<p>I'm about to begin my search for graduate schools, and I'm looking for a solid Master's program in urban planning. Highlights of undergraduate resume (which is almost finished) include a 3.4 gpa (meh, I took a really heavy course load), having studied abroad a year in Eastern Europe, and majoring in Political Science with minors in International Studies and Russian Language. I was also an editor of the campus daily newspaper, worked in our study abroad office, and had numerous student govt positions...at a campus with 25,000 students. Question: Does any of this even matter to grad schools?</p>
<p>Right now I'm the main man behind a project to start a state-of-the-art Bikeshare system here at OSU, and I'm partnering with the City of Stillwater and local developers as well. As newspaper editor, I also did a TON of coverage on urban issues, I have a blog that is seen as a premier source of information for Oklahoma urban issues, and I've been quoted in newspapers a lot on local urban issues. Question: Does any of this more topical info even matter or help making a case as a motivated urban activist?</p>
<p>So given that my gpa is only 3.4/3.5ish at a state school (haven't taken the GRE yet), does this preclude me from consideration at many schools, or is the sky the limit?</p>
<p>As far as individual schools, I would appreciate any recommendations you guys might have, regardless of where the school is. I'm just sort of at the beginning stage of looking around (probably started too late), so any help is needed. I'd also love any advice about which schools would be a better fit for someone with a more theoretical background, less technical background (coming at urban planning from a political science undergrad).</p>
<p>So far I think I'll look into:
UT-Austin
Kansas
Virginia Tech
UC-Denver
Georgia Tech
New School
St. Louis U.
CUNY-Hunter
Portland State
Wisconsin</p>
<p>Is there any way to get a TA or GA position (or any other arrangement to pay for school) at these institutions?</p>