jrlowkey

Sorry I can't help on your topic, but in case you didn't already know, UVA is holding an open house for graduate admissions this Friday. If you are in the area or able to get there, you could get info this way. http://curry.virginia.edu/academics/admissions/grad-open-house

Thank you for your advice! I'll definitely look into fully funded programs since I'm coming out of undergrad with debt already. Another option I'm thinking of pursuing is to take a year or so off and work (hopefully something that will give my student affairs experience). Are there any pros/cons to not going straight into grad school? I work a lot with grad students and administration at my current university, and current grad students have advised me to try getting straight into school, so that I don't get distracted with work and "life". Also, if it helps, I have a lot experience with various student activities on campus and I have close relationships with some upper administration at my university, some of whom have degrees in Student Affairs, Student Personnel, and Higher Education Administration. They will more than likely be the ones writing my letters of recommendation. Unfortunately, I have no real research experience, but have done basic work with grad students doing research and have helped with their papers, as well as attended a research conference. Does this give me an advantage going into this field? I ask this since I haven't taken the GRE yet and my GPA is not very strong due to some personal circumstances that occurred earlier this year, so I'm wondering if my experience will balance out my weaker areas when I apply.

Thank you guys for the advice! Do you guys have any insight or opinions on one year vs. two year programs? Is there any benefit to finishing sooner or having more time in graduate programs, especially going in right after undergrad?

Hello all, I'm going into my 3rd year this coming fall and am looking into graduate programs. I've wanted to enter a Student Affairs/Higher Education Graduate Program since about halfway through my freshman year but haven't really solidified places to apply. I have interests in transition programs for first year students (such as orientation, bridge programs between high school and college, and all aspects of first year advising - classes, picking the right major, learning about on campus resources, financial aid, general transition, etc). I also am interested in working with students from diverse backgrounds and minority groups across all 4 years. For the most part, I'd like to work in academic advising, academic success programs, or student programs and activities. Any advice on where I should apply? Ideally, I'd like to stay on the east coast. Although I'm completely set on working anywhere after I complete a grad program, I am very interested in working and living in DC in the future (family lives near there and there are a lot of universities in and around DC) I've done research online and have found a few programs that I like (UVA, UMD, NYU, Columbia) but wanted to see if any other grad students/students currently in this field had suggestions. Advice is also welcome from anyone who is currently studying at these schools! Thank you for your time and advice!