I am will be getting my B.S. Health Care Management in late 2010. Following undergrad, I intend to apply to grad school. I desire to get a Ph.D. in Business or Economics. Although, I am starting to prepare myself now, I understand it is a competitive market and feel that my background is sub par academically. Here is brief background of my education:

Right now, I am currently taking classes online from an average private institution. My current GPA is excellent (3.9) however the program is not considered rigorous and it is the third school I have attended. I have an A.A. in English from the community college (GPA 3.0). I went to another university (GPA 3.2) for a short period of time prior to enrolling at my current school. Furthermore, I have tested out of four classes (economics, math, business law) .

I volunteer when I can however I don’t really have any extra circular activities or notable achievements on my record.

Before I apply, I would like to spend a year after I graduate to study and take my GRE, gain some research assistance experience, take supplemental classes (or those I previously tested out of), and make other improvement to enhance academic profile.

Is my academic record as damaging as I perceive it? What should I focus on most to improve my chances of being accepted? I understand chances vary immensely depending on the tier so the answer is not absolute. With that said, any information would help.