jmaroon

I'm probably over-thinking my assumptions again, but any advice or past experience is appreciated! As I was reading through all the "simple" parts of the EdM app that I'd already completed, I noticed the transcripts portion says this: "Please upload a scanned copy or digital facsimile of your transcript from this institution. You may upload those pages now as a single- or multi-page PDF, or each page as a JPEG or TIFF image file. Your scanned document may be large and may take several minutes to upload depending upon the speed of your connection." What I'd previously done was go to my undergrad university's student portal, hit "unofficial transcript" and saved it as a PDF. I read this on the FAQ page: "At this stage of the application process, you may upload unofficial or student copies. All transcripts should show courses completed, grades received, duration of study, and degree or diploma received, if applicable. " - So I assumed unofficial transcript in ANY form was okay as long as it showed the required info, but maybe they need to be hard copy transcripts that are scanned? What has everyone else done?

Dumb question. In the section that says "secondary school" - did HGSE mean high school? I assumed it was, but I recently decided to apply to another institution that said "secondary university" so I've started to question my original assumption.

@hopefulPhD2017 Since all that data is compiled from gradcafe, I would guess that they are probably not on this forum or maybe post a few times, but don't come back after being accepted. I've fallen into the trap of not keeping up with all my online communities.

Vulpix, thank you so much for your response. It's good to hear that it may be easier to get into SSP; however, I still do think my weaknesses will make things an uphill battle. I've read so many profiles of students in SSP on the website and searched Linkedin to see what current students are doing in the program - everything I've found is so interesting and it's great that Harvard offers a program that allows for such flexibility!

Hoping that someone here might be familiar with the Special Studies Program and can provide some advice. I'd also love to hear from other SSP applicants! I'm going for a real long shot here in applying due to my GPA and GRE. Program: Special Studies GRE Score: 152V, 149Q, 5.5AWA GPA: Below 3.0 overall but changed major and my last 60 credits average is a 3.7 Work Experience: Lots of part time experience and volunteer work in student affairs (leadership positions in student activities, events, diversity/inclusion programs, Women's Center, Peer Advisor in several capacities) Undergrad Institution (Public, Private, Ivy, etc..): Medium public state school What Other Schools Are You Applying To: none I’m interested in pursuing the Special Studies program due to its interdisciplinary nature. I’m hoping to study ways to best support trauma survivors in their pursuit of higher education. I’ve seen courses in Higher Ed, HDP, MBE, and L&T that would all be valuable to what I want to study. I am hoping that my SOP and course of study is what the admissions committee is looking for in their SSP admits. My LORs are supervisors from my leadership positions/part time employment, and a professor of a discussion heavy & writing intensive upperclass course that I got an A in. Unfortunately, even if my SOP/study plan is as strong as I believe it can be, I’m worried about my GPA and GRE scores. A little background - my interest in helping trauma survivors comes from my own experience as an undergrad and the recovery that followed (where I met many fellow survivors like myself, as well as other individuals in counseling with their own unique stories). Those undergrad years in a very toxic and violent relationship is evident in my low GPA. I did not get approved for special accommodations for the GRE (I have a brain injury as a result of the past relationship, plus a few other anxiety/stress/processing disorders that affect my test taking ability) and as a result, my GRE score is way too low with the exception of writing. I don’t know how to strengthen my GRE since I’ve appealed/reapplied for accommodations and still get denied (even with tons of documentation from past/present health professionals). I’m not too sure what I can do about my GPA outside of explaining it in my application. The lowest grade I received in my last 4 semesters was an A-, so fingers crossed that will help balance things out. I’m going to apply and pour my heart and soul into getting my SOP and the Course of Study supplement. Feeling a little discouraged at times, but still trying to be positive! Good luck to other applicants!