graciasadios

Current SLP student here.
The mode and average age of SLP students this year is approximately 28 years old. The youngest is 25 and the oldest is 40+. @Vulpix is generally accurate in saying that SLP is older than other programs because the state requires 3 years of teaching experience in order to become a principal. The program with the oldest average age, in my estimation, is the Ed.L.D. The programs with the youngest students are the ones without a work experience requirement (e.g. EPM, PSP, MBE, AiE etc.) In my biased opinion, SLP is the strongest master's program followed by EPM.
@cavenue I would say that SLP wants to see leadership skills more than administrative experience. The program does not expect you to already be a principal before enrolling in a program to become a principal. They want to see that you have a track record of leadership skills (e.g. curriculum design, instructional leadership, community engagement etc.)
The Urban Scholars Fellowship (USF) is merit-based. I'm not certain, but my understanding is that the Director handpicks the top candidates who they really want to matriculate. I was told that there is usually one USF per program. SLP has three USFs this year, which indicates the quality of our cohort and the generosity of HGSE. The three students selected were: Yale TFA, Yale TFA, and Vassar. Let's just say that USF means you write a single paragraph and if HGSE really, really wants you then they offer you the USF. I think they care more about your overall profile than your test scores or GPA. My recommendation for your USF application is to tell an emotionally-moving story that talks about equity and leadership. Also, if you happen to earn the USF, I recommend not telling other students in your cohort. You don't have to hide it, but definitely don't flaunt it.
I'd be happy to send my Statement of Purpose to anyone in a personal message. For the record, my scores were nearly identical to yours @cavenue   
 

Anyone applying to MA programs? 
I'm a few years out from undergrad and am hoping to do a MA and jump back into a curatorial position (contemporary art). I'm currently working as a curatorial assistant and have worked in museums/universities for the last 3 years. I'm applying to the Courtauld's MA History of Art, CSS Bard, Williams, and Columbia's MODA program. 
Good luck, all!

Congrats to the Courtauld admit! Care to share your option? 
Just one more month for many of us MA applicants - best of luck!

Current SLP student here.
The mode and average age of SLP students this year is approximately 28 years old. The youngest is 25 and the oldest is 40+. @Vulpix is generally accurate in saying that SLP is older than other programs because the state requires 3 years of teaching experience in order to become a principal. The program with the oldest average age, in my estimation, is the Ed.L.D. The programs with the youngest students are the ones without a work experience requirement (e.g. EPM, PSP, MBE, AiE etc.) In my biased opinion, SLP is the strongest master's program followed by EPM.
@cavenue I would say that SLP wants to see leadership skills more than administrative experience. The program does not expect you to already be a principal before enrolling in a program to become a principal. They want to see that you have a track record of leadership skills (e.g. curriculum design, instructional leadership, community engagement etc.)
The Urban Scholars Fellowship (USF) is merit-based. I'm not certain, but my understanding is that the Director handpicks the top candidates who they really want to matriculate. I was told that there is usually one USF per program. SLP has three USFs this year, which indicates the quality of our cohort and the generosity of HGSE. The three students selected were: Yale TFA, Yale TFA, and Vassar. Let's just say that USF means you write a single paragraph and if HGSE really, really wants you then they offer you the USF. I think they care more about your overall profile than your test scores or GPA. My recommendation for your USF application is to tell an emotionally-moving story that talks about equity and leadership. Also, if you happen to earn the USF, I recommend not telling other students in your cohort. You don't have to hide it, but definitely don't flaunt it.
I'd be happy to send my Statement of Purpose to anyone in a personal message. For the record, my scores were nearly identical to yours @cavenue   
 

NPR's Book Concierge makes it easy to find books. But, this suggestion that people stop reading books by white male authors and read books by anyone else is one I find admirable and will likely take up. It's actually something I took on in teaching a class in the fall and it was interesting to see how long it took the students to catch on.

Did anyone there apply to the Arts in Education Program?

Current student at Harvard's Ed. School. Here is my book list for after graduation:
Instructional Rounds in Education: A Network Approach to Improving Teaching and Learning by Sarah Fiarman Data Wise in Action: Stories of Schools Using Data to Improve Teaching and Learning by Sarah Fiarman How Kids Succeed by Michael Fullan  Role of Government in Education by Milton Friedman Becoming a School Principal The 21st century principal Cage Busting Leadership Rick Hess Resourceful Leadership Elizabeth City Who Rules the World Noam Chomsky The Flat World and Education by Linda Darling Hammond Preparing Principals for a Changing World by Linda Darling Hammond Tinkering Toward Utopia by David Tyack  Five Miles Away, A World Apart by Jim Ryan Excellent Sheep: Miseducation of America's Elite by William Deresiewicz Making Hispanics by G. Christina Mora The Diversity Bargain by Natasha Warikoo Thanks for the Feedback: The Science and Art of Receiving Feedback Well  by Douglas Stone & Sheila Heen Improbable Scholars by David Kirp Lessons from Privilege: The American Prep School Tradition World Peace and Other 4th Grade Accomplishments Trust in Schools by Anthony Bryk Courageous Conversation by Glen Singleton The Principal's Chair by Dr. Judith Knotts Understanding Power by Noam Chomsky The Price of Admission by Daniel Golden Listen, Liberal by Thomas Frank The Problem with Math is English by Concepcion Molina The Together Leader by Maia Heyck-Merlin Generosity Network by McCrea, Walker, and Weber Shoe Dog by Phil Knight

Current SLP student here.
The mode and average age of SLP students this year is approximately 28 years old. The youngest is 25 and the oldest is 40+. @Vulpix is generally accurate in saying that SLP is older than other programs because the state requires 3 years of teaching experience in order to become a principal. The program with the oldest average age, in my estimation, is the Ed.L.D. The programs with the youngest students are the ones without a work experience requirement (e.g. EPM, PSP, MBE, AiE etc.) In my biased opinion, SLP is the strongest master's program followed by EPM.
@cavenue I would say that SLP wants to see leadership skills more than administrative experience. The program does not expect you to already be a principal before enrolling in a program to become a principal. They want to see that you have a track record of leadership skills (e.g. curriculum design, instructional leadership, community engagement etc.)
The Urban Scholars Fellowship (USF) is merit-based. I'm not certain, but my understanding is that the Director handpicks the top candidates who they really want to matriculate. I was told that there is usually one USF per program. SLP has three USFs this year, which indicates the quality of our cohort and the generosity of HGSE. The three students selected were: Yale TFA, Yale TFA, and Vassar. Let's just say that USF means you write a single paragraph and if HGSE really, really wants you then they offer you the USF. I think they care more about your overall profile than your test scores or GPA. My recommendation for your USF application is to tell an emotionally-moving story that talks about equity and leadership. Also, if you happen to earn the USF, I recommend not telling other students in your cohort. You don't have to hide it, but definitely don't flaunt it.
I'd be happy to send my Statement of Purpose to anyone in a personal message. For the record, my scores were nearly identical to yours @cavenue   
 

Last year, acceptance notifications were released on March 4th around 5:45 pm EST. If I were y'all, I would read through the HGSE 2016 thread. We had a really good group of people who shared a lot of helpful information. Some information was not helpful, but passed the time . We ended up with 34 pages of comments. I'm sure you will have a better sense of this admissions process if you just start with page 1 and read through the whole thread.

Acceptance profiles of everyone admitted to HGSE during 2014-2015 from GradCafe
I did the above research last year. I figured it would be helpful to repost due to the GRE scores and financial aid info. Again, if I were you, I would read through the entire HGSE 2016 thread because it was super helpful and active. Feel free to send me a personal message if you have any questions. I am a current student at the Ed. School.

Current student at Harvard's Ed. School. Here is my book list for after graduation:
Instructional Rounds in Education: A Network Approach to Improving Teaching and Learning by Sarah Fiarman Data Wise in Action: Stories of Schools Using Data to Improve Teaching and Learning by Sarah Fiarman How Kids Succeed by Michael Fullan  Role of Government in Education by Milton Friedman Becoming a School Principal The 21st century principal Cage Busting Leadership Rick Hess Resourceful Leadership Elizabeth City Who Rules the World Noam Chomsky The Flat World and Education by Linda Darling Hammond Preparing Principals for a Changing World by Linda Darling Hammond Tinkering Toward Utopia by David Tyack  Five Miles Away, A World Apart by Jim Ryan Excellent Sheep: Miseducation of America's Elite by William Deresiewicz Making Hispanics by G. Christina Mora The Diversity Bargain by Natasha Warikoo Thanks for the Feedback: The Science and Art of Receiving Feedback Well  by Douglas Stone & Sheila Heen Improbable Scholars by David Kirp Lessons from Privilege: The American Prep School Tradition World Peace and Other 4th Grade Accomplishments Trust in Schools by Anthony Bryk Courageous Conversation by Glen Singleton The Principal's Chair by Dr. Judith Knotts Understanding Power by Noam Chomsky The Price of Admission by Daniel Golden Listen, Liberal by Thomas Frank The Problem with Math is English by Concepcion Molina The Together Leader by Maia Heyck-Merlin Generosity Network by McCrea, Walker, and Weber Shoe Dog by Phil Knight

Current student at Harvard's Ed. School. Here is my book list for after graduation:
Instructional Rounds in Education: A Network Approach to Improving Teaching and Learning by Sarah Fiarman Data Wise in Action: Stories of Schools Using Data to Improve Teaching and Learning by Sarah Fiarman How Kids Succeed by Michael Fullan  Role of Government in Education by Milton Friedman Becoming a School Principal The 21st century principal Cage Busting Leadership Rick Hess Resourceful Leadership Elizabeth City Who Rules the World Noam Chomsky The Flat World and Education by Linda Darling Hammond Preparing Principals for a Changing World by Linda Darling Hammond Tinkering Toward Utopia by David Tyack  Five Miles Away, A World Apart by Jim Ryan Excellent Sheep: Miseducation of America's Elite by William Deresiewicz Making Hispanics by G. Christina Mora The Diversity Bargain by Natasha Warikoo Thanks for the Feedback: The Science and Art of Receiving Feedback Well  by Douglas Stone & Sheila Heen Improbable Scholars by David Kirp Lessons from Privilege: The American Prep School Tradition World Peace and Other 4th Grade Accomplishments Trust in Schools by Anthony Bryk Courageous Conversation by Glen Singleton The Principal's Chair by Dr. Judith Knotts Understanding Power by Noam Chomsky The Price of Admission by Daniel Golden Listen, Liberal by Thomas Frank The Problem with Math is English by Concepcion Molina The Together Leader by Maia Heyck-Merlin Generosity Network by McCrea, Walker, and Weber Shoe Dog by Phil Knight

Hi All,
This is a thread partly to pass the time while we are waiting but hopefully it will also be informative. I saw on another forum a general reading list of what people are currently reading and I thought it might be a good to give some ideas for fun/academic reads specific to the field of education.
 
Now, to kick start this thread. I am currently reading:
 
Education related:
1) Death at An Early Age, by John Kozol
2) Why Nations Fail: The Origins of Power, Prosperity, and Poverty, by Daron Acemoğlu
 
Non-education specific:
Swing Time by Zadie Smith (thus far so good and certainly interesting to me for its discussions of class, race and education).
 
How about you?

I'm reading Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking by Susan Cain -- would love to hear what others are reading!

Current SLP student here.
The mode and average age of SLP students this year is approximately 28 years old. The youngest is 25 and the oldest is 40+. @Vulpix is generally accurate in saying that SLP is older than other programs because the state requires 3 years of teaching experience in order to become a principal. The program with the oldest average age, in my estimation, is the Ed.L.D. The programs with the youngest students are the ones without a work experience requirement (e.g. EPM, PSP, MBE, AiE etc.) In my biased opinion, SLP is the strongest master's program followed by EPM.
@cavenue I would say that SLP wants to see leadership skills more than administrative experience. The program does not expect you to already be a principal before enrolling in a program to become a principal. They want to see that you have a track record of leadership skills (e.g. curriculum design, instructional leadership, community engagement etc.)
The Urban Scholars Fellowship (USF) is merit-based. I'm not certain, but my understanding is that the Director handpicks the top candidates who they really want to matriculate. I was told that there is usually one USF per program. SLP has three USFs this year, which indicates the quality of our cohort and the generosity of HGSE. The three students selected were: Yale TFA, Yale TFA, and Vassar. Let's just say that USF means you write a single paragraph and if HGSE really, really wants you then they offer you the USF. I think they care more about your overall profile than your test scores or GPA. My recommendation for your USF application is to tell an emotionally-moving story that talks about equity and leadership. Also, if you happen to earn the USF, I recommend not telling other students in your cohort. You don't have to hide it, but definitely don't flaunt it.
I'd be happy to send my Statement of Purpose to anyone in a personal message. For the record, my scores were nearly identical to yours @cavenue   
 

Hey everyone,
Program: School Leadership 
GRE Score: 164V/161Q/5.0AWA
GPA: 3.6 (double majored with a science)
Work Experience: TFA, 4th year teaching in urban district, 2 teacher leadership roles around curriculum, summer doing school operations work
Undergrad Institution (Public, Private, Ivy, etc..):  Private, top 30
What Other Schools Are You Applying To: Unsure, probably Penn and Columbia
 
I'm curious if anyone knows anything about the admissions criteria for the School Leadership program - I know they look for people with some leadership roles, but to what extent? Are they looking for applicants who have already worked in administration roles? Also, I'm wondering if anyone knows anything about the urban scholars fellowship - it says it is academic based, and I know I qualify based on my work in an urban district, but what academic credentials are typical of those awarded this fellowship?
Thanks, and good luck to everyone applying!

You'll make it!

I went through the last two years of HGSE threads and compiled profiles of people who were admitted. Enjoy!

Current SLP student here.
The mode and average age of SLP students this year is approximately 28 years old. The youngest is 25 and the oldest is 40+. @Vulpix is generally accurate in saying that SLP is older than other programs because the state requires 3 years of teaching experience in order to become a principal. The program with the oldest average age, in my estimation, is the Ed.L.D. The programs with the youngest students are the ones without a work experience requirement (e.g. EPM, PSP, MBE, AiE etc.) In my biased opinion, SLP is the strongest master's program followed by EPM.
@cavenue I would say that SLP wants to see leadership skills more than administrative experience. The program does not expect you to already be a principal before enrolling in a program to become a principal. They want to see that you have a track record of leadership skills (e.g. curriculum design, instructional leadership, community engagement etc.)
The Urban Scholars Fellowship (USF) is merit-based. I'm not certain, but my understanding is that the Director handpicks the top candidates who they really want to matriculate. I was told that there is usually one USF per program. SLP has three USFs this year, which indicates the quality of our cohort and the generosity of HGSE. The three students selected were: Yale TFA, Yale TFA, and Vassar. Let's just say that USF means you write a single paragraph and if HGSE really, really wants you then they offer you the USF. I think they care more about your overall profile than your test scores or GPA. My recommendation for your USF application is to tell an emotionally-moving story that talks about equity and leadership. Also, if you happen to earn the USF, I recommend not telling other students in your cohort. You don't have to hide it, but definitely don't flaunt it.
I'd be happy to send my Statement of Purpose to anyone in a personal message. For the record, my scores were nearly identical to yours @cavenue   
 

Acceptance profiles of everyone admitted to HGSE during 2014-2015 from GradCafe
I did the above research last year. I figured it would be helpful to repost due to the GRE scores and financial aid info. Again, if I were you, I would read through the entire HGSE 2016 thread because it was super helpful and active. Feel free to send me a personal message if you have any questions. I am a current student at the Ed. School.

Last year, acceptance notifications were released on March 4th around 5:45 pm EST. If I were y'all, I would read through the HGSE 2016 thread. We had a really good group of people who shared a lot of helpful information. Some information was not helpful, but passed the time . We ended up with 34 pages of comments. I'm sure you will have a better sense of this admissions process if you just start with page 1 and read through the whole thread.

Acceptance profiles of everyone admitted to HGSE during 2014-2015 from GradCafe
I did the above research last year. I figured it would be helpful to repost due to the GRE scores and financial aid info. Again, if I were you, I would read through the entire HGSE 2016 thread because it was super helpful and active. Feel free to send me a personal message if you have any questions. I am a current student at the Ed. School.

You're right. It seems the 2017 rankings just came out today.

U.S. News puts out an annual ranking of top grad. schools for education and then rankings for different specialties. U.S. News doesn't have a ranking for International Ed. I'm guessing because it is a relatively new discipline.
 

My acceptance package came in the mail yesterday. I didn't see any new info; it just reiterated what is already on the website or in the accepted student portal.
I am concerned about the cost of Harvard's healthcare as well. Here is the waiver checklist. My significant other and I are leaving our jobs at the end of the school year and will thereby lose our health insurance. I am going to do some research to figure out if I qualify for Obamacare AND if Obamacare qualifies for waiving the Harvard healthcare fee. I'll let y'all know what I figure out.
As for how life is post-acceptance and pre-matriculation, I am just trying to make it to the end of the school year. I teach in a Chicago Public School and there will probably be a city-wide teachers' union strike before the end of the school year.  Also, I just found out I got into UT-Austin (which is ranked #3 in the country for ed admin). I am leaning heavily towards Harvard, but the program at UT-Austin is really solid. Maybe even better than Harvard's SLP (which is ranked #5 for ed admin). All this to say, I am really looking forward to getting my financial aid package so I can do a precise cost / benefit analysis. Don't worry though. I'll most likely end up at Harvard