Is there any hope for me? Want to get into an Elite B-School

My undergraduate grades were tough...2.64 GPA.

I know I have placed myself in a huge hole, but I did go to an top liberal arts school and as of now I have good internship/professional experience so a good career is not of the question for me.

-Also, it is definitely an excuse because the main reason for my bad gpa is my personal decisions to focus on partying and at times ignore academics but I was a very successful Division 1 athlete. I was consistently nominated to All-Conference honors and nominated for Most Outstanding Athlete at my school. Do you think the admissions board may see this as a reason for my low GPA (that I could explain in an essay)? I was also consistently nominated Team Captain and voted Team MVP. I know it may be a long shot but will this help at all as an excuse?
-Also I would really hate to use it, but I had a couple of friends pass away while in college and it did put in my the dumps for significant time periods, affecting my grades. I probably wouldn't ever try to profit off of something like that though and would really like to avoid saying that.

I majored in International Affairs and therefore have a strong interest in International Business, etc.

Here is my game plan, please let me know if this could work and I could get into the elite business schools:

(1) Develop a unique and strong work experience
-Through connections I MAY have the opportunity to travel to India with a company and spend significant time there working (possibly up to 2 years). If I can pull this off, I feel that many would not be able to say the same...Would this help?
-Also excel in any position I have (I am confident I can I just need to assert my competitive energy in another direction)
-I just graduated from college by as of now I am working in a Senator's office in DC...once this opportunity is over I hope to work for a US-foreign nation (will take any) Business Council in DC

(2) Score well on the GMAT
-If I score strikingly well on the GMAT, I know obviously it would help, but by how much...Also, how well would I have to do?
-I know I have the capability to do well, it will just take hard work and determination

(3)Get MA in something to show that I am capable of strong academics
-I was thinking maybe getting an MA in International Economics or something similar...hopefully perform extremely well to prove I can compete in a rigorous academic environment.
-Is this a good plan? Does it matter where I get the MA from?

I am willing to take many years to accomplish this goal, but if I accomplish all the steps I just listed, Do I have a shot of overcoming my miserable undergrad GPA and get accepted into an Elite B-School.

I want to go to one of the best schools for International Business...Columbia, Duke, Michigan, Dartmouth, UPenn, London Business School

I can handle the honest truth, so lay it on me

Is there a chance....What else can I do