Americorps members, advice please?

Question

I'm going to graduate college in 2009 with a bachelors degree in Philosophy. I would like to go to Graduate school for Public Administration, because I'm passionate about serving the public especially in the area of the environment.

I'm thinking of joining one of the americorps programs before I apply to any graduate school, in order to help my chances of getting in to school, and also to help earn some money to help pay for my education.

My question is, do you have to have a really good GPA to qualify for Americorps? I will probably graduate right under 3.0. I don't have any previous volunteer experience as I've always had to work in my spare time to help me afford college. Will having no volunteer experience hinder my chances of being accepted into the program?

How has being in the Americorps made you more empolyable or more qualified for high education? Will Americorps help me get into a Public Administration Masters program?

Any advice you have will be helpful. Thanks!

Answer 1

I'm not an Americorps member, but I have a relative who enjoyed her stint fighting wildfires. She can now wield a chainsaw with the best of them.

The website doesn't list any GPA requirements, and some programs take age 17 and up, so they're looking at those who haven't even graduated high school yet. I think your adaptability and attitude will get your farther than grades.

All things being equal, I'd hire someone with a year of Americorps under their belt, over one who flipped burgers the same year. Think about it.