<p>Ok, so I haven't taken the GRE yet, but its not required for the Online Masters in Public Administration degree I want to pursue at Penn State (World Campus). What I'm trying to decide is if it would be really worth taking the GRE if I can just make it into Penn State U now. From what I've heard, having prior military experience helps a lot with admissions. I also may have an online internship with the State Department lined up, so I need admissions as soon as possible. I'm applying for the Spring Semester. </p>
<p>Pursuing: MPA with Certificate in Homeland Security</p>
<p>Bachelors Degree
University of North Florida
GPA: 3.25, Major GPA: 3.45
Major: Criminal Justice
Minor: Political Science
Certificate in Leadership
3 Scholarships from college
Made Dean's list 1-2 times with 4.0</p>
<p>Experience
5 Years Marine Corps Reserve, 13 months active duty in OEF/Afghanistan
3 month Federal Internship with US Marshals Service
2 month Internship with Law Firm
Led/President of a Student Veterans Club/Association for a semester
12 Hours Volunteering as a Mentor with Persons with Disabilities</p>
<p>Plenty of LORs (1 from former ambassador)
Not worried about Letter of Intent</p>
<p>I've heard having a strong GRE score will help, but it would also set me back a month with studying and receiving the results, so I want to just apply now if my resume already is up to par. Plus, the GRE is expensive. Thoughts?</p>