<p>Hello! I'm looking into different MPP/MPA programs and am anticipating entering grad school for fall 2011. Graduated in June 2008, undergrad GPA of 3.54 from top 40 university with a major in International Studies and minor in Accounting. I plan to apply to these schools for an environmental policy concentration: </p>
<p>University of Washington
UC Berkeley
Cornell
Brown
USC
UCLA
University of Oregon</p>
<p>I haven't taken the GRE yet, but plan to take it towards the end of August/beginning of Sept. I'm fairly confident that I can break 700+ on quant, but a little shaky on Verbal (500ish). </p>
<p>I only have about a year and a half of professional work experience in an unrelated field, but have done a lot of volunteer work since high school with an internationally operating NGO and have had a leadership role in this organization over the past year. I also currently have an internship/volunteer position with a local environmental restoration group. I have excellent letters of rec from these experiences and also have excellent academic letters of rec from undergrad. </p>
<p>So here are my questions/concerns: </p>
<ol>
<li>Is the number of programs I plan to apply to enough? And are there any other programs that I should consider? </li>
<li>With my current stats, do I have a chance at these programs? </li>
<li>Will my lack of professional experience in public policy be a factor as an applicant? </li>
</ol>
<p>Any comments/suggestions/answers are helpful. Thanks everyone!</p>