How do I better my chances at getting into grad school (nyu, duke OR boston U)?

Question

I graduated with three BAs and a minor (all social science except the minor) with a 3.4 GPA. I'm in an honor society for leadership, I made the dean's list my last semester and I speak three languages (one critical). I'm also working full time with a well known non-profit that works to stop drunk driving.

My interests are water management, hydropolitics and conflict resolution related to water, specifically in the middle east. Before I apply to a master's program, I'm hoping to apply (and get in) to a grad certificate program in environmental management and possibly another one in GIS.

Please be honest and realistic ... what are my chances at getting accepted and how can I improve them?

and btw I am looking high and low for a job/internship/fellowship related to my field of interest, but i'm not finding any in my area (and i can't financially afford to quit and move just yet)

O btw most of these programs don't require a GRE, so I can't use that score to better my chances

plz help ):

thanks for any help

Answer 1

Go ahead and apply to all three and see what happens.  

Answer 2

One way to better your chances of admittance is to contact a particular professor that you want to mentor your research. Take the time to read a couple of his/her current articles and send an e-mail describing your interest. If a professor has a particular interest in working with you, then achieving admittance into that school is much easier as you already have one person who wants you admitted.  

Answer 3

I think that you have a great chance already because of all the things you are involved in. I would just recommend keeping up the GPA, having internships to show that you have experience in the fields you are interested in, and have one or two of your mentors write recommendations. Good luck!