MFA (Photography) .. I need your help!

<p>Good morning.</p>

<p>I recently graduated from a state college (NJ) with a 2.8 GPA (was a 3.4 before but this past year was atrocious for me and my GPA dropped <em>sighs</em>) and I'm now looking into applying to grad schools, to start next September. I majored in Public Relations/Journalism as an undergrad, and minored in both Music Business and Photography. I want to get my masters in photography at a school with a good photography/art program and don't mind moving or relocating as long as the school is worth it. I don't know if it'll help, but I was ridiculously involved in college (SGA President, Yearbook, Homecoming, greek life, etc.) and have interned and worked with numerous photographers in the NYC area. I've also had my work featured in some local galleries. I'm hoping all this could help my low GPA somehow.</p>

<p>Anyhow, these are the schools I'm looking into:</p>

<p>Columbia College (Chicago)
Pratt -- Many of my (photography) college professors attended this school.
SVA
Virginia Commonwealth University
Rutgers -- The only in-state school on my list.
Temple -- Probably my #1 choice.
University of New Mexico
Arizona State
University of Arizona
Mass Art
University of Houston</p>

<p>EXTREME REACH --> University of Austin <-- (what I would do to attend this school! Unfortunately they only accept like 10-20 students a year, if I'm not mistaken)</p>

<p>I would prefer going to a public university, and I'd definitely try to get some grad assistantship/fellowship of some sort. Rutgers is the only school in the area that I'd definitely attend since Pratt and SVA are so expensive, but we will see.</p>

<p>Any thoughts, suggestions, comments on my situation and any of the schools mentioned? Thanks in advance guys, I really appreciate your help. :)</p>