EducationHopeful

I've heard from almost all the schools I decided to apply to (the last one being a safety, and at this point it will not influence my final decision) and have the wonderful position of getting in to everywhere I applied (tentatively). I've seen all sorts of responses about PhD programs, but I was wondering about those who have advice for just Masters students. I've gotten into great programs for what I want to do (2 of which are ranked in the top 10 in the country for the specific program). One of which assigned me an advisor who I've been told is quite respected in his field. The others are very good education schools (top 20 grad in education), but the programs themselves aren't as well known. The interesting part is that these schools may give me more funding. In fact, I'm a top master's candidate at one school, and they're giving me a chance to apply to special assistanceships which could cover most/all tuition and give me a stipend... which to my knowledge is outstanding for a Master's student. The problem arises is that this is my undergraduate university, and I feel that it would limit me in terms of program reputation and that I already go here... but then giving up nearly a full ride/having no debt after getting a graduate degree seems silly. At the same time, these other programs have yet to give me my financial aid packages (there's the possibility I would be doing an assistanceship/get aid from these universities). I guess my question is if I should go to the better ranked, slightly more expensive school based on the promise that they will provide more opportunities, or should I wait until I go for my PhD (which may not be right away) to go somewhere perhaps more expensive?

I thought about the best way to post my first acceptance (which also happens to be one of my top choices and best ranked schools for what I'm interested in)... for about a second. Then I posted it in ALL CAPS to let the world know how excited I was. If it comes across as bragging, it's because I never expected to get accepted there... so it was really more that I was in a state of shock than anything else. And also because I know that there are people applying to same program that I'm not on best terms with and I'M A COMPLETE BITCH I just wanted to share the information with them. :-D

So I've taken the steps to begin applying to Masters Programs in Higher Education Administration (if you saw my previous post, you'll get a little flavor as to my background). So far I've made a list of schools that I've considered applying to-- Harvard and USC (reach schools), Vanderbilt and University of Virginia (middling), and Boston College and University of Pittsburgh (safety?). I met with an admissions director at a certain school to talk about their M.Ed and had an interesting experience. They were impressed with my passion and my interest in the subject, as well as what seemed to be good undergraduate experience. There was concern, however, with a lack of work experience. As someone trying to come straight from undergrad to a masters program, however, I'm coming up to the 'experience' versus 'desire' problem. While I feel like I have a strong interest and a huge amount of undergraduate activity displaying my interest in education (specifically student affairs work/mentoring/first year experience through programs providing first year students mentoring/service opportunities, or belonging to a group that helps people focus on vocation vs. career work), I don't have administrative experience attached to my name. At the same time the job market for these jobs is pretty grim without experience or specific education (catch 22-- I can't get a good position without the masters at some schools, but I can't get into the schools without the experience). I will be on the look out for opportunities and most likely attempt to apply to a few jobs, but again I run into the sticky situation of getting into a graduate program and hearing back much later about a job position. Am I really aiming too high out of undergrad? With research experience, leadership, a high GPA (3.6) at a top 35 school, and all else being equal, am I a weak applicant? Has anyone else run into the problem of being an undergrad and feeling under-qualified but extremely interested/motivated for what they want to study? I'd also like to hear from those who applied to the mentioned schools-- perhaps those applying to the PASA at USC?

My question is for all those who have gotten or are applying to get a Masters in Higher Education Administration--Student affairs, and that is about the strength of my application, which I've summarized below. It is my final year of undergrad, and I'm in the process of applying to around 10 schools. I go to a top 35 school (according to US News and World Report), and currently have a 3.6 GPA in both my major (psychology) and overall. I'm considered an honors student (making deans list every semester save for the first), and am doing a year-long, research/experiment for my honors thesis within a professor's lab. I belong to several organizations which emphasize my commitment to the student body, including student government and several mentoring programs for younger students. I also do a fair amount of volunteer work. My work experience includes several summers working with young children (7-15), as well as supervising young adults (17-21). Less importantly, I've held an on-campus job for 3 years, but have a glowing recommendation from my boss (not that I'll probably use it, but I could if needed). My letters of recommendation will (if it all works out) come from 3 professors and 1 employer (not from on-campus but from when I supervised young adults). 2 of those 3 professors are former Harvard researchers and have recently published books (they are well known in their fields). My GRE scores are decent, albeit not tremendous. I took them yesterday and scored a 620 verbal and a 630 quantative. The AW section is forthcoming, though I hope (and believe) I will probably get a 4-6 on this section. I guess my question is if all these things are equal, is this a strong application with weak GRE scores and lack of real work experience at a University? Although my activity in organizations and some work experience show my interest in student affairs, I'm fretting over whether or not I can apply to the top programs (USC, Vanderbuilt, Harvard, etc.) or if I'm being too lofty and should focus on lower tiered universities. I'm meeting with several admissions people this week at my university to discuss this, but would like to hear your feedback if you have any for me. Thank you!