I am currently a junior at Arizona State University, interested in applying to a few journalism graduate schools in the fall.
I am majoring in Journalism (at the Walter Cronkite School, print/digital specialization), Political Science and Asia studies, and will have two certificates done by the time I graduate in May 2017. My GPA will likely be 3.5. I have taken 18-24 credits each semester for the past three semesters or so.
As for internships, I’ve had 8 so far; 4 of them were related to marketing/PR and 4 of them are reporting internships (I am currently interning in DC for a national newspaper; this is my second internship at this place), and I will likely be doing few more internships in the next year. I have also been a student reporter for the student newspaper, and had a full-time job as a graphic designer for a summer and part of the school year. In addition to this, I have had leadership positions in a non-profit non-partisan student organization outside of the school, and a leadership position as the Director of Marketing for a student organization.
I’ve not taken the GRE yet, but was thinking of taking it in the fall (so I will start studying for it soon).
Basically, I want to be a foreign correspondent focusing on Asia and foreign policy. So, I’m very interested in the international journalism programs.
That looks pretty good. First of all, you don’t need the GRE for Columbia J-School. Literally, they don’t even look at it. So if you’re applying to other programs that require it, that’s fine. But if you’re set on CJS, it’s not necessary to waste your time with it. Columbia likes to see strong essays, strong letters of recommendation and some experience outside of school. If you’ve got clips from any of your internships, you should be good. But the more notable places that you’re published, the better.
Your GPA will be fine; CJS is pretty holistic (unlike their undergrad lmao), and they have accepted people with much lower that I know of. In terms of letters, I’d really focus on those. Because you’re still in school, I’m guessing they’ll probably want 2 or 3 academic LoRs. I was a few years out of college when I applied, but I did two academic and one from my editor. I’d emphasize your reporting internships a lot more than PR – it’s similar to journalism in skills, but also kind of inherently the opposite. CJS is also trying to get big on diversity, so make sure you show them why you’re different in your personal essay.
They have a writing exam that’s mandatory for master’s applicants, but if you’re apprised of what’s going on in the world, it’s not difficult. Just make sure you finish it. It’s timed for a reason. Good luck applying to Columbia! It’s a great school 
Thanks so much, I really appreciate the advice!