Stanford STEP

[b_m_c]

Hi everyone,

I'm considering applying the the STEP program at Stanford this upcoming cycle. I've spent a lot of time assessing components of the program, and I really think it would be a great fit for what I'm looking to do in the future (teach high school history/social studies/English as well at some point, with an eye on research at the PhD level in the future).

I've gone through this forum to see what, if any, experiences folks have had at STEP/applying to the program, and there doesn't seem to be too much short of "it's better/worse than X."

My questions are these:

1. If you applied, what was your experience like? Did you assume yourself to be a good candidate? Were you right about this? Is it tragically difficult to be admitted?

2. The STEP site lists some pretty ambiguous information about funding (functionally- "you might get some. You might not."). Is there any sense of how many students get funded and for how much?

3. My background is good (top liberal arts college, good GPA), but my background is in...consulting (I know). I've kept active volunteering with a tutoring organization, and I've managed to work a lot of mentorship into my current job, but obviously I'm not coming from a typical education background. I did take a few education classes back in undergrad, and I think I can make a compelling case in my SOP, but I'm a little nervous about being discounted as someone who got tired of the corporate shlog and decided to become a teacher (it's more complicated. Really.).

Anyway, I'd love to hear whatever anyone has to say. I'm also looking at other credentialing MA programs in northern California (family reasons), so I'd also be interested to hear if you have experience preferring another norcal area school (sadly, UC Berkeley does not have a credentialing MA in history).

Thanks everyone!

[pena2200]

I just wanted to let you know I'm in almost exactly the same boat. I've worked in Finance for about 2 years and have a fair amount of volunteer experience, and a good GPA from a good public school.

Have you thought of applying anywhere besides STEP?

[b_m_c]

Hi there,

Yes, I'm definitely thinking about what other programs might make the most sense. I'm looking at UC-Davis (not ideal mostly because of location, but it could be doable), UCLA, and Mills.

I'd definitely appreciate recommendations if you're thinking about others- I'm also amenable to non-California programs if they're only one year (I'm considering Smith- I'm from MA and wouldn't mind returning for a year).