Help for an IR Major!

<p>Hey guys, I want to major in international relations and ultimately work in government (ie. CIA analysis, State Department). My problem is that I do not have the 4.0 or 2400 SAT. I think my stats are good and I'm not looking to go to an Ivy League school or those right under them. I want a solid school for IR, with good opportunities for internships and study abroad. I would like the school to have about four or five thousand undergrads. Also, I'm looking for access to a city. Schools I'm looking at include: American, GW, Johns Hopkins, Pitt, Catholic U, and Dickinson. Another dilemma I have is that I need some merit money from a college. I cant afford 40,000 per yr and it needs to be more like 25,000. If anyone can suggest chances for admission and merit aid at these schools or others that fit this profile it is really appreciated. Here are my stats:
- White male from southeastern PA, outside Philly
- Attend a competitive jesuit prep school in philly
- 3.64 GPA UW ( school does not weight GPA or rank)
- Not a good test taker: I got killed on the SATs so I took the ACT and ended up w/ a 26 after 3 times
- ECs: Pres of Model UN and member (4 yrs), History Club (2 yrs), Drama staff (3 yrs), Community Service (80 hrs), Volunteer on congressional campaign this summer and fall
-Awards: NHS, AP Scholar
- Course Load: 4 yrs eng, 3 yrs science, 5 yrs history, 4 yrs religion, 4 yrs math, 4 yrs german; AP US (5), AP Eng lang (4), AP US Govt (4), AP Euro
( these are the only aps i will take, AP Euro senior yr)
- Studied in Germany for 3 wks this summer + homestay
- I have an extreme interest in international relations, particularly US foreign policy and national security
-Essays will be good and recs. great</p>

<p>Any advice is greatly appreciated! Also, any feedback on publics that might match my description would be a lot of help in addition to any others.</p>