RandiZ

When I open my application it shows that the GRE scores have been received under "Application Checklist." If they did not receive it, first confirm the date that College Board released the scores, hoping that it was before deadline. Then call HGSE with that information. Not sure what they will do. But at least your moving on your end. Good luck!

FAFSA complete and processed. HGSE financial aid form completed and mailed with delivery confirmation. I'm so efficient with this application process I'm scaring myself. Now, I have to get my tax info to the accountant anticipating good news in February, necessitating sending my signed tax forms in March. Oh, the distractions to worrying about acceptance!

Left public school teaching after 8 years. Working as adjunct in university Education Department. Not sure what I'll do if I do not get into a doctoral program.

In the never ending search for hints about where I/we stand in the process......I received an email reminder about completing my financial aid application and FAFSA. Does that mean I've been moved from one pile to another or did everyone get one?

What you use as the basis for your recommendation is up to you. The schools are looking for you to attest to the students ability to succeed in graduate school as demonstrated by their professionalism, analytical thinking skills, and/or passion for education. Only you know if you can write a strong recommendation about at least one of those things. I tell students that I am not interested in hurting them. If I can't write them a strong recommendation then I will say that I don't have time to meet their deadline. And while I encourage them to waive their right to read their letters, I also give them a copy. Many students say it has been a good tool for reflection. My thinking is if I don't want the student to know what I wrote it is probably not a helpful letter for admissions.

I am surprising myself at how I am not obsessing about the details. I am VERY curious about the size of the applicant pool, especially in the HDE concentration. HGSE is my first choice out of the two schools I've applied to. So I'll definitely be a bit heartbroken if I don't get accepted. I just have to believe that my recommenders are telling me the truth: they'd be lucky to have me. And if I don't get accepted, I've got to find another way to follow my passion. Thankfully a new semester is upon us, providing a welcome opportunity to re-prioritze my thoughts.

First, no interviews for EdD, only EdLD. From what I understand the acceptance rate depends on the concentration, whereby some concentrations have a higher number of applicants than others. While HGSE says they try to take an even number from each concentration, it also in part depends on the number of students each adviser says they can manage. I've read acceptance rates from 6-7% at HGSE on a different websites, too. From what I have been told, 50% of those are people are just applying to Harvard because of the name and/or not really into education. The Admissions Office believes they identify those prospects pretty quickly and toss them. While I do think that there is some sense of pride in selective admissions numbers, I also think the raw number has questionable value, which is really why they don't publish it.

I've applied to HGSE. After a lot of research and attending the Open House, the big thing I learned is that Harvard likes to put together personalities. If you've made it past the initial phase (separated from students throwing a "Hail Mary" pass in the form of an application to a school they are not qualified to attend) then they want to know you will fit in with others in your program and will get along with your professor(s). Find out as much as you can about the people you want to work with and read their research. Be warm and friendly, but not familiar in your interview. I was very surprised at how really nice everyone was at Harvard. Good luck!

HGSE, EdD, Human Development Rutgers, PhD, Learning Sciences CUNY Grad Center, Urban Ed, SMT