<p>I am an Economics/Phil undergrad at a large state school finishing up in May. My bad GPA is a result of horrible grades freshman and sophomore year (I have never gotten less than a B+ in any JR/SR level course). I got kicked out of school after my sophomore year and worked full time as an LA for a State Representative and went to community college. If everything goes well this semester my GPA will be 2.9 overall (I know! The most unsatisfying GPA ever!), 4.0 Econ GPA, 3.8 Phil GPA. I just took the GRE last fall and was pleased with my 165V 168Q 5AW. </p>
<p>I plan to take a year off and go to DC to work and then try to go to school Fall 2015. I am the first person in my family to go to college and I think I have a compelling "story" as I am a refugee with political asylum in the US. I have great references to use (academic, political, and employers) but I have NO co-curricular activities since I have always worked and gone to school. I am female, white and I speak 3 languages. I have never done research or had anything published, in fact my department only offers a senior essay class to Honors students. </p>
<p>I realize there are many pros and cons to my application. My dream school is NYU, but I am happy to go to the best place that will have me and I am even open to programs abroad. The director of my dept keeps asking me to apply to the Economics PhD program at my current school, but I really have my heart set on something more policy oriented.</p>
<p>Please let me know what your thoughts are on the best school I can get into! Thank you in advance.</p>