<p>Hi, I'm new to looking at grad schools because I'm only a sophomore. I'm also new to looking at international programs, because I'm from the US.</p>
<p>Right now, I'm a double major in economics & international trade (which is under the department of geography) at the University at Buffalo, The State University of New York. UB is a good school...and both the geography and economics departments are highly ranked (geo is top 15 in the US, econ is top 80 in the US). My GPA right now is low...only a 3.05, but after this semester I expect to have a 3.3 + (getting straight A's now). I also have a minor in the classics. </p>
<p>For extras, I currently have two internships. One is doing undergrad research (food systems planning) in the department of urban & regional planning & the other is doing marketing for our campus dining & shops company. The undergrad research just got funded by the USDA ($3.96 million) and it's on a national level. I'm also on the board of directors for True Blue, the largest club at UB (6,000 members, 18,000 alumni)...and I'm the Director of Marketing for that. I'm also in the business Fraternity, Delta Sigma Pi...and have so far raised $5,000 within my first two months of being on the fundraising committee. I will also be in the economics honor society, Omicron Delta Epsilon, next semester. </p>
<p>In two years, I will be applying for the MA programs in economics & geography. U of T looks like a fantastic school and as of right now, it is my ultimate top choice. Being in Buffalo right now, I've come to like living in an urban area. </p>
<p>The Geo dept says that you need at least a 3.3 (minimum), while the econ dept. says you need at least a 3.0. Both departments don't require the GRE. For the GPA, both departments say, "Due to limited enrolment capacity, meeting minimum standards does not guarantee admission."</p>
<p>What kind of GPA do you think I will need? Is grad school hard to get into? </p>
<p>I appreciate any kind of response because again, I'm very new to this!
-David</p>