cpwonders

I submitted mine in November and received my acceptance letter Mid-December. Best of luck to everyone! Penn was definitely a reach school - keep your fingers crossed!

Hi Grace, Personally, I would suggest that you take the leap and apply if you know the course of study you hope to pursue. It's always helpful to have previous experience but since graduate assistantships are almost always required in most of the programs you're pursuing, I think it wouldn't do you harm to enter straight in. Like what ZeChocMoose said, I would definitely narrow your list a little bit. I started out with 7 schools and ended up narrowing my list down to 3 after really considering the factors of relocation and finances. I tried picturing myself in some of the other areas and couldn't find myself doing it so I only applied to the schools I would really attend if I got accepted. I wouldn't lose hope over your scores! Remember that a lot of schools are holistic in their approach and they look beyond the numbers on your transcripts and score reports. I would definitely spend a lot of time brainstorming for your personal statement. Good luck!

Hi vlowkey, I am applying to the schools that you have listed as well! I included USC's Post-secondary Administration and Student Affairs (PASA) program and UW's new program in Educational Leadership in my list. I went to the UW for my undergrad education in psychology - I took a few education classes and really enjoyed the course material as well as the faculty. UW has been improving (or so I think) in the realm of student affairs - I know that a lot of programs have been implemented since I got there and have received good reviews from students. It's also great if you're looking for a diverse group of students/faculty. I am not so sure about the PASA program at USC, but I've heard a lot of good stories and received good feedback from alumni. I am still trying to debate whether or not I want to pursue the PASA program or their program in educational counseling. Good luck with your applications! I've just started opening up a few and already feel slightly burdened!

Yup, they waive tuition for everyone - I think they just require students to pay basic student fees which came up to be approximately $950 last time I checked!

I see what you mean with SU's program - makes sense! Good luck with your Americorps program and the grad school research. We will probably be writing more in here as time passes...

Not a problem! Yes, UConn's program is free - they waive tuition for HESA students and on top of that you get a stipend for your assistantship. Leaving grad school with potentially no loans sounds amazing...

I went to UW for my undergrad and talked to my advisor about the EDLPS program - which is the one I would assume you'd be applying for - and she recommended that I don't even bother applying. For a large scale state school, I don't think our student affairs system is so great and there aren't many opportunities open for graduate students to work unless you're a PhD student with interest in research. I also know someone who is in the program right now (working at the UW)- she went to Berkeley for her undergrad and got her Master's in education in Harvard and decided to take classes in the EDLPS department and told me that her experience at Harvard was more worthwhile. But I guess it really is a matter of opinion and how fitting the program is to the individual? If you're looking into Seattle as a potential place to live, I'd recommend you also look into the student development administration program at SU - I've heard lots of praise for that program in comparison to the EDLPS program at the UW. It's an exciting process but nerve-wrecking at the same time! I saw that you're doing Americorps - I was accepted for a position also with Washington Campus Compact but the grant funding got cut last minute so now I am trying to look for another opportunity in student affairs until next September. Time is going by so fast!

Can I ask what you've heard about UConn's HESA program? I haven't heard a lot of good things about the program but the fact that it's fully funded definitely makes it an option..

Yes I'm looking into Master's programs! For MSU, I am planning to apply for Student Affairs. Well personally, I narrowed my search based on rankings, rigor of program, recommendations from alumni/advisors. Plus, I thought about where I would be able to see myself living realistically - I had a few other schools in mind like Vanderbilt, Kansas and Indiana but couldn't really see myself living in those areas. I've been doing more and more research and I am growing less confident by the minute.. haha what are your top choices?

I'm planning to apply to USC, UPenn, HGSE, TC, and MSU so far... there are so many great programs out there but the cost of application fees stacks up!

I will also be applying to HGSE for the 14-15 year! I am hoping to get into the Higher Education program

I live in Seattle, so I would like to eventually end up back here. Do you mind if I ask what program you're involved in and what led you to get involved with higher ed?

Well, my first attraction was to USC - its emphasis on urban education and the opportunity to immerse myself in a diverse area (not to say that other programs aren't as diverse). I also know of a few PASA graduates and they've complimented the program and the Trojan network. It also doesn't hurt that it's somewhat close to home. I've been following a lot of Dr. Gallagher's work and find myself really attracted to her research as well. UPenn's structure of its program and the work of the faculty I think got me interested in applying. Also, the location isn't anywhere near where I am but I think if I were to leave home for a bit, I would love to be in Philadelphia. Similar to USC, I've only heard good things about the GSE. Both of these schools have students write blogs so I've been reading a few of them and it's been interesting to hear about their experiences. I'm still not sure whether I would enjoy a 2 year program or a 1 year program as of now - I think there are pros and cons to both, so I'm still trying to determine which would fit better. Both of these schools are also ranked very highly and were given to me to consider by a few of my advisors!

Hi everyone, I am planning to apply to Higher Education master's programs this upcoming fall. I am taking a year off after graduation for an internship. I was hoping to get some pointers for personal statements and suggestions for programs. At the moment, UPenn & USC are at the top of my list but I wanted to get more insight from those of you who have already completed the process! I was reading through a lot of the threads and saw that many of you were extremely successful in getting accepted - congratulations! Any help is greatly appreciated. I would also like to know what led you to gain interest in the field of higher education!