JBums1028

I don't know if the OP is still looking for schools or not (at least this could help someone who has similar interests), I am also looking for Higher Ed/Student Affairs programs with the goal of eventually becoming an academic adviser. I have some additional advice based on what others have mentioned. I don't necessarily think a counseling based program is necessary for advising. I think that those programs are designed more for people who want to be counselors on a college campus (like mental health counseling in a counseling center on campus, working with LGBT youth or victims of sexual assault, etc), but correct me if I'm wrong. Some good questions to ask programs when you are contacting them for more info: what positions do your graduates are employed in? Have your faculty members previously worked as practioners in the field? If so, what positions have they held in the field? Are there internships available in ________ (insert field of interest)? If not, are students able to seek out internship experiences at other schools nearby that could provide that experience (community colleges, etc)? In terms of actual school recommendations for someone interested in advising, I'd suggest University of South Carolina (my undergrad adviser mentioned that they have faculty who focus in and have experience in advising). He has also mentioned a school in Colorado as well (I can't remember the name, but I would assume that it might be Colorado State...) Hope this helped!

All of the programs I'm applying to have visit days after you are admitted, where we get to meet with faculty and current students. But I'm definitely trying to do as much research as I can on programs of interest to help narrow my list down and also avoid applying to programs that are a terrible fit. I would say that I have two programs that I definitely would prefer to attend over the others. I wouldn't call them "dream schools" (neither one is 100% perfect) but they are best suited for my needs (mainly because they are in state tuition). The other programs I'm applying to though, I wouldn't mind attending, but they are out of state and therefore more expensive. But definitely good advice from both of you so thanks!

Hello! I'm curious if anyone starting Higher Ed or Student Affairs Master's programs this fall (or those who attended previously) have any application advice for those of us applying for Fall 14? Maybe share some things you wish you would have known prior to doing your applications? Some suggestions (but certainly not limited to): - What were your personal statement questions? How did you choose to structure your essays? - What are some things that we could be working on right now to simplify the process later (updating resume, studying for GRE, etc)? - What was your application timeline (when were they released, when did you complete yours, when did you hear back, etc?) - How many programs did you apply to? How many do you recommend we apply to? I'm sure any of us who are waiting for application season to start would appreciate any tidbits of info you can provide!

For B, I've also heard that even if you enter a program without an assistantship, they will typically help you try to find one to start as soon as possible (either the following semester or the following year). Because sometimes spots will open up over the summer or after the preview weekend. I remember my adviser (he graduated from MSU) said that everyone in his cohort had an assistantship by the beginning of the second semester and that maybe only four people didn't have something lined up at the start of the program. I think they have a 20-30 person cohort... I think a lot of programs assume you are applying to more than one place. With the size of these programs averaging to be 20-40 people, it's awful risky to only apply to one place. I think a lot of schools probably see really common competitors in other schools. For example I know that U of M and MSU usually don't schedule their preview events for the same weekend since it's very common they have a lot of the same applicants (both schools told me this multiple times when I visited). I think it really depends on how you mention it that matters, like if it's relevant to a conversation you're having with someone that's probably fine. Along those same lines, I know the admissions rep I met with at MSU said that they usually admit slightly more people than what they like to have in a cohort (so maybe around 40 people), because they know they will typically lose a few individuals to competitor schools. I can't say whether this is the case at other schools, or if they just keep a waitlist instead.

What Master's programs did you apply for? I know for two of mine they said that you'd already be admitted to the program when you attend (MSU and U of M). I think UConn's is an actual admissions interview (so you're just a "candidate" for admission when you attend). I know USC has a similar event, don't quite know how they opperate though. I don't know if Seattle U does or not. And that's my rough list of schools. What was the policy for the programs you applied to if you accepted a school's offer, but then continued to attend other preview events and later on decided to accept a different schools offer? Was that simply something that they discouraged you from doing, but also couldn't really control? Or did you have to agree to not attend other schools preview events?

I'm not 100% sure but I think they are basically the same idea, just different names depending on what school your are looking at. My impression is that it's a weekend long event for admitted or candidate students and mostly wooing, meeting the faculty, seeing other student's research, etc will occur. But also interviews take place (either admissions interviews and/or assistantship/internship interviews depending on how the school structures theirs), so I'm kind of just referring to all of these weekends as "interview weekends" since to me that will be the most important part.

Yeah, right as I contemplated NYU I decided there was no way I would be able to afford NYC on a grad student budget (I also am not among the monied ) I'm also just about to give up on the East Coast in general (with the exception of UConn). I'm really just not landing on any programs that jump out at me. I'm probably going to end up expanding my search. Right now I'm trying to think of any place that I've ever thought "that would be a cool place to live" and look to see if they have a program...

I'd recommend contacting them directly about their program. From my research they looked like more of a general higher ed program that focuses on leadership, not as directly focused on student affairs. I guess it depends on what you are looking for in a program whether that's a pro or a con. But it did specifically say that they are making changes to the program. There is no new incoming class for Fall of 2013 and the next class (Fall 14) will be the first under the new program. If you speak to a faculty member, a director, or someone who works for the program they'll probably be able to explain the changes. They haven't responded to my email yet (I did just send it on sunday, so maybe they were off for the fourth...) I'm personally going to look into Seattle U now instead (unless they respond to my email and convince me). They're more focused on student affairs which is what I'm looking for... I'm only applying to one higher ed focused program and that's because it's in state and convenient.

I'm assuming based on your name that you are from Michigan... what program are you enrolled in right now? How do you like it? I'm another MI resident, hoping to go to either MSU or U of M. I just worry since the cohorts are so small (and also the job prospects in MI concern me), that I will need to branch out a bit in my search. Also I'm just not sure on the programs at smaller state schools (Western, Eastern, Central, GVSU, etc)... Do you have any good info to share on those programs by chance?

I'm actually not quite an Alum yet, I start in August and will serve for the next year. I'm incredibly excited though! I think East Lansing is a good starter suburb Michigan definitely has a really good higher ed program so I wouldn't rule it out quite yet. It's definitely possible to focus on working directly with students there, but their program is going to be very different from the student affairs focused ones. It really just depends on what type of experience you are looking for. I do agree with you though, I plan on applying to both (I'm trying to stay in state since it will be cheaper) and MSU has a slight edge for me too. In terms of some of your other questions, I honestly don't know how much "name" and rankings weigh in this field. You have to keep in mind that if these schools have their own student affairs program, they probably prefer to hire their own graduates over other schools graduates. I know this is the case at MSU (the majority of their academic advisers are graduates of their SA program, that was one of the selling points they used on me when I visited. It worked ) I personally don't pay attention to rankings that much, since the way I look at it is that they will probably change from year to year. I pay more attention to the curriculum, experiential learning opportunities, area the school is located in, etc. Plus if the school has a strong alumni network that can be helpful in finding employment. Employers might care about name and rankings though for all I know, but at the same time your list contains a lot of really well known schools so I wouldn't be too worried. If it helps you any the out of state schools I've tossed around are UMass, USC, Seattle U, Rutgers, UConn, and NYU. I haven't landed on any of them as "for sure" places yet because each one of them has at least one con. Do you mind telling me why you didn't like NYU? I'm just wondering.

I'm from Michigan, and I've visited Michigan's program and I did my undergrad at MSU. So I can weigh in on those two places: Michigan: Located in Ann Arbor, which is a really cool, artsy city. There's tons to do there: shops, bars, restaurants, theaters, etc. Michigan's campus is also integrated right into the city, so it has a really urban feel. For a bigger city, it's also pretty safe overall. Lot's of families live there too. It may not be as big as some of the others you listed, but it would satisfy your desire to live in a city. Their program however is a very general higher ed program, very theory based. A lot of the people in their program are wanting to do more fundraising, development, and research type work in higher ed, not work directly with students. They are adding a concentration in Academic and Student Affairs to start Fall of 14. When I met with them, their main concerns for me were that they would have a faculty member who could advise me in becoming a student affairs practioner (I want to be an academic adviser fyi, and most all of their faculty have only done research in higher ed) and they also couldn't tell me if I would get an internship working directly with students. They offer them, but they can't guarantee that I'd get one. Their graduates have gone on to become student affairs practioners though. However, with that said there are a lot of pros to their program, paid internship, can finish the program in 2-3 semesters, living in an awesome city, very active campus life, big ten football, etc. If your wondering my verdict after my visit, I still plan on applying, and in the end it will come down to what type of internship they offer me if I'm accepted. MSU: This is my alma mater so I'm going to be extremely biased MSU is located in a more suburban type town. The activity of East Lansing is really dependent on if classes are in session. I personally like the balance though, I've stayed here every summer to take classes and work. It's definitely more of a college town, but there are local families in the area too. The main "downtown area" in along Grand River Ave. That's where the bars, shops, restaurants, etc. are. There is definitely very active campus life though to make up for it. Sports are huge here. The student activities board also brings in a lot of concerts and shows during the year that are held on campus. I personally enjoyed it, but since you are used to bigger cities you might experience a culture shock. However, their Student Affairs program is excellent! They offer a wide variety of assistantships to their students. Almost all of their students are able to find an assistantship. The benefits package includes 9 credits tuition remission, stipend, health insurance, and for ResLife placements free housing. You have the opportunitty to do two practicum placements on top of that. They also have a lot of study aboard opportunities (MSU is big on study abroad). Their curriculum is more general student affairs, so they don't have a counseling focus. However, I'm sure you could incorporate social work elective courses into the curriculum and there are also a variety of departments on campus you could do a counseling practicum in (LGBT resource center, MSU counseling center, MSU safe place domestic violence shelter, etc) I'd contact them though to be sure. MSU also offers the HALE program as well, which is their more general higher ed program. But I don't have as much info on that since I'm looking at their student affairs program. Hope this was helpful! I also recently discovered this website and I'm finding it immensely helpful in my grad program search!

I saw on their website that they are changing the EDLPS program at UW and that the first cohort will be the Fall of 2014 group. I guess that is a huge risk to take as well. I looked into SU's program (I visited Seattle last summer and I loved it there! I'm drawn to the idea of living on the West Coast now, however I also like the idea of the East Coast as well, hence why all my schools are on either coast or in Michigan), my only hesitation is that it is religiously affiliated. I know that going to a catholic college doesn't mean that they are going to try to indoctrinate me with their religious beliefs, but I still have reservations. It would probably be worthwhile to contact them for more info though and go from there. That's a bummer about your program! I'm pretty excited about mine, I get to work in the student services department of a local community college, but then also do college access work at a local high school. I hope you find another program though or work experience.

You may have just convinced me to look into UConn further! Do they waive full tuition for out of state students as well or just the out of state portion is waived?

I actually hadn't heard that it was fully funded. I heard about their program through someone that I knew who was applying to a few student affairs programs including UConn, so I know the curriculum is comparable to other schools in the area. Also from my own research they do seem to have quite a few assistantship offerings in a variety of departments (to me that's a positive). However I think I saw that it said they only take 16 students each year, so a very competitive program. Beyond that I haven't heard/seen any other specifics. Sorry if my original post was misleading. The programs that I picked out are programs that people have mentioned to me in my own program search as places I might consider. I don't really have much inside scoop on all of them.

I'm applying to Student Affairs as well! Like I said above MSU and U of M are the only ones I know for sure right now. I did my undergrad at MSU so I already know I'll like the area. U of M will really depend on whether I get an internship working directly with students since it's a general higher ed program. However, I can complete the program in 2-3 semesters which is nice. I'm going back and forth on Rutgers. On paper their program looks awesome. However I'm getting mixed reviews on the safety of the city the school is located in. I'm also back and forth with the smaller in state schools. On the one hand I feel like I have a good chance at getting in and they'll be affordable, so they are good to fall back on. On the other hand, I feel like I'll most likely have to look out of state for work (I live in MI. The outlook for higher ed jobs isn't incredible) and I'm concerned about the recognizability of their programs in other states. For USC, UW, UMass, and NYU I really just need to do more research on their programs. I totally understand you when you say that more research is almost more confusing. All the programs are so different from one another that it makes it more difficult to figure out which ones are going to meet your needs the best. That's the struggle I'm facing as well.

Are you looking at Master's level programs? For MSU are you applying to HALE or Student Affairs? I'm just asking because if so it looks like we're applying to some of the same programs. And I hear you on app fees! Just out of curiousity, what factors did you guys use in narrowing your search? I'm kind of all over the place so suggestions would be quite helpful!

The only ones that I know of for sure at the point are: Michigan State University of Michigan I've tossed around a few other out of state programs: USC, Rutgers, Univ of Washington, UMass, NYU to name a few. I'm also looking at smaller in state programs that I feel like I have a pretty good shot at getting in to... Hoping to narrow the list to a much more manageable number of schools to apply to (like 5 or 6)

I guess I'll start one of these "where are you applying" forums for individuals looking at Fall of 2014 matriculation. Applications will be released in a few months, so I can imagine most people have either narrowed their list or are in the process. So, what programs are you looking at applying to?

Of your list I've heard good things about MSU, Bowling Green, Indiana State, Miami U of Ohio, UConn, Ohio State, and UMass (the good things that I've heard though come from the poster above, so I might be adding it to my list of schools I'm considering as well). I'm in the same position as the OP, looking at programs for Fall 2014 in Student Affairs or with a focus in student affairs. I have a lot of the same criteria (looking for a program more focused in practice over theory, will offer good financial aid/assistantships, etc). I'm wondering if anyone knows about Rutgers, Univ of Southern California, and/or University of Washington's programs? Those are the out of state schools that I'm considering (I'm from Michigan originally).

I know MSU offers quite a few assistantships in ResLife since they have a very large on campus housing program (I did my undergrad there and I have a friend who is an assistant community director there). Since most of their Student Affairs MA students do assistantships in ResLife, it might be a good fit for you if you are wanting to focus in that area. I'm also considering this program for my master's, however I don't want to focus in ResLife. I've met with some of the directors and it's still a generalist program, so the curriculum doesn't necessarily focus on it. But you will most likely be surrounded by a lot of people with similar interests. Let me know if you have other questions about MSU in general or about their ResLife program in particular (I was an RA for a year, so I can try my best to answer your questions)

Hello! I'm new to these message boards, but I need some advice. I just recently graduated from Michigan State University. My undergraduate degree is in Human Development and Family Studies. I'm taking the next year off to work for AmeriCorps and Michigan Campus Compact. After that though, I really want to get started on my Master's degree. I'm in the process of researching schools that I'm interested in applying to for fall of Fall of 2014. I need help though narrowing my list, or quite frankly in searching for programs. It's so difficult because each SA or Higher Ed program is so different that it can get really confusing keeping them all straight! Here is the list of schools I'm considering: 1) Michigan State University- East Lansing, MI (Their MA in Student Affairs, not the HALE program) 2) U of M- Ann Arbor, MI 3) Grand Valley State University- Grand Rapids Area, MI 4) Rutgers University- New Brunswick, NJ 5) University of Southern California- Los Angeles, CA 6) University of Washington- Seattle, WA I originally tried to post this with a really long description of my academic credentials, but I've updated my signature to contain that information (I noticed others have done that)... My long term career goal is to become an academic adviser. However, I know that is a difficult field to break into so I'm open to other student affairs areas (admissions, career services, service learning/civic engagement, etc. The only area I'd prefer not to work in is ResLife). I should specify I want to be a practioner and work directly with students. I also have no plans to do a PhD since I can reasonably do what I want to with just a Master's. I don't have undergraduate research experience, but I'm open to working on research in grad school. But since I'm not planning on doing a PhD, I'd place experiential learning (field placements, internships, etc) as a much higher priority. I'm wondering if anyone who is either attending or has attended (or knows a lot about) one of these programs could share their thoughts. Do you think that I'll be able to reach my long term goals in that program? What are my chances of getting in? How's the area that the school is located in (this is mostly for the out of state schools, as a MI resident I'm familiar with the areas the MI schools are in)? What type of financial aid is available? etc. These might seem like questions to ask the school, but I'm hoping to get honest answers from. Also a few of these schools are not responding to my requests for more information (USC and UW specifically), and I won't be able to visit out of state schools until after I've applied. Also, if there are maybe other programs that I should consider let me know! This post got kind of long, so I appreciate anyone who is willing to take the time to provide feedback!