in a blast furnace of getting in anywhere? Also, what are ways of helping my chances of getting in? Moreover, what are other programs similar to the one I mentioned?

[rising_star]

I would say you have a shot at getting in. Most programs place more emphasis on your grades in the last two years of college anyways. Make sure you really tell them what you want to do as a graduate student and why in your SOP.

[Mengde]

Do you, or anyone else, know anything about these programs:

MS in Cartography and GIS @ University of Wisconsin - Madison

MS in Geographic Information Science @ Idaho State University

MS in Geographic Information Science @ Indiana University - Purdue University Indianapolis

MS in Geography, GI Systems and Science Track @ SUNY University at Buffalo

MS in Geo-Information Science @ Salem State College

MS in Geography, GI Processing @ Ball State University

MS in Geography, GI Science emphasis @ St. Cloud University

MS in Geographic and Cartographic Sciences @ George Mason University