<p>I will be applying for several different Masters of Urban Planning or Masters of City & Regional Planning programs and have a few questions.</p>
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<li><p>Some schools require a resume to be submitted, but I do not understand what admissions offices want. I’m assuming this should show some relevant work experience, but should it also include relevant courses taken? Does this type of “resume” look similar to a job application resume? I’m currently a geography major who has many years of experience working in the legal field and computer tech support. Some of the classes I’ve taken and some that I will take in my final semester are relevant to City Planning, but almost none of my professional work experience is relevant. I have no idea what I should include or how I should format the resume. I’m guessing a skills-based resume might be the best. What have others done?</p></li>
<li><p>I started college when I was 30 and took at least one class every semester at a community college while working full time until I could transfer to a 4 year university. That means it took about 7 years to work through my lower division requirements. Once I transferred, I started attending school full time, and will graduate within the normal 2 years of upper division work. So, it has taken a total of 9 years to earn my BA. Assuming I explain the long amount of time I’ve been in school, how much will this hurt my chances of admission to a good school? I’m currently at UC Berkeley with a 3.93 overall GPA while still working 15 hours per week, and have what I think are excellent referees. I haven’t taken the GRE yet. In case it matters, I’m applying to LSE, University of Glasgow, University of Washington, and University of Pennsylvania this year; and probably UCLA and UCB next year if I don’t get into a program for fall 2010 or if I have a problem with funding. I might also apply to the University of Utah as a safety (I grew up in Utah).</p></li>
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<p>Thank you!</p>