I'd pay for personal, not snarky, but honest feedback. I don't really want to post all the specifics online- I would like to keep it confidential.
Is there a place online that you could recommend where I can keep this info private? Or a person, who I can pay for advice like this? I know others have asked abot low gpa + grad-school, however one story does not fit all. I am asking for a person to talk to about my situation and is knowledgeable of the graduate admissions process.
The admissions, placement, and/or graduate departments of your previous institution(s) have a vested interest in your success, actually, and usually provide such advice. If there is no formal process, which it sounds like you'd want to avoid, find a trustworthy professor. Tell them what you need. Ask them not to sugar coat it.
Failing that, a knowledgeable and honest friend makes a great councilor.
The admissions and chosen departments of your ultimate dream program also have a vested interest in telling you what you need to do to get in, but they are focused keeping out bad candidates; They are more likely to err on the side of "shoo", so if you suspect a smokey skirt from your home faculty, talk to someone where you are heading.
