<p>Female, 28
Undergrad GPA: 3.55
Major: Communication, concentration in journalism/public relations and minor in film and media studies
GRE: 1100
Internship: National Science Foundation
Freelance experience: Patch
Study abroad: PR program in London
Work experience: international financial institution, 7 years
Recommendations: 2 academic, 1 professional</p>
<p>A bit of information:
I started out working at an international financial institution (think IMF), just fresh out of high school. Landed the job through a temp agency and have been with them since. (I am a support staff but have taken on responsibilities in outreach, marketing, graphic design, overseas event management, and contracting, among others.) While working full-time, I attended community college but was undecided, young, comfortable and not too concerned with the future of my career, until I realized that without a degree, I would remain at the same position forever. Initially my community college GPA was low; I took a few years off from school and, thanks to my job, was finally exposed to a field that interested me. I went back to community college, changed my major, and tackled the remaining 34 credits in three semesters while working full-time. I finished community college with a 2.88 GPA. I then took two years of leave from work to complete my bachelor’s and transferred to a 4-year university in Virginia. I finished the two years in one year and graduated this past spring with a 3.55 GPA.</p>
<p>Over the past year, I interned with the National Science Foundation and freelanced with a local news site. As a way to keep my options open, I applied to two full-time programs: BU’s M.A. in International Relations and International Communication and American’s M.A. in International Media. I was accepted to both; however, after careful consideration, I have decided to return to work and to pursue a part-time/weekend program. I want to put into practice the skills I have acquired over the past year (my department’s work is in knowledge management) but I also want to work on my master’s.</p>
<p>So, I plan to apply to the following programs:
GW M.A. Global Communication
Johns Hopkins M.A. Communication/MBA
Georgetown M.A. Communication, Culture and Technology</p>
<p>My main concern is that my less-than-desirable community college record will affect my chances, especially with Georgetown. Another concern is Georgetown’s writing sample requirement (15-25 pages), which I don’t have and would need to expand an existing one. So, how do I fare? Should I just skip Georgetown?</p>
<p>Also, while Johns Hopkins is a great school, the M.A. in communication/MBA program is administered by the continuing education department. Because of this, I fear the program might not be as rigorous/strong as a regular program would be, which is perhaps good for admission but not so otherwise?</p>
<p>Finally, I am considering taking the GRE again to (hopefully) increase my scores. </p>
<p>Any advice/tips would be greatly appreciated. </p>
<p>Thank you!</p>