MPP: What are my chances and where to apply?

[mpp_applicant]

I am new to the MPP application process. I'm wondering where I fall among other MPP applicants. I have a mediocre GPA from Rice, with good GRE and two years teaching since graduation. (See stats below). I expect great employer recs but am less confident about profs. Would I be competitive for the top schools like HKS and WWS? How about GPPI or Duke? Where would I be competitive for a scholarship? (I can't do 55k/year out of pocket).

Undergraduate Work

3.45 from Rice University

History major with coursework in poli sci (8 classes) and econ (5 classes). Editor-in-chief of university student newspaper.

GRE

AW: 5

Quant: 800

Verbal: 700

Total: 1500

Since College

-Two years teaching high school social studies in a TFA-like setting (though not a corps member) in Houston

-Half a year volunteer teaching in Kenya

College Internships

-State Department Refugee Bureau

-International Visitor Program, Georgia office (2 years)

[wjibara]

I am new to the MPP application process. I'm wondering where I fall among other MPP applicants. I have a mediocre GPA from Rice, with good GRE and two years teaching since graduation. (See stats below). I expect great employer recs but am less confident about profs. Would I be competitive for the top schools like HKS and WWS? How about GPPI or Duke? Where would I be competitive for a scholarship? (I can't do 55k/year out of pocket).

Undergraduate Work

3.45 from Rice University

History major with coursework in poli sci (8 classes) and econ (5 classes). Editor-in-chief of university student newspaper.

GRE

AW: 5

Quant: 800

Verbal: 700

Total: 1500

Since College

-Two years teaching high school social studies in a TFA-like setting (though not a corps member) in Houston

-Half a year volunteer teaching in Kenya

College Internships

-State Department Refugee Bureau

-International Visitor Program, Georgia office (2 years)

I think you stand a pretty good chance. What would be your focus? International affairs, I presume. As far as LOR, I would say pick the professor you are most confident with and if possible tell them what you want them to hilight in their letter. And then use the other two references from work/internships.

[mpp_applicant]

My focus would be international development. Thanks for the tip on the recs.